Is there an official EBT CalFresh app for checking balance and transactions?
Hey everyone! Recently started getting CalFresh benefits and I'm wondering if there's an app where I can check my EBT balance and transaction history? I hate having to call that automated line every time I need to check how much I have left, especially since it takes forever. I've seen people at the store just checking their phones before buying groceries. Is there an official CalFresh app or something third-party that's safe to use? Don't want to download something sketchy that might compromise my benefits.
18 comments


Mohammad Khaled
Yes! There are a few apps you can use for your EBT card. The most popular ones are: - ConnectEBT (the official one for many states including California) - Providers app (works with CalFresh) - Freshebt (third party but many people use it) I personally use the ConnectEBT app and it's been reliable. You can check your balance, transaction history, and even find stores that accept EBT near you. You'll need your EBT card number and PIN to set it up.
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Fiona Sand
•Thank you so much! I'll download ConnectEBT since it's the official one. Do you know if it notifies you when your benefits get deposited each month? That would be super helpful.
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Alina Rosenthal
theres a couple apps but tbh i just save the phone # in my contacts and call when i need to check. the apps ask for ur card # and pin and that always makes me nervous lol
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Fiona Sand
•I get that! I'm a bit paranoid about putting my info in apps too. Maybe I'll just stick with the phone number then. Do you know if there's a way to check online instead of through an app?
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Finnegan Gunn
The ConnectEBT app is definitely the way to go since it's the official one supported by the state. It's actually really secure - they use the same level of encryption as banking apps. Besides checking your balance, you can also: - See your last 3 months of transactions - Find retailers that accept EBT nearby - Get notifications when your benefits are deposited - Change your PIN if needed Just make sure you download the legitimate app from your app store. There are occasionally fake apps that try to steal information.
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Alina Rosenthal
•wait u can change ur pin on the app??? i had to call the county last time and was on hold for like 2 hours just to change my pin 😫
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Miguel Harvey
I've used the app for about a year now and while it's convenient, it sometimes doesn't update immediately after purchases. There's usually a 1-2 hour delay when I check my balance after shopping. Just keep that in mind so you don't overspend thinking you have more than you do!
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Fiona Sand
•That's good to know, thanks for the heads up! I've definitely gotten myself in trouble before thinking I had more money than I did haha. Would hate to have my card declined at checkout.
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Ashley Simian
Anybody else have their app crash constantly?? Been using ConnectEBT and it works great for like a week then starts freezing whenever I try to log in. Had to uninstall and reinstall like 3 times now.
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Mohammad Khaled
•I had that problem too! Try clearing the cache in your app settings instead of uninstalling. That fixed it for me. Also make sure your phone's operating system is updated.
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Oliver Cheng
JUST BE CAREFUL!!! I downloaded some random EBT app last year (not ConnectEBT) and the next day ALL my benefits were gone!!! Had to call the fraud department and everything. They eventually gave me the benefits back but it took WEEKS and I had to use the food bank to feed my kids. ONLY use the official apps others mentioned here!!!!
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Finnegan Gunn
•This is really important advice. There are unfortunately scammers creating fake apps specifically to steal benefits. Always verify the app developer in the app store before downloading. The official ConnectEBT app is developed by Conduent.
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Taylor To
If you're having trouble reaching someone at the county office about your EBT card or app issues, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that really helped me. I was trying to get a replacement card after mine was damaged and couldn't get through on the regular line. Claimyr helped me skip the phone queue and got me connected to a real person in minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 and their website is claimyr.com. Saved me hours of frustration!
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Fiona Sand
•Oh wow that sounds super helpful! The wait times are ridiculous whenever I call. I'll check it out if I run into issues with the app. Thanks for sharing this!
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Alina Rosenthal
anyone know if the app tells u when ur SAR7 is due?? i always forget to send mine in and then my benefits get cut off 🤦♀️
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Mohammad Khaled
•The EBT apps don't show SAR7 due dates, but you can set that up in the BenefitsCal portal/app. It's separate from the EBT apps but lets you manage all your paperwork. You can even submit your SAR7 through it now!
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Miguel Harvey
Another option besides the apps is accessing your EBT account through the California EBT cardholder portal at www.ebt.ca.gov. It has all the same features as the ConnectEBT app but some people prefer using a website over an app. Just another option to consider!
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Fiona Sand
•Perfect! I think I might prefer the website actually. I'll try both and see which one I like better. Thanks for the suggestion!
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