Understanding EBT Cards: How to Use, Protect, and Replace Your California EBT Card

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards are the way California distributes CalFresh (food) and CalWORKs (cash) benefits to eligible recipients. This guide will help you understand how to use your EBT card effectively, keep it secure, and know what to do if it's lost, stolen, or damaged.

Getting Your EBT Card

Initial Card Issuance

After you're approved for benefits:

Your EBT card will arrive by mail within 7-10 business days
The card and PIN are mailed separately for security reasons
Your card will arrive in a plain white envelope to protect your privacy
Cards are issued in the name of the head of household or authorized representative

Activating Your Card

To activate your new EBT card:

Call the EBT Customer Service number at 1-877-328-9677
Select your preferred language from the menu options
Choose the option to activate a new card
Enter your 16-digit EBT card number when prompted
Enter your date of birth and ZIP code for verification
Create your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN)

Setting Up Your PIN

When creating your PIN:

Choose a 4-digit number that's easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess
Avoid obvious numbers like "1234," "0000," or your birth year
Don't use the same PIN you use for other cards or accounts
You'll need to enter your PIN twice to confirm it
Your PIN is active immediately after it's set

Using Your EBT Card

Where You Can Use Your EBT Card

For CalFresh (food) benefits:

Grocery stores and supermarkets
Farmers' markets (many offer "Market Match" programs that double your benefits)
Convenience stores and corner markets that accept EBT
Some online retailers (Amazon, Walmart, and others in select areas)
Approved restaurants in counties participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (for eligible homeless, elderly, or disabled recipients)

For CalWORKs (cash) benefits:

ATMs to withdraw cash (some have surcharge fees, others are surcharge-free)
Cash back with purchases at many retailers
Direct payment at many retailers that accept EBT for non-food purchases

Look for the "EBT Accepted" or "Quest" logo at stores and ATMs.

Checking Your Balance

There are several ways to check your EBT balance:

Phone: Call EBT Customer Service at 1-877-328-9677
Online: Visit www.ebt.ca.gov and log in to your account
Mobile App: Download the official CalFresh or YourTexasBenefits (works in California) mobile app
Receipt: Your last receipt from an EBT transaction shows your remaining balance
ATM: Many ATMs will display your balance when you check it (may incur a fee)

Always check your balance before shopping to avoid embarrassment at checkout.

Making Purchases

To use your EBT card for purchases:

Select your items and proceed to checkout
Tell the cashier you'll be using your EBT card, and whether you're using food or cash benefits
Swipe your card through the point-of-sale (POS) terminal or insert it if it has a chip
Select "EBT" on the keypad when prompted for payment type
Choose "Food" or "Cash" depending on your purchase and available benefits
Enter your 4-digit PIN
The terminal will display the purchase amount - verify it's correct
Press "Yes" or "OK" to approve the transaction
Keep your receipt, which shows your remaining balance

ATM Withdrawals (Cash Benefits Only)

To withdraw cash from an ATM:

Insert or swipe your EBT card at the ATM
Enter your 4-digit PIN
Select "Withdrawal" from the menu
Select "Checking" (not Savings)
Enter the amount you wish to withdraw (must be in multiples of $10 or $20, depending on the ATM)
Confirm the transaction and any applicable fees
Take your card, cash, and receipt

Note: Some ATMs charge surcharge fees for cash withdrawals. To avoid these fees, use surcharge-free ATMs or get cash back with purchases at grocery stores or other retailers.

What You Can and Cannot Buy

With CalFresh (food) benefits, you CAN buy:

Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for your household

With CalFresh benefits, you CANNOT buy:

Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco products
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
Hot foods prepared for immediate consumption
Non-food items (pet food, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, etc.)

With CalWORKs (cash) benefits, you can make most purchases or withdrawals, but CANNOT:

Use benefits in casinos, poker rooms, card clubs, adult entertainment venues, bail bond establishments, nightclubs/saloons/taverns, liquor stores, cannabis dispensaries, or racetracks
Purchase alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, lottery tickets, firearms, or ammunition
Use your EBT card outside of California for more than 30 days (must notify your county if you'll be out of state longer)

Protecting Your EBT Card

Security Best Practices

Sign the back of your card as soon as you receive it
Keep your card in a safe place, like a wallet or purse
Never leave your card unattended or give it to someone else to use
Check your balance regularly to monitor for unauthorized transactions
Be aware of your surroundings when using your card, especially at ATMs
Don't write your PIN on your card or keep it written down in your wallet

PIN Protection Tips

Never share your PIN with anyone, including family members who aren't authorized users
Shield the keypad when entering your PIN at stores or ATMs
Change your PIN immediately if you suspect someone knows it
Don't use easily guessed numbers for your PIN (like birth dates or simple sequences)
If you forget your PIN, call EBT Customer Service to reset it

Avoiding Common Scams

Be alert for these common EBT scams:

Phishing: Never respond to texts, emails, or calls asking for your EBT card number or PIN
Card Skimming: Inspect ATMs and card readers for suspicious attachments before inserting your card
Benefit Selling: Never sell or trade your benefits for cash or other items (this is illegal)
Fake Websites: Only check your benefits on official sites (www.ebt.ca.gov or BenefitsCal.com)
Card Cloning: Keep your card in sight when making purchases

Remember: Official government agencies will NEVER call, text, or email asking for your card number, PIN, or personal information.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you notice unauthorized transactions or suspect fraud:

Call EBT Customer Service immediately at 1-877-328-9677 to report it
Report the fraud to your county office
Request a new card and PIN
File a police report if necessary
Keep all documentation and receipts related to the fraud

Replacing Your EBT Card

When to Request a Replacement

Request a replacement EBT card if:

Your card is lost, stolen, or damaged
Your card is not working properly
Your name on the card is incorrect
You suspect unauthorized use of your benefits
Your magnetic stripe is worn out or your chip is damaged

How to Report a Lost/Stolen Card

To report a lost or stolen card:

Call EBT Customer Service at 1-877-328-9677 immediately (available 24/7)
Your card will be deactivated immediately to prevent unauthorized use
Confirm your identity with the customer service representative
Request a replacement card
A new card will be mailed to your address on file (typically arrives in 5-7 business days)
You'll need to create a new PIN when you activate your new card

Important: Any benefits stolen before you report your card as lost or stolen generally cannot be replaced.

How to Report a Lost/Stolen Card

To report a lost or stolen card:

Call EBT Customer Service at 1-877-328-9677 immediately (available 24/7)
Your card will be deactivated immediately to prevent unauthorized use
Confirm your identity with the customer service representative
Request a replacement card
A new card will be mailed to your address on file (typically arrives in 5-7 business days)
You'll need to create a new PIN when you activate your new card

Important: Any benefits stolen before you report your card as lost or stolen generally cannot be replaced.

Multiple Replacement Request Rules

California has rules about multiple card replacements:

If you request 4 or more replacement cards within a 12-month period, you may be contacted for an explanation
Excessive replacement requests may trigger an investigation for potential misuse
If you have a legitimate reason for multiple replacements (such as disability or domestic violence), explain this when requesting a replacement

Emergency Replacement Options

If you need your benefits urgently:

Some counties offer emergency replacement cards that can be picked up in person at your local county office
Contact your county office to ask about emergency card replacement options
You may need to show identification to pick up an emergency replacement card
Not all counties offer this service, so check with your specific county

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Card Not Working at Point of Sale

If your card is declined or not working:

Verify you have sufficient benefits in your account
Ensure you're using the correct PIN
Check if the retailer accepts EBT for your type of purchase
Make sure you're selecting the correct benefit type (Food or Cash)
Examine your card for visible damage
Ask the cashier to manually enter your card number if the stripe won't read
If problems persist, call EBT Customer Service at 1-877-328-9677

Unexpected Balance Issues

If your balance is not what you expected:

Check your recent transaction history through the EBT Customer Service line or website
Verify when your benefits are scheduled to be deposited
Confirm all transactions are ones you authorized
Contact your county office if your benefits haven't been deposited on schedule
Report any unauthorized transactions immediately

Damaged Cards

If your card is damaged:

You may still be able to use it if the damage is minor
If the card doesn't work, request a replacement through EBT Customer Service
Keep the damaged card until you receive and activate your replacement
Never attempt to repair the card yourself with tape or other materials

Accessing Benefits When Traveling

When traveling:

Your California EBT card will work anywhere in the United States that accepts EBT
Check your balance before traveling
Notify your county if you'll be out of California for more than 30 days
Be aware that Restaurant Meals Program benefits may only work in participating counties
International use is not supported

Resources and Support

EBT Customer Service

Phone: 1-877-328-9677 (available 24/7)
Services available:
- Report lost, stolen, or damaged cards
- Check your balance
- Review recent transactions
- Change your PIN
- Request a replacement card
- Get help with transaction problems

Online and Mobile Tools

California EBT Website: www.ebt.ca.gov - Check balance, view transactions, find ATMs and retailers
Mobile Apps: Search for "EBT" or "ConnectEBT" in your app store for official apps
BenefitsCal Website: BenefitsCal.com - Manage your overall benefits case
EBT Retailer Locator: Retailer Locator Tool

Additional Help Resources

County Offices: Contact your local county office for issues with eligibility or benefit amounts
California Department of Social Services: CDSS EBT Information
CalFresh Info Line: 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD)
Legal Aid: If you believe your benefits were wrongfully reduced or terminated, contact your local legal aid office

Final Tips

Always keep your receipts until you verify the transaction amount matches what was deducted from your account
Know your benefit deposit date (varies based on case number)
Report any issues with your card or account promptly
Keep your contact information updated with your county office to ensure you receive important notices
If you're having trouble with a retailer accepting your EBT card for eligible purchases, contact EBT Customer Service