Last updated 12/1/23
If you receive California SNAP benefits and have a CalFresh EBT Card, there are several ways you can obtain the balance on your card. In this post, we will explain in detail the three ways you can check your CalFresh EBT Balance.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is responsible for administering CalFresh.
The program is to help low-income households buy the food they need for good health.
If you are approved for CalFresh, your benefits will be deposited electronically on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) or CalFresh Card.
For instructions on how to check the balance on your CalFresh EBT Card, keep reading below.Â
This post on CalFresh EBT Balance will cover:
- What is CalFresh EBT Card
- How to Check CalFresh EBT Balance
- CalFresh EBT Phone Number
- CalFresh EBT FAQs
What is the CalFresh EBT Card?
The CalFresh EBT Card, also called the Golden State Advantage card is used to administer your monthly California food stamps benefits.
If you are approved for food stamps in California, your monthly benefits will be deposited each month on a CalFresh EBT Card, which works like a debit card.
For a schedule of when CalFresh EBT benefits are deposited, see the FAQs below.
How to Check CalFresh EBT Balance
Here’s how to check the balance on your CalFresh EBT Card.
Option 1 – Check your Last Receipt
The first option for checking your California EBT Card balance is to check your last receipt.
This is the easiest and quickest way to locate the current balance on your California EBT Card.
Once you locate your last receipt, the card balance will be listed at the bottom of your grocery store receipt or the ATM receipt if you also get cash benefits.
You should get in the habit of keeping your most current EBT receipt, that way, you always have a quick way to check your balance before you shop.
Option 2 – Login to CalFresh EBT Card Account
The second option for checking your California EBT Card balance is online through the Advantage Card website.
To log in, visit the ebt.ca.gov sign in, then enter your card number.
Once logged in, you’ll be able to view your current balance and transaction history.
If you do not have an ebtEDGE account, you can create an Advantage Card Account here.
Option 3 – Check CalFresh EBT Balance by Phone
Lastly, you can check your CalFresh EBT Card balance is by phone.
Call the EBT Customer Service number (1-877-328-9677) on the back of your card.
The Customer Service Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
After you call, enter your sixteen (16) digit EBT card number and you will hear your current CalFresh or cash account balance(s).
CalFresh EBT Phone Number
If you are trying to speak with a live person about your Calfresh EBT Card benefits, we can help.
Here’s the number to call if you are trying to reach California Food Stamps EBT Customer Service:
1-877-328-9677
TTY: 1-800-735-2929
You can call 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week
You can call the CalFresh EBT Phone Number if:
- Your card is lost or stolen.
- Your card does not work.
- You want to change your PIN because you forgot it or if
someone else knows your PIN. Your public assistance office
may also be able to help you change your PIN. - You want to find out how much you have left in your account.
- You have been charged for a purchase but you didn’t get the food or
if you were charged too much for what you bought. - You have other questions or problems.
Calfresh EBT Card Balance Instructions (Video)
Watch the video below for more help on how to check your California EBT Card balance.
CalFresh EBT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most commonly asked questions about CalFresh EBT Card:
How do I apply for CalFresh EBT/Food Stamps?
There are three ways to apply for EBT/Food stamps in California:
Option 1 – Online
The easiest way to apply for CalFresh food stamps is online. Click here to be taken to the application website.
If you have an account, you can log in or create your getcalfresh.org account.
Option 2 – At a CDSS Office
You can also apply in person at your local Department of Social Services office (CDSS). For the closest CDSS office near you, click here.
Option 3 – Download Application
You can download an application, complete it, and mail it to your county CDSS office or submit it in person.
After you apply, CDSS will schedule your telephone interview.
You may be asked to provide:
- Proof of identity
- Citizenship or immigration status
- Social Security numbers for those requesting assistance
- Proof of household income.
What Can You Buy with CalFresh Food Stamps/EBT?
According to guidelines established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers the food stamps/SNAP program, here is the list of items you are allowed to buy with your EBT Card.
What you CAN buy with EBT Card:
Foods for the household to eat, such as:
- bread and cereals;
- fruits and vegetables;
- meats, fish and poultry; and
- dairy products.
- Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat.
What you CANNOT buy with EBT Card:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco
Any nonfood items, such as: - pet foods
- soaps, paper products
- household supplies
- Vitamins and medicines
- Food that will be eaten in the store
- Hot foods
When will I receive my CalFresh benefits?
In all California counties, except Los Angeles, food Stamps Benefits are deposited on EBT Cards over the first 10 days of every month.
When your food stamps benefit is deposited on your EBT Card depends on the last digit of your case number.
Here is the schedule of payment based on the last digit of your case number:
| 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 |
How do I replace a Lost or Stolen CalFresh Card?
If your California EBT card is lost or stolen, the first thing you want to do is contact California EBT card customer service to report the issue.
Upon contacting customer service, they will deactivate your EBT card. This means that you will no longer have access to your benefits until your replacement card arrives.
To contact California EBT Card Customer Service use the contact information below.
California EBT Card Customer Service Phone Number:
1-877-328-9677
TTY: 1-800-735-2929
You can call 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week
What Grocery Stores Accept CalFresh For Delivery?
If you are a SNAP EBT Cardholder in California, you can shop online with your EBT Card for grocery delivery and pick-up at Walmart, Amazon and other grocery stores through Instacart.
Currently, you can use your Calfresh EBT Card to shop online with your food stamps at 38 grocery stores.
Here’s the full list of participating grocery stores: