When can I access my CalFresh benefits on the 2nd - midnight or morning?

mine hit at midnight last month but sometimes system is slow n u cant pull till 3-4am depends on the system

Thanks for the quick answer! So it sounds like I should at least try at midnight? Do you think changing my PIN before is a good idea too?

Benefits are typically available at midnight on the issuance date (so 12:00am on the 2nd), but there can sometimes be system delays of a few hours. This is the standard for all CalFresh EBT deposits regardless of which day of the month you receive benefits.\n\nChanging your PIN is completely up to you and isn't related to when funds become available. I'd only recommend changing it if you have security concerns.

This is mostly right but during the quarterly system maintenance periods benefits can be delayed until after 6am sometimes. I know cause I stayed up til 3am once and nothing loaded, went to sleep frustrated then checked at 7am and they were there. So if you really need those groceries first thing, maybe have a backup plan just in case.

why r u saying change ur pin? did someone get ur card? if yes call RIGHT NOW to report it stolen!! they can take ALL ur money in first 5 mins of deposit!!!

Oh no, nothing like that! I just thought maybe changing PIN is something people do as extra security before benefits load. I'm new to this schedule and was overthinking I guess.

I've been on CalFresh for 4 years now, and I can tell you that benefits are intended to be available at midnight on your issuance date, but in practice it can vary. The EBT system occasionally has delays, especially at the beginning of the month when most benefits are loaded.\n\nIf you absolutely need to shop first thing in the morning, I'd suggest checking your balance through the EBT app or by calling the number on the back of your card around midnight. If the funds aren't there, try again around 3am and 6am.\n\nAs for changing your PIN, that's a security measure unrelated to benefit deposits. You only need to change it if you suspect someone might know your current PIN or if you've been using the same one for a very long time as a general security practice.

Thank you for such a detailed explanation! I'll download the EBT app right now so I can check easier. Glad to know the PIN change isn't necessary - one less thing to worry about.

Just want to add from my experience, if you're really desperate to get groceries exactly when benefits drop, try using the Claimyr service (claimyr.com) to quickly reach someone at the CalFresh office if there are any issues with your deposit. Last month my benefits didn't show up on time and I was freaking out, but I used their service and got through to a real person in minutes who fixed the issue. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 that shows how it works. Normally I'd be on hold for hours, but this got me to a worker who could check what was happening with my case right away.

does that thing actually work?? i spend like 3 hrs on hold every time i need to talk to someone

btw changing pin dont do nothing for when benefits come its just security thing if u worried bout someone stealing ur $$$

Yeah, I understand that now! Thanks everyone for clearing up my confusion. I'll just check the balance at midnight and again in the morning if needed.

The whole EBT system is RIDICULOUS with these vague deposit times!!! Why can't they just give us an EXACT time instead of making struggling families wait around guessing when they can buy food??! Some months the system is down when benefits are supposed to load and then you're stuck waiting with no information. Last December my benefits didn't show up until 9am on issuance day and I had three hungry kids! The whole system needs an overhaul!!

It is frustrating, but the midnight release is actually consistent about 90% of the time. The delays usually happen when there's a high volume of deposits being processed simultaneously (like on the 1st) or during system maintenance. I recommend always keeping a small emergency food supply for those occasional glitches.

u also no u can shop online with ebt now at walmart and amazon if u dont wanna go to store early morning

That's a great tip! I didn't know Amazon accepted EBT. That could be really helpful on months when I can't get to the store right away. Thanks!