How to change PIN number for CalWORKs EBT card - tried 3 times but keeps failing

Yes, I had this exact same issue last month! The automated system was having problems. There are actually three ways to change your PIN:1. Call the EBT Customer Service number (877-328-9677) - but since that's not working for you2. Go to the California EBT website (www.ebt.ca.gov) and log into your account - you can change your PIN there3. Visit any county office that has an EBT card machine where you can swipe your card and change your PIN right thereI ended up using the website and it worked perfectly. Just make sure you have your card number and current PIN handy. Hope this helps!

the website didnt work for me either last time i tried this. kept saying error. i had to go to the office and do it there. bring ur ID with u

Thanks for the warning! I'll try the website first since that would be easiest, but at least now I know I might need to go to the office. Really appreciate the help.

omg this happened 2 me 2!! I thought someone took $$ from my account but it was actually just that I entered my pin wrong too many times and it locked me out lol. Make sure ur not locked out before trying to change it. U might need to wait 24 hrs if u tried too many times

This is a good point. If you entered the wrong PIN multiple times (usually 4 attempts), your card might be temporarily locked for security. If that's the case, you typically need to wait until midnight for it to reset automatically.Also, if you're really concerned about unauthorized access, you can actually put a temporary freeze on your EBT card through the EBT Mobile app until you get the PIN changed. Just download the app, create an account with your card info, and there's an option to freeze/unfreeze your card.

I didn't know about freezing it through the app! I'm downloading it right now. Thanks so much for that tip - that'll give me peace of mind until I can get this PIN changed.

Have you tried using the ConnectEBT mobile app? It's another way to change your PIN without calling that number. I always have problems with that automated phone line too. The app is actually easier to use in my opinion.

I didn't even know there was an app! Will definitely try this. Is it called ConnectEBT in the app store?

I work with CalWORKs recipients and see this issue frequently. When the automated system isn't working, try these troubleshooting steps:1. Make sure you're entering your entire 16-digit card number correctly2. Verify your zip code matches what's on file with the county3. Try changing your PIN during non-peak hours (early morning or late evening)4. If using a cell phone, ensure you have good reception as drops in service can interrupt the processIf none of these work, you'll need to visit your county office in person. Unfortunately, PIN issues can rarely be resolved by your regular caseworker - it's a separate EBT card system that county workers don't always have direct access to fix.

Thank you for these detailed steps. I'll definitely try during non-peak hours and double check my card number. I think I might have been cutting off while entering all the information - my phone has been dropping calls lately. If that doesn't work, I guess I'll have to go to the office on Monday.

When I had this same problem trying to change my PIN for my Cash Aid, I ended up using Claimyr to reach someone at the EBT customer service department after the automated system wouldn't work. I was on hold for HOURS before that. You can check out how it works at claimyr.com or watch their demo at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - basically they wait on hold for you and call when a real person picks up. The EBT specialist manually reset something in my account so I could create a new PIN. Saved me from having to go to the office which is impossible with my work schedule.

does this actally work?? ive never heard of it before but im always stuck on hold 4ever with ebt customer service

Yes! It worked for me. The longest part was waiting for them to call me back, but at least I wasn't stuck with my phone on speaker for 2 hours. The rep helped reset something in the system so I could change my PIN.

A couple of additional security tips since you're worried someone might have seen your PIN:1. Until you get your PIN changed, you can actually withdraw most/all of your funds at an ATM and keep the cash somewhere safe if you're really concerned about unauthorized access2. After you change your PIN, get in the habit of covering the keypad with your other hand when entering it - this prevents both onlookers and security cameras from seeing your code3. Consider changing your PIN on a regular schedule (every 3-6 months) as a security best practice4. Never use obvious PINs like birth years, 1234, or repeating numbers (0000, etc.

These are really smart tips, thank you! I hadn't thought about withdrawing the funds as a temporary solution. I'll definitely do that today while I sort out the PIN change. And I'm going to set a reminder to change it regularly from now on.

i had to get a whole new ebt card cuz i couldnt change my pin no matter what i tried. county office gave me a new one same day and i picked whatever pin i wanted right there. took like 30 mins total

That's my backup plan if nothing else works. Good to know they can do it same day at least. I was worried I'd have to wait weeks for a new card to come in the mail.