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 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:

If your Case Number ends in	Benefits are deposited on the
1	1st of the month
2	2nd of the month
3	3rd of the month
4	4th of the month
5	5th of the month
6	6th of the month
7	7th of the month
8	8th of the month
9	9th of the month
0	10th of the month

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 most straightforward 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 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 ultimate choice to check your EBT Card balance in California is by phone. Call the EBT Customer Service Number on 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 help or cash account balance(s).

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 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions