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Ethan Moore

Which EBT mobile app do you use to check CalFresh balance? Need screenshots!

Hey everyone! I'm getting really confused about which EBT app I should download to manage my CalFresh benefits. My county worker mentioned there's an app but didn't specify which one, and when I searched the app store there are like 5 different options! Some look kinda sketchy tbh. Which one do you actually use to check your balance, transaction history, and nearby stores? Could someone share what the legit app looks like so I don't download something fake? I just got approved last week and want to make sure I'm using something safe and official. Thanks!

I use the official 'BenefitsCal' app (blue icon). It lets you check your CalFresh balance, see transaction history, find stores that accept EBT, and even submit documents for your recertification or SAR7. The app connects to your existing BenefitsCal account (same login info). The UI is pretty basic but it works. Here's what to look for in the app store: the developer should be listed as 'California Department of Social Services' or similar state agency name.

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Ethan Moore

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Thanks! Is this different from the 'ConnectEBT' app? I downloaded something with a blue icon too but it's asking for my card number and I'm nervous about putting that info in.

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Carmen Vega

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i have the connectebt one its the one with the blue card picture. it shows ur balance and where u spent money. u need ur actual ebt card number to set it up tho

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ConnectEBT is also legitimate - it's run by Conduent, the company that processes EBT transactions in California. The difference is that BenefitsCal gives you access to your whole case including documents and messages, while ConnectEBT focuses just on card transactions and balance.

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Omg I downloaded a fake one last year and someone stole all my benefits!! Be super careful. The real ConnectEBT app icon looks like a blue credit card and is made by Conduent. The BenefitsCal one has a blue background with white text.

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Andre Moreau

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OMG that's terrifying!! Did you get your benefits back? What happened?

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Took 3 months of calling and filing fraud reports but eventually they restored them. My worker said NEVER give your pin to anyone ever, not even if they say they're from the county!

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Zoe Stavros

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There are actually two legitimate apps you can use for different purposes: 1) ConnectEBT (by Conduent) - This focuses specifically on your EBT card functions. You can check your balance, view transaction history, find nearby retailers, and even freeze your card if it's lost. You'll need your actual EBT card number to set it up. 2) BenefitsCal app - This is the broader case management app that lets you handle your entire CalFresh case. You can upload verification documents, check notices, report changes, and complete your SAR7 or recertification. It uses the same login as the BenefitsCal website. Both are legitimate and secure. I recommend having both - ConnectEBT for quick balance checks and BenefitsCal for managing your case documents. Avoid any apps asking for your PIN or promising to help you get more benefits.

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Ethan Moore

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This is super helpful, thank you! I'll download both since they seem to do different things. Does the BenefitsCal app send notifications when it's time to submit verification documents? That would be really helpful.

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Jamal Harris

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I've been using the ConnectEBT app for 2 years now without problems. It's not the prettiest app but it works. What I like is that you can see exactly when your benefits will be deposited (it shows as 'pending' the day before). And if you think someone might be using your card without permission, you can freeze it instantly from the app. Watch out for any app asking for your PIN - the real apps never ask for that during setup. They'll ask for your card number, expiration date, and sometimes DOB to verify it's you.

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Ethan Moore

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That pending transaction feature sounds super useful! And good to know about the PIN thing - definitely a red flag if an app asks for that.

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Andre Moreau

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i tried downloading benefitscal but it kept crashing on my phone??? anyone else have this issue? im using an old android

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Mei Chen

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I had the same issue with my older phone! The BenefitsCal app requires a newer version of Android (I think 8.0+). If your phone is older, you might be better off just using their mobile website instead of the app. The ConnectEBT app works on older phones though - it's more basic but gets the job done for checking balances.

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Mei Chen

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I've tried calling my county office EIGHT times this week to ask about accessing my EBT info online and keep getting disconnected or stuck on hold forever. Finally someone told me about Claimyr.com and it actually worked! They connect you directly to a real CalFresh worker without the crazy wait. The worker I spoke with confirmed both BenefitsCal and ConnectEBT apps are legitimate and helped me link my case to the online system. There's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

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Does that service actually work? I've never been able to get through to my worker either and my recertification is coming up!

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Mei Chen

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It worked surprisingly well. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for 3 days straight. I got connected to a CalFresh worker in about 20 mins instead of waiting on hold for hours.

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Jamal Harris

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If you're worried about app security, you can always use the website instead of the apps. For BenefitsCal, just go to benefitscal.com and log in. For EBT balance, go to connectebt.com. The websites have all the same features as the apps. I personally prefer the website since I don't have to worry about app updates.

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Ethan Moore

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I didn't even think about using the websites! That might be better for me since I'm always on my laptop anyway. Thanks for the suggestion!

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Carmen Vega

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dont 4get u can always call the number on the back of ur ebt card 2 check ur balance too! thats wat i did b4 i got the app

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Lia Quinn

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Just want to add a safety tip - when you're setting up either app, make sure you're connected to a secure wifi network or using your phone's data, not public wifi. I work in IT and see people get their info compromised all the time on unsecured networks. Also, both apps will ask you to set up a PIN or use biometric login (fingerprint/face ID) - definitely do this for extra security! And if you ever get logged out unexpectedly or see transactions you didn't make, change your passwords immediately and call the fraud hotline on the back of your card.

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Nia Thompson

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This is such great security advice! I never thought about the wifi thing but that makes total sense. I always just connect to whatever's available. Definitely going to be more careful about that when setting up these apps. The biometric login sounds way more secure than trying to remember another password too.

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This thread is so helpful! I just got approved for CalFresh too and was totally overwhelmed by all the different apps in the store. Based on what everyone's saying, it sounds like I should download both the official ConnectEBT app (for balance checks) and BenefitsCal app (for case management). Quick question though - do I need to create separate accounts for each app or do they use the same login? Also, has anyone had issues with the apps not working during the first few days of the month when benefits get loaded? I've heard the systems can get overloaded.

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Alexis Renard

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Welcome to the CalFresh family! You're right about downloading both apps - they serve different purposes. For ConnectEBT, you'll use your EBT card number and some basic info to set up access. For BenefitsCal, you'll use the same login credentials as the BenefitsCal website (if you don't have an online account yet, you can create one with your case number). They're separate systems so different logins. And yes, the first few days of each month can be slow! The apps sometimes crash or load slowly when everyone's checking their new benefits. I usually wait until day 3 or 4 of the month if it's not urgent. Pro tip: save the customer service numbers in your phone just in case the apps are down when you really need to check something!

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