I've been dealing with this exact same frustrating issue! My EBT Edge app has been stuck showing $17.85 for the past 10 days, but when I call the automated number I actually have $124 available. What's really stressing me out is that I've started rationing my grocery trips because I thought I was almost out of benefits. I actually skipped buying protein last week because the app made me think I couldn't afford it - then I found out I had plenty left! It's affecting how I'm feeding my family and that's just not okay. I've tried everything - uninstalling, reinstalling, clearing cache, using different phones - nothing works. The phone system is reliable but calling every single time I want to check my balance is exhausting, especially when I'm juggling work and kids. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and workarounds here. I'm definitely going to try that midnight checking trick and start writing down my real balance each morning. It's ridiculous that we all have to become detectives just to access our own benefits, but at least we're helping each other navigate this mess. Fingers crossed they actually fix this by June and don't push the timeline back like government systems usually do!

I'm so relieved to find this thread! I've been having the exact same problem with the EBT Edge app for about three weeks now. It keeps showing my balance as $31.67 no matter what I spend, but when I call the automated line I have $178 available. What's really been getting to me is the anxiety every time I go to the store - I never know if my card will actually work or if I'll get that embarrassing decline at checkout. Just this morning I was at Target and almost put back the milk and eggs because I thought I was running low, but then I called from the cereal aisle and found out I had plenty left. It's exhausting having to call every single time, especially with my two young kids asking "why are we waiting, mom?" while I'm on hold. I've tried all the usual fixes - deleting the app, restarting my phone, even got a new phone thinking it was a device issue. Nothing works! Thanks to everyone for sharing the midnight checking tip and the manual tracking idea - I'm definitely going to start writing down my balance each morning after calling. It's frustrating that we have to create these workarounds just to buy groceries, but at least now I know it's not just me going crazy. Really hoping they stick to that June timeline because this is affecting real families trying to put food on the table!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my EBT card suddenly stopped working at the grocery store checkout yesterday and I had no idea why. Based on what everyone's shared here, it sounds like I probably hit the 4-attempt limit without realizing it. I'm going to try the online reset at ebt.ca.gov first before calling or going to the office. It's really eye-opening to learn that this is such a common issue but there's basically no clear communication from the system about what's happening. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - it's making me feel less alone in dealing with this frustrating situation!

This is such an important thread! I'm relatively new to receiving CalFresh benefits and had no idea that EBT cards could get locked after incorrect PIN attempts without any notification. I've been lucky so far but reading everyone's experiences here is really eye-opening. It's frustrating that there's no automated system to let people know their card is locked - instead you're left thinking you're doing something wrong when really it's a technical issue that needs to be resolved. I'm bookmarking the EBT website (ebt.ca.gov) and customer service number (877-328-9677) from @GalacticGuru's comment in case I ever run into this problem. Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories and solutions - it really shows how important it is for community members to support each other when the official systems fall short on communication!

Quick update for anyone else who might face this situation - I just went through this exact process last week in Fresno! Got to the Shields office at 7:45am and was about 6th in line. Whole process took about 1 hour 15 minutes from when I got there to walking out with my new card. Staff was really helpful and the new card worked immediately at the grocery store. Just make sure to bring your ID and any paperwork you have with your case info. The PIN setup only takes like 2 minutes at the kiosk they have there. Don't stress too much @Andre Lefebvre - you'll get it sorted tomorrow!

If you're really desperate and can't make it to the office tomorrow for some reason, there's actually one more emergency option - some of the larger grocery stores in Fresno (like the WinCo on Shaw or Food 4 Less on Blackstone) have customer service desks that can help you get emergency food assistance while you wait for your replacement card. You'd need to call 211 first to get set up, but they can sometimes provide a temporary voucher for essential groceries. It's not ideal and has limitations, but it's better than going hungry if the office visit doesn't work out. But honestly, based on what everyone's saying, going to the welfare office in person sounds like your best bet for getting sorted quickly!

Based on everything you've shared, here's what I recommend: 1. Request a copy of the overpayment notice and calculation sheet showing exactly when the overpayment occurred 2. Ask for a copy of your case record to confirm you're listed as a separate household 3. File for a state hearing immediately (you can do this online through BenefitsCal) 4. Gather evidence showing when you moved out (lease, utility bills, etc.) 5. Request a conference with a supervisor before your hearing date CalFresh regulations at MPP Section 63-801.3 specify who can be held liable for overpayments, and they generally cannot collect from people who were not part of the household during the period of overpayment. Many counties misapply these rules or rely on outdated information in their systems.

This is definitely worth fighting! I work as a benefits advocate and see this type of error frequently. The county systems sometimes automatically link family members even when they shouldn't be connected. One thing to check - did you use the same Social Security number or any shared information when you applied? Sometimes the system creates inappropriate links based on shared data like phone numbers or addresses (even previous addresses). Also, make sure to document every interaction you have with the county from now on. Get names, dates, and case numbers. If they can't provide a clear explanation of why you're liable for her debt, that's a red flag that this is likely an administrative error that needs to be corrected through the appeals process. You absolutely have the right to receive your full benefit amount if you're not actually responsible for that overpayment!

UPDATE: I've been using the card lock feature for about a week now, and it's super easy! I just unlock it right before checking out at the store and lock it again right after. Gives me such peace of mind! Also found out you can see all your transaction history in the app which helps me budget better. Thanks everyone for the additional security tips!

Just received my Golden State Advantage card yesterday and this thread has been SO helpful! I had no idea about all these security features. Already downloaded the EBT Edge app and set up the card lock - took me a few tries to get the verification code to work but persistence paid off. Quick question though - does anyone know if there's a way to temporarily unlock the card for a specific amount of time? Like if I'm doing a big grocery shopping trip and don't want to keep unlocking/locking between different stores? Also really appreciate the tip about updating automatic payments - completely forgot I had my card linked to Walmart grocery pickup!