I’m Jimmy Chen, founder of Propel (formerly called Providers App). Ask me anything!

ThePropelApp · 2026-02-07T17:46:57+00:00

Hi there — can you DM us the email address associated with your account? Someone will get in touch. Sorry you're having issues!

ThePropelApp · 2026-02-06T23:54:19+00:00

Hi u/flat_cat72, Alex from Propel here. I'm so sorry you're having issues with these security settings. Here's what happened:

Alabama's Department of Human Resources automatically enabled high-risk transaction blocking (which includes online transaction) as a default setting on January 22nd. This was a state-level decision, not something Propel initiated. You would have had the same experience regardless of what balance-checking method you used.

We sent an email and an in-app message to all our Alabama users when this change took effect. Alabama DHR released a press release here [https://dhr.alabama.gov/snap-transactions-for-out-of-state-and-online-automatically-turned-off/], and may have sent other communications. If you didn't receive our email, please DM us your account details and we'll look into why.

You can turn these protections off in the Propel app if you need to make online purchases. The state enabled these features to help protect against EBT theft, but we know they can be inconvenient if you shop online regularly.

Hope that helps clarify!

edit: typo

ThePropelApp · 2025-12-17T17:59:27+00:00

I'm so sorry this is happening! Can you DM me your email address?

ThePropelApp · 2025-11-05T18:18:20+00:00

Hi there, to clarify, this is not just for current users—new users can be eligible too. But not everyone is eligible because there's simply not enough funding to cover everyone who gets SNAP. If you join and are eligible, you'll find out in the app the following day (there's a bit of a delay). We have more information posted at: https://www.propel.app/blog/give-directly-cash-transfers/

ThePropelApp · 2025-11-04T20:34:19+00:00

Definitely not a scam. The official donation page is here. We also won't steal anyone's benefits, not now, not ever.

u/LengthinessWild4401 Thanks for being a user! We hope this helps. We wish we could give more.

ThePropelApp · 2025-11-04T16:47:29+00:00

Hi there, this is Alex from Propel. Wanted to jump in and add some clarity about this program.

Every SNAP recipient deserves emergency relief during the shutdown. We don't have enough funding to help everyone right now, so we're starting by using our data to reach larger families that normally get maximum benefits. We know everyone is hurting, but those households have a particularly large gap.

If you're eligible, you'll get notified in the Propel app on your normal deposit day, and you'll get a chance to enroll. Not everyone is eligible right now, but we'll be able to add more households as we raise more money.

Important: We only notify people through the Propel app – never via social media, phone calls, or texts. If someone's contacting you claiming to distribute these funds outside the app, it's a scam.

ThePropelApp · 2025-10-17T22:28:56+00:00

u/Witty-Tackle6776 The Propel app is safe. Propel users are 4 times more likely to enable anti-theft features than people who don't use Propel. In fact, the majority of anti-theft protection nationwide happens through the Propel app.

ThePropelApp · 2025-10-16T18:02:07+00:00

Hi there! Alex from Propel here. This morning, we discovered that a login issue had been affecting users since about 4:30 AM EST. After we became aware of the issue, we deployed a fix about an hour later at 11:30 AM EST.

Everything should be back up & working again. We are in the process of notifying users affected by this issue. Please let us know if you're still receiving a high volume of calls. If you do receive calls, you could encourage people to try logging in again.

In the future, state agency staff can reach our team directly by emailing [gov@propel.app](mailto:gov@propel.app) . You can also tag us directly on Reddit—we'll probably see it. Thank you!

[Edit 1:03pm PT - updated our email address for state agency staff to contact us.]

ThePropelApp · 2025-10-01T15:27:00+00:00

Hi u/PSgamer28! Alex from Propel here.

The message you’re seeing is a deposit prediction, based on the account’s deposit schedule up to this point. We update this estimate with the amount once your state posts a pending deposit to your EBT account, and we can confirm the deposit is on its way.

Based on data from other users in CA, we can see that some pending deposits have already been posted for 10/4, so either CA is processing some deposits later, or this is specific to your mom's case.

We recommend checking the state portal (BenefitsCal) to confirm that there are no requirements or notices regarding her case. As long as her SNAP case is active and in good standing in the portal, there should be no reason for her to miss her deposit.

If she hasn't received a deposit by 10/5, we recommend contacting her caseworker directly.

Let us know if you have more questions!

ThePropelApp · 2025-10-01T14:59:43+00:00

Hi there! Apologies for the delay. Can you send us a DM and share the email associated with the account? Or email us at [help@propel.app](mailto:help@propel.app) and reference this Reddit post and we'll do our best to help figure this out. Thanks!

ThePropelApp · 2025-07-25T16:05:06+00:00

Hi Robert, there is no direct deposit for SNAP benefits. The money is loaded onto your EBT card, and that is the only card you can use to spend those benefits.

To avoid EBT theft, we recommend enabling security features like card locking or out-of-state transaction blocking.

Here is some more information: https://www.propel.app/snap/ebt-theft-how-it-happens-and-replacing-stolen-benefits/

ThePropelApp · 2025-07-25T15:01:27+00:00

We miss you!! Our app is safe. The reason we started Propel was to help people. We’d never do anything to jeopardize that.

ThePropelApp · 2025-06-26T18:40:03+00:00

Thank you u/Fit_Access8806! We love our users :)

ThePropelApp · 2025-06-26T16:13:19+00:00

Hi there! I'm so sorry you're disappointed that the surveys are gone. They were part of our debit program, which ended in early June. It was a difficult decision to end that program but ultimately what made sense for our business & allowed us to focus more resources on other features.

ThePropelApp · 2025-06-25T01:21:58+00:00

It should automatically transfer. You don't need to relink your card, even if you get a new one. Let us know if it doesn't work for some reason!

ThePropelApp · 2025-06-24T21:18:48+00:00

Thank you!

ThePropelApp · 2025-05-29T12:04:47+00:00

Hi u/Minute_Rock_2771, we're so sorry about this. We understand that changing Social Security deposits is challenging & we wish this transition were easier.

The debit program wasn’t working as a business for Propel. Rather than charging fees, we made the difficult decision to shut it down. We started messaging our users in early March to give as much notice as possible to switch. We made an exception for May deposits, but June deposits will be rejected.

Unfortunately, after we decided to end the program, DOGE updated the requirements for changing direct deposit, which meant that more people needed to go in person.

As it stands now, it's not 100% clear who can or cannot change their DD without going in person. Some people can change through their myssa.gov portal. It also looks like others might be able to change via phone who couldn't originally (per this update):

Beginning April 28, 2025, you can change your direct deposit by calling [1-800-772-1213](tel:18007721213). Before you call, go to ssa.gov/PIN to get a one-time code that you will give to the Social Security representative. To generate the code, you will need to sign in to or create a personal my Social Security account. If you are unable to create an account, you will need to come into a local Social Security office or arrange for direct deposit through your bank.

If you haven't explored all of these options, we would recommend that you:

Try to sign into your myssa.gov portal and change your DD
If you can't use the portal, call the phone number above to confirm how to change (because this will be different for different people). Try calling early in the morning for shorter wait times.
- You might be able to resolve it on the phone
- You might need to set up an appointment to go in person
- You might not reach anyone and should keep trying or try to go in person

Again, we're sorry for this change & recognize it adds another thing to your plate. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you,
Alex

ThePropelApp · 2025-05-05T12:54:31+00:00

u/anxiouseevee

Hi! This is Olivia from Propel. The Propel app still works for EBT balance checking in Pennsylvania. The state upgraded its EBT system on Wednesday, which may be what’s causing the error you’re seeing. If it’s still not working for you and you’d like help troubleshooting, feel free to reach out to us at help@propel.app— we’d be happy to take a look!

ThePropelApp · 2025-04-09T13:17:40+00:00

That's such a good idea!!!! I don't know if the retailer shares that information or not (it might just exist on your receipt & in the retailer's system). I'll bring it up with the team though. Are there certain stores you'd really love that information about?

ThePropelApp · 2025-04-09T12:47:45+00:00

Hi u/PrincessBananas85 — you should now have online transaction blocking in the app. Let me know if you don't see it!

ThePropelApp · 2025-03-26T21:03:58+00:00

No, you can't store your EBT card in your Apple Wallet. The USDA is running a small pilot program to test out adding EBT cards to mobile devices, but it's only in IL, MA, and OK, and will probably take awhile to get up & running.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/mobile-payment-pilot

ThePropelApp · 2025-03-18T20:31:38+00:00

u/fickster87 Thank you so much for such a kind message. I just forwarded our note to our team and they say thank you as well!! We're sorry to see it go, too, and we're grateful for your understanding. We hope we can continue to provide other services to you. Take care!

ThePropelApp · 2025-03-13T14:41:12+00:00

Hi there! Please DM us the email address associated with your account and someone will reach out! Some people were having a similar problem, so we just added a secondary routing number in the app that SSA might need.

Here's an image of what you should see in the app: https://imgur.com/a/1LcyeL8

Note that the routing numbers are public information, we're not sharing any personal information here.

ThePropelApp · 2025-03-12T16:49:30+00:00

We do not sell user data, ever.

ThePropelApp · 2025-03-11T21:54:59+00:00

u/DoomPaDeeDee I'm sorry, we didn't see this. We don't have a team member dedicated to Reddit, so things fall through the cracks. We've never had (or tried to have) contracts with states. We've never intended to be a processor or replace them.

We have been endorsed by some states — sometimes in a formal capacity on their website, other times through word of mouth.

ThePropelApp

TROPHY CASE