CalWORKs EBT card locked on EBTedge - will pending deposits still go through?
My worker just approved my CalWORKs Cash Aid increase last week, but I accidentally locked my EBT card when I entered my PIN wrong 3 times on the EBTedge website. I tried calling the number on the back of my card but can't get through to anyone. My Cash Aid is supposed to deposit in 2 days and I REALLY need it for rent. Will the money still go onto my card even though it's locked? Do I need to get a replacement card before the deposit date? I'm freaking out because my landlord doesn't give grace periods anymore.
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Malik Johnson
Yes, your Cash Aid will still be deposited to your account even if your card is locked! The lock only affects your ability to use the card, not the account itself. Your benefits are tied to your case number and account, not the physical card status. You'll need to get your card unlocked or replaced to access the funds, but they'll be waiting for you when you do. You have a couple options: 1. Visit your county office in person to get the card unlocked (fastest option) 2. Call the EBT customer service again (keep trying different times) 3. Request a replacement card (but this takes 7-10 days to arrive
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QuantumLeap
•Thank you SO MUCH!! This is a huge relief! Do you know if theres any way I can unlock it myself on the website or do I have to talk to a person? The county office is 2 bus transfers away from me and I dont have transportation money until my benefits come.
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Isabella Santos
i had the same problem last month!!! money still goes on but u cant use it til u unlock. the EBT # is useless they never pickup or disconnect u. i ended up begging a friend for a ride to the welfare office and they fixed it right there
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QuantumLeap
•Ugh that's what I was afraid of! Did they at least help you right away at the office or did you have to wait forever? I have my 2yr old with me everywhere I go and she can't sit still for more than 15min 😫
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Ravi Sharma
Try calling customer service at different times. Early morning (right when they open) or late afternoon (before closing) tends to have shorter wait times. The EBT customer service can unlock your card over the phone after verifying your identity. If you've been calling the regular EBT line with no luck, I recently found out about a service called Claimyr that helps you get through to benefits offices faster. They called and waited on hold for me, then connected me when a real person answered. Saved me hours of frustration with my CalWORKs case. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE or visit claimyr.com. Might be worth it if you're desperate to get this fixed before rent is due.
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Freya Larsen
•Has anyone actually used this service? Sounds kinda sketchy to me. How do they get through when nobody else can??
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Ravi Sharma
•Yes, I've used it twice and it worked both times. They basically call on your behalf and wait on hold so you don't have to. When someone answers, they connect you. Not sketchy at all, just saves you from the hold time nightmare. For CalWORKs questions especially, it saved me from having to go to the office in person.
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Omar Hassan
The system is DESIGNED to make it impossible to reach anyone!!! I've been on CalWORKs for 3 years and they ALWAYS do this. Lock you out for NOTHING then make it IMPOSSIBLE to get help. Your money will be there but good luck getting to it without taking a day off work (if you're working) to sit at the county office for 5 hours!!! This is how they try to reduce their caseloads - by making everything so frustrating that people give up. And they know most recipients don't have extra money for transportation to get to the office. The whole system is a JOKE.
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Chloe Taylor
•While I understand your frustration (I've been there myself), I want to clarify a few things to help the original poster. The EBT card locking after 3 incorrect PIN attempts is actually a security feature to protect benefits from theft, not to make things difficult. And the county offices now have appointment systems at most locations - you can schedule a time instead of waiting all day. To the original poster: Your money will definitely still be deposited. If you can't make it to the office, keep trying the customer service line at unusual hours (very early morning or during lunch when call volumes might be lower).
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ShadowHunter
This happened to me last yr. My card got locked right b4 my deposit and i was freakin out 2. Called the EBT # about 12 times b4 i finally got thru. The trick is 2 call suuuuper early like 7:01am when they 1st open. They unlocked it over phone after asking me a bunch of security questions. But ya the $$ will still go on ur card even if its locked.
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QuantumLeap
•Thank you! I'll try calling right when they open tomorrow. Crossing my fingers I get through 🙏
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Freya Larsen
one time this hapnd to me and i jus went to the atm and tried my pin again and it worked!! maybe try that?
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Malik Johnson
•I wouldn't recommend this approach. If you try your PIN at an ATM after it's already been locked in the system, you risk locking it further or potentially even having the card retained by the ATM. It's always better to resolve the lock through official channels - either customer service or the county office.
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QuantumLeap
UPDATE: I finally got through to EBT customer service this morning! Called right at 7:00am and only waited about 15 minutes. They were able to unlock my card over the phone after verifying my identity. The rep confirmed my deposit will go through as scheduled tomorrow. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
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Isabella Santos
•nice!! glad it worked out 4 u!
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Chloe Taylor
•Great news! Just remember for the future - if you're trying to check your balance or transaction history, the EBTedge website and mobile app are much easier than trying to use the phone system. And they don't lock your card if you make a mistake there.
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