Which EBT card freeze app is official? Need to secure my CalFresh benefits
My cousin mentioned there's an official app where you can freeze your EBT card if it gets lost or stolen to protect your CalFresh benefits. I want to make sure I download the right one since there's so many fake apps out there. Can someone tell me what the actual app is called? Is it ConnectEBT or something different? I've had my benefits stolen twice before and I'm paranoid about it happening again. Just got my February benefits loaded and don't want to risk losing them. Thanks!
16 comments


Fatima Al-Farsi
i think ur looking for the BenefitsCal app? not sure if it lets u freeze the card tho i mostly use it for checking my balance n stuff
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Giovanni Moretti
•Thanks but I don't think that's it. BenefitsCal is for applications and stuff but I need something specifically for securing my EBT card when I can't find it.
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Dylan Cooper
The app you're looking for is called ConnectEBT (or Providers App in some counties). It's the official app from Conduent, the company that manages California's EBT system. You can use it to: - Check your CalFresh and cash aid balances - Freeze and unfreeze your card - View transaction history - Find stores that accept EBT - Set up alerts for deposits and low balances Make sure you download the official one - it's free and should say it's from Conduent or FIS (depending on your county). You'll need your EBT card number and PIN to set it up.
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Giovanni Moretti
•Thank you so much! That's exactly what I needed to know. I'll download ConnectEBT right away. Do you know if it works even if my phone is out of data? Sometimes I run out of data by end of month.
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Sofia Perez
My worker told me about this app but I COULDNT REMEMBER THE NAME!!! Thanks for asking this question cause I need it too!!! My EBT got skimmed at that sketchy ATM by the gas station last month and they took all $753 of my benefits!!!!!
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Dmitry Smirnov
Just to clarify, there are actually two different apps that can be used depending on which EBT processor your county uses: 1. ConnectEBT - used in most California counties (managed by Conduent) 2. ebtEDGE - used in some counties (managed by FIS) You can call the number on the back of your EBT card to verify which one you should use. Both apps allow you to freeze/unfreeze your card, check balances, and view transactions. Also worth noting that if you can't access the app, you can always call the number on the back of your card to report it lost/stolen and have a replacement issued.
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Giovanni Moretti
•Oh thanks for the clarification! I'll check which processor my county uses. I'm in Los Angeles County if that helps.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•Los Angeles County uses the ConnectEBT app (Conduent). So that's the one you'll want to download.
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ElectricDreamer
I tried calling that number on the back of the card when my benefits were stolen last year and was on hold for HOURS only to get disconnected THREE TIMES. So frustrating! My neighbor told me about Claimyr.com which got me through to an actual EBT worker in like 10 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 showing how it works. Saved me when I needed my card replaced quickly because someone had skimmed my benefits.
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Ava Johnson
•is that service free? seems sketchy tbh
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ElectricDreamer
•Not free but worth it when you're desperate and need to talk to someone quickly. Better than waiting hours or getting disconnected. I was losing my mind trying to reach someone about my stolen benefits.
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Miguel Diaz
Just be careful with the app permissions! I downloaded ConnectEBT and it wanted access to my contacts, photos, location and everything else. Seemed like way too much for what it does. I ended up just using the website instead of the app. You can freeze your card on the website too at www.connectebt.com
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Sofia Perez
•OMG THANK YOU!! I hate when apps want access to everything on my phone!!!! Def using the website instead
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Dmitry Smirnov
One more important tip - whether you use the app or not, I highly recommend checking your EBT account regularly for suspicious transactions. If your benefits are stolen, you need to report it within 10 days to have the best chance of getting reimbursed. California now has a benefit theft reimbursement program, but there are strict timelines for reporting.
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Giovanni Moretti
•That's really good to know. I had no idea there was a reimbursement program now. I lost almost $400 last year and just had to deal with it. I'll definitely check my account more often.
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Ava Johnson
my sister got her ebt stolen and they replaced her benefits but it took like 3 months so dont depend on getting it back quick
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