California EBT Card Balance: Steps to Check & Protect Your EBT Card

California EBT Card Balance: Steps to Check & Protect Your EBT Card.

California EBT Card Balance: It is the responsibility of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to implement the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as the Food Stamp Program or CalFresh.

SNAP helps low-income households to purchase healthy food through the delivery of monthly food aid benefits. Benefits are provided via a plastic Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to SNAP applicants in California.

About the Golden State Advantage card

• The Golden State Advantage card is California’s EBT card.
• EBT = electronic benefits transfer.
• EBT card = a card that looks and works like a debit or credit card but is loaded with food stamps and/or cash benefits. You can use it at stores that accept EBT.
• You’ll get the Golden State Advantage card once you’re approved for benefits.
• California’s EBT customer service number is 1-877-328-9677.

California EBT Payment Schedule

The California EBT Card, or the Golden State Advantage Card, holds the food assistance benefits assigned to you each month. Your benefits will be deposited onto your EBT card according to the schedule below:

Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your California EBT card to purchase eligible food items.

How to Check California EBT Card Balance

Here’s how to check the balance on your Golden State Advantage Card Balance.

Option 1 – Check your Last Receipt

The first way to check your California EBT Card balance is to check the last receipt you got. This is the fastest and simplest way to find your current balance on your California EBT Card. The balance will be displayed at the bottom of your most recent grocery store or receipt from an ATM. You can get used to having your most recent EBT receipt, so before you shop, you still have a fast way to test your balance.

Option 2 – Login to Advantage Card Account

The second choice to test your EBT Card balance in California is online through the Advantage Card website. To sign in, visit the bookmark ebt.ca.gov, then enter your card number. You will be able to show your current balance and transaction history once you’ve signed in. If you do not have an account with ebtEDGE, you may build an Advantage Card Account.

Option 3 – Check by Phone

The final choice to check your EBT Card balance in California is by phone. Call the EBT Customer Service Number at the back of your card (1-877-328-9677). Hotline Customer Support is available 24 hours a day , 7 days a week. Input your sixteen (16) digit EBT card number after you call and you will hear your new food assistance or cash account balance(s).

FAQs

How do I apply for CalFresh food benefits (food stamps)?

The easiest way to apply for Calfresh food stamps is online. If you’d rather apply in person, call the Calfresh Information Line (1-877-847-3663), or find your local county office.

How do I renew my CalFresh food benefits (food stamps)?

When your eligibility period (the length of time you will receive food stamps) expires, you will need to renew your food stamps. For most households in California without the elderly (60 +) or people with disabilities, the time is 12 months. In most households in California with the elderly (60 +) or disabled, the period is 24 months.

If it’s time to reapply you should get a letter in the mail. You can also put a note in your calendar to be safe, or anywhere you keep important reminders. You will upgrade this online in some counties. Call your county worker, local government office or Calfresh Information Line: 1-877-847-3663 to find out the best way to renew in your government.

When will I get my CalFresh food benefits (food stamps)?

California sends out food stamps over the first 10 days of every month, based on the last digit of your case number. Check the full schedule above to find out which day you’ll get your food stamps.

What household changes do I have to report and when?

Most households only have to report the following two changes twice a year (at the halfway point and when you recertify):

• When someone moves in or out of your household.
• Financial changes like income, rent, savings, or child support.

Most households need to report the following two changes no more than 10 days after they happen:

• When your household income goes over the monthly income limit. This could be because someone starts making more money or someone with income moves in.
• When an adult without a disability or a child (what the government calls an ABAWD) who was working or training 20 hours/week starts working or training less.

While optional, you should consider reporting your new address if you are moving to make sure you don’t miss any important letters.

You can report changes online by creating an account. Go to BenefitsCal.org to find the right site for your county.

How do I replace a lost or stolen EBT card?

If you can’t find your EBT card, call the California EBT hotline as soon as you can: 1-877-328-9677. If someone manages to use your card, you won’t be able to get those benefits back, so make sure you call right away!

What can I buy with EBT?

You can use food stamps to buy groceries, snacks, and seeds or plants that will produce food. You can’t use food stamps to buy alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, live animals, prepared foods, or any non-food household items.

Which stores and restaurants take EBT food stamps?

Click here to see nearby stores and farmer’s markets that take EBT. You don’t need an account to use the map. If you’re 60 or older, disabled, or homeless, you can also use EBT at some restaurants. New restaurants will be joining this program soon.

Can I get any discounts with my EBT card?

Yes! Your EBT card can get you and your family discounted or free admission to museums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and more.

Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent?

Once your child is born, your household size will increase. More household members = more benefits. If you’re pregnant or have a child under five years old, you can apply for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits.

My family can’t afford other basic needs besides food.

If you have a child who’s 18 or younger, you may qualify for cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF provides monthly cash assistance to help families with children get by during tough times.

Protecting your California EBT Card

Here’s what you need to learn to keep your EBT Card secure. A county or state can never fax a personal details, such as your EBT card number and your personal identification number ( PIN), or call you in question.

You will not have any personal details when asking you about your EBT account. If you think your benefits may have been compromised, you can call the customer service number at the back of your EBT card immediately, (877) 328-9677, or contact the county social services department.

• Never give out your personal information to anyone, or you could have your benefits stolen.
• Keep your EBT card number and PIN a secret.
• Never give out your social security number, EBT card number, or PIN to anyone.

Conclusion

We hope this article has been helpful on how to test your California EBT Card Balance. If so, please use the Share this button below to share it. If you have any more questions about the California EBT Card, please leave them in the comments below. We ‘re happy to assist!