When exactly do EBT PINs expire at midnight? Will CalFresh benefits stop working?
Hey everyone, I'm totally confused about my EBT card PIN expiration. I got this text saying my PIN needs to be changed by the 11th of this month, but I'm not sure if that means by 11:59pm on the 11th or if I need to do it earlier? Do I seriously have to reset it before midnight tonight? I've heard horror stories about people losing access to their CalFresh benefits because they didn't change their PIN in time. Anyone know the exact cutoff time? Don't want to be stuck at the grocery store tomorrow with a cart full of food and no way to pay!
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Ava Williams
You have until 11:59pm on the date specified in your notice. The system doesn't cut off at a random hour during the day. Just make sure you do it before midnight on the 11th and you'll be fine. You can change your PIN through the BenefitsCal website, the EBT mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of your card (1-877-328-9677). I'd recommend doing it earlier in the day though, just in case there are technical issues with the system.
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Zainab Mahmoud
•Thank you so much! That's a relief. I'll try changing it tonight after my kids go to bed. Do you know if I'll get another reminder text if I don't do it today? I'm worried I might forget.
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Raj Gupta
I almost got caught with this last year LOL!!! I waited til literaly 11:45pm to change my pin and thank GOD it went thru. The system was super slow that night and I was freaking out thinking my benefits would just disappear at midnight like cinderella!! But your fine as long as you do it BEFORE midnight on the day they tell you. Don't risk it tho, just do it now if you can!!!
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Lena Müller
•lol same here! waited till last minute because I kept forgetting. the anxiety was real. now I just change it as soon as I get the notice
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TechNinja
I'm confused why they're making you change your PIN? I've had CalFresh for 3 years and never had to change my PIN. Is this a new policy in 2025? My worker never mentioned anything about this when I did my recertification last month.
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Keisha Thompson
•It's a security measure they've implemented this year. Not everyone is required to change their PIN on the same schedule - it depends on when you first set up your account and your specific county policies. Some counties are phasing in regular PIN changes to prevent fraud, but it's not universal yet.
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Paolo Bianchi
Just as an FYI for anyone struggling to get through on the EBT customer service line to change their PIN - I recently discovered this service called Claimyr that helps you skip the wait times when calling. I used it to get through to a CalFresh worker when I was having similar PIN reset issues. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video too: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Saved me hours of waiting on hold when I needed to fix my account access.
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Zainab Mahmoud
•Oh wow, that's good to know! The EBT customer service line is always such a nightmare. I sat on hold for over an hour last time I called. I'll definitely check out that service if I run into problems tonight.
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Yara Assad
I HATE these stupid pin requirements!!! Its just another way for them to try and cut people off benefits! They make everything so complicated and then act surprised when people have problems. My cousin didn't change her PIN in time and had to wait TWO WEEKS to get her benefits back!!! The whole system is designed to make us fail.
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Ava Williams
•While the system definitely has its frustrations, PIN changes are actually a security measure to prevent fraud. If someone doesn't change their PIN by the deadline, benefits aren't lost - they're still in your account, but you need to reset your PIN to access them. Your cousin should have been able to change her PIN and immediately regain access, unless there were other issues with her case.
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Lena Müller
since were talking about PINs can someone tell me how to get a new EBT card? mine is all bent and sometimes the stores have trouble reading it. do i have to go to the county office or can i just call? dont want to lose my calfresh $ over a damaged card
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Keisha Thompson
•You don't need to go to the county office. Just call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card (1-877-328-9677) and follow the prompts to request a replacement card. They'll mail you a new one within 7-10 business days. Your benefits will automatically transfer to the new card when you activate it, and you can keep using your old card until the new one arrives.
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Zainab Mahmoud
Update: I successfully changed my PIN! For anyone who might need this info in the future - the whole process took less than 5 minutes through the phone system. Thank you all for your help!
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Raj Gupta
•Nice!! Glad it worked out for you!! Make sure to write down your new pin somewhere safe so you dont forget it (I always do lol
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Nia Harris
Great job getting it sorted out! For future reference, you can also change your PIN online through the BenefitsCal website if you prefer that over calling. Just log into your account and look for the "Manage EBT" section. It's super convenient and you don't have to deal with phone menus. I always set a calendar reminder for myself when I get those PIN change notices so I don't panic at the last minute like I used to!
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Landon Flounder
•That's such a great tip about setting calendar reminders! I'm definitely going to do that from now on. I had no idea you could change it online through BenefitsCal - that sounds way easier than navigating those phone menus. Thanks for sharing that info, it'll be super helpful for next time!
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