MyBenefits CalWIN app not working - need safe alternatives to check CalFresh EBT balance

Thank you! I'll try BenefitsCal right away. Do I need to contact my county worker to get my case number transferred over or will it automatically connect once I register?

Thanks for this suggestion! Is it safe though? I'm always worried about entering my EBT card info into apps that aren't officially from the county.

ConnectEBT is completely legitimate and safe! It's the official app from Conduent (formerly Xerox) who manages the EBT card system for California. It's specifically designed just for checking balances and transactions, while BenefitsCal handles your actual case management, documents, and recertifications.

This is what I always tell people too! Why download some app when you can just make a quick call? I've been on CalFresh for 6 years and NEVER used an app. Too many scammers out there trying to steal benefits. Just last month my cousin got her entire month's balance stolen because she put her info in some third-party app that looked official!

I've been trying to get through to a CalFresh worker at my county office for THREE DAYS! The phone system is a nightmare - automated messages, disconnects after 30 minutes on hold, and no callback option. Does anyone have a trick to actually reach a human being? I need to get this BenefitsCal account set up before my recertification next month.

I had the same problem trying to reach my county worker! Someone on this forum recommended using Claimyr and it actually worked. It's a service that waits on hold with the county office for you and calls you back when they reach a real person. I used it last week to fix my BenefitsCal account issues and it saved me hours of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. The service connected me directly to a worker who helped me link my CalFresh case to the new system.

I understand your frustration. The transition between systems has been challenging for many. For your recertification, I'd recommend using the BenefitsCal website on a computer rather than the app if possible - it tends to be more stable. You can also submit paper recertification if needed as a backup. The ConnectEBT balance sometimes takes 24 hours to update after transactions, which might explain the discrepancy you saw.

glad it worked out for u! ya connectebt is way easier just for quick balance checks

Make sure you set up 2-factor authentication in BenefitsCal. There's been a lot of account hacking lately where scammers try to change people's direct deposit info for cash benefits.

Great questions! Let me clarify: 1. Your EBT card works exactly the same at stores regardless of which system/app you use to check it 2. BenefitsCal has replaced both CalWIN and MyCalFresh (it's a new unified system) 3. For your recertification interview, you should receive instructions specific to your county 4. You won't lose benefits just because you haven't switched to the new system yet If you're worried about your recertification interview, you can create a BenefitsCal account now, but you can also still complete your recert by phone or with paper forms if needed.