ebtEDGE

ebtEDGE Mobile Application and Web-enabled Cardholder Portal

California Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cardholders who receive cash aid assistance and/or food benefits through the CalFresh program 
can access EBT card and account information from a free downloadable mobile application called ebtEDGE and/or the Web-enabled Cardholder Portal.

 

The ebtEDGE Mobile Application and the Web-enabled Cardholder Portal provide California EBT cardholders more control of their EBT card(s) and provide access to management and security features that may help prevent electronic theft. The management and security features are identified below. As a preventive measure against electronic theft, staff is encouraged to direct EBT cardholders to the ebtEDGE Mobile Application and the Web-enabled Cardholder Portal to access these EBT card management and security features. 

ebtEDGE Management and Security Features 

The ebtEDGE management and security features include:

  1. Manage PIN: Permits the cardholder the ability to change the EBT card Personal Identification Number (PIN) as frequently and as often as needed. Regularly changing a PIN, especially at the end of the month, has been shown to reduce vulnerability to electronic theft. 
  2. Freeze and Unfreeze the EBT Card: Enables the cardholder to lock or “Freeze” access to benefits on the EBT card and unlock or “Unfreeze” access to the EBT card, in real time. All point-of-sale purchases and ATM withdrawals are blocked when the card is frozen. This could help prevent fraud in the cardholder's account by unfreezing the card only during transactions.  
  3. Block Internet Transactions: Prevents the card from being used for all internet purchases. The cardholder can instantly turn this feature off/on at any time. This could help prevent electronic theft if the cardholder blocks the card after the internet transaction is complete.
  4. Block Out-of-State Transactions: Prevents the card from being used for all out-of-state transactions for cash and food benefits. The cardholder can instantly turn this feature off/on at any time. This could help prevent electronic theft if the cardholder blocks the card after the out-of-state transaction is complete.
  5. Request a Replacement EBT Card: Ability to request a replacement EBT card if the EBT card is compromised, damaged, lost, or stolen. 
  6. Biometrics to Login: Option to enable biometric authentication capabilities such as Face ID. Enabling biometrics may help prevent electronic theft by allowing cardholders to securely access the application instead of entering their user ID and password. 
  7. Account Services: Functions available to help maintain application security include changing the password, updating the email address, and updating the challenge questions and answers. For assistance with troubleshooting, cardholders can contact the EBT Customer Service helpline listed on the back of the EBT card.
  8. View and Enter a Dispute: Ability to create a new EBT system dispute and view the status of an existing dispute request for transactions that occurred because of an EBT system error, not fraud or electronic theft. The error must be a system error for which an official examination and verification of the accounts and records are completed with the point-of-sale (POS) device or ATM owner. A transaction that occurred due to a lost or stolen EBT card cannot be reversed. This feature is not used for reporting fraud, skimming, or scams, and any claims will not be addressed via ebtEDGE. All electronic theft reports are to be made to the county.
  9. View Transaction History: Cardholders can review transaction details such as merchant’s name, location, entry mode, and if applicable delivery address. Cardholders can sort transactions by transaction type and view their transaction history for up to 12 months.
  10. Troubleshoot Sign-In Issues: Option to address issues related to signing in such as forgetting the password, forgetting the user ID, and unlocking the account. For further assistance with troubleshooting, cardholders can contact the EBT Customer Service helpline listed on the back of the EBT card.
  11. Delete Account and Profile from the App: Authorized cardholders, including both primary and approved alternate cardholders, can remove an EBT card and/or delete their profile from the main EBT account at any time.
  12. Language Preference: Cardholders can select their primary language, if available, to view the Welcome Page, Account Services Page, Change Password Page, Update User Information Page, and Security Settings Page.

Accessing ebtEDGE Management and Security Features 

EBT cardholders may access the ebtEDGE management and security features by either downloading the ebtEDGE Mobile Application from their device-specific AppStore or by using a computer to access the ebtEDGE Web-enabled Cardholder Portal at www.ebt.ca.gov.

Additional Resources

Cardholders may access the EBTCardholder Website and the ebtEDGE Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Staff may access the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): ebtEDGE Mobile Application in the DEBS Program & Policy Bureau Resources page under Staff Resources for more information.    

 

Note: In addition to the ebtEDGE Mobile Application and the Web-enabled Cardholder Portal, EBT cardholders have access to their EBT card and account information by contacting the EBT customer service helpline at (877) 328-9677.

 

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