What is an EBT card?
An EBT card, also known as an Electronic Benefits Transfer card, allows recipients of government benefits like SNAP (food stamps) and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) to access their benefits. EBT cards work like debit cards – recipients can use them to purchase eligible food items at participating retailers.
In California, the EBT card program is administered by the state’s Department of Social Services. All SNAP and cash aid benefits are deposited into accounts that are accessed using the California EBT card. This provides a more secure and convenient way for recipients to use their benefits compared to the old system of paper food stamps and welfare checks.
Getting an EBT card in California
When you are approved for SNAP or TANF benefits in California, you will be issued an EBT card loaded with your monthly allotment of funds. The card will be mailed to you; you don’t have to go anywhere to pick it up. It should arrive within 7-10 days after you are approved for benefits.
Along with the card, you will receive instructions on how to activate it and set up your PIN number. This 4-digit PIN acts like a password and must be entered whenever you use the EBT card for purchases.
If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can request a replacement by contacting your local county social services agency or by calling the toll-free EBT Customer Service number at 1-877-328-9677. Replacement cards are typically received by mail within 3-5 business days.
Checking your EBT card balance
After activating your EBT card, you can check your SNAP and cash benefit balances in a few different ways:
– Call the toll-free automated number printed on the back of your card.
– Visit www.ebt.ca.gov and log into your online account.
– Use the mobile app for your smartphone or tablet. Search for “EBT Card” in the App Store or Google Play.
– Make a balance inquiry at an ATM using your EBT card and PIN.
– Ask for your balance at a point-of-sale terminal when making an EBT purchase at a retailer.
Your balance will reflect any deposits, withdrawals or purchases that have posted since the last time you checked. SNAP and cash balances are maintained separately.
Understanding EBT usage restrictions
SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase eligible food items, such as breads, fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and seeds/plants to grow food at home. The EBT card cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, prepared hot foods, or non-food items like pet food, paper products, medicines, or cleaning supplies. Cash benefits from TANF, however, can be used just like cash to purchase anything.
When checking out at the register, inform the cashier that you will be using your EBT card and whether you want to redeem SNAP benefits, cash benefits, or both. The transaction will only go through if you have sufficient funds of the right type available in your account. Cash back is never offered on EBT card purchases.
Using your EBT card at supermarkets
All major supermarket chains in California accept EBT cards. Simply swipe your card at the point-of-sale terminal, enter your PIN, and specify whether to redeem SNAP or cash benefits. Eligible food items will be deducted from your SNAP balance while any non-food items can be paid for with your cash balance.
You can track your purchase totals on the register display and will get a receipt showing your starting and ending balances. Supermarkets are required to clearly mark items that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. If you have issues using your EBT card at any supermarket, ask to speak to a manager for assistance.
Using your EBT card at farmers markets
Many farmers markets across California accept EBT payments, making it easier for SNAP recipients to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. Look for signs stating “EBT Accepted Here” at market entrances and vendor stalls.
Some markets have central terminals where you can swipe your EBT card in exchange for paper tokens or vouchers accepted by the individual vendors. Others allow you to swipe your card directly at each vendor. All purchased produce will be deducted from your SNAP balance.
Double Up Food Bucks is a program operating at many farmers markets that matches up to $10 of SNAP spending with additional produce tokens. This allows you to get even more fresh fruits and veggies with your EBT card!
Using your EBT card at fast food restaurants
Major fast food chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut accept EBT payments in California. However, there are some important limitations:
– Only the actual food item purchases can be paid for with SNAP benefits. Non-food items or prepared hot foods cannot be purchased with SNAP.
– Food ordered for take-out or delivery cannot be paid for with SNAP. EBT cards can only be used to purchase food that is eaten in the restaurant.
– Cash balances can cover non-food items like drinks and delivery fees in addition to the cost of food.
– Some locations may not accept EBT at all or have other restrictions in place. Check first before ordering.
When using your EBT card at fast food chains, let the cashier know upfront that you will be paying with SNAP benefits and be prepared to pay any non-food charges using your cash balance or another payment method.
Shopping online with EBT
In California, you can use your EBT card to order groceries online for delivery or pickup from Walmart and Amazon. This convenient option allows you to shop from home while still only purchasing SNAP-eligible items.
To get started, you must first register your EBT card on the retailer’s website and select an authorized pickup location near you. When placing an order, eligible items will be paid for with your SNAP balance at checkout. Any non-food items must be paid for separately using a credit/debit card or other payment linked to your online account.
Upon pickup, simply swipe your EBT card like usual. The order total will be broken down, so you’ll know exactly how much was deducted from your SNAP balance versus paid through other means.
Withdrawing cash benefits
If you receive cash aid through CalWORKs (TANF), you can withdraw funds from your EBT account at ATMs to access the cash. Start by swiping your EBT card and entering your PIN like a regular ATM transaction. Instead of checking your balance, select “Cash Withdrawal.” The ATM will dispense available cash benefits just like withdrawing from a bank account.
You can also get cash back when making EBT purchases at retailers. Simply ask the cashier to withdraw extra cash from your TANF benefits after swiping your card and entering your PIN. Up to $100 cash back can be obtained this way.
Paying bills with your EBT card
Utility bills, rent payments, and other regular household expenses cannot be paid for directly with your EBT card. SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food items. Cash benefits, while more flexible, still cannot be transferred electronically to third parties using your EBT card.
However, you can withdraw TANF cash at an ATM and use it to purchase money orders, prepaid debit cards, or other forms of payment to then pay your bills. This extra step allows you to pay bills and other expenses using your cash aid while keeping within EBT regulations.
EBT cards in emergency situations
If you lose access to food due to a disaster or emergency, California’s EBT system has safeguards in place to ensure you can still utilize your SNAP benefits.
Contact your county social services agency as soon as possible to report any issues with your EBT card. Staff can help with obtaining an emergency replacement card and/or manually entering your SNAP benefits into the system so they can be used temporarily without the physical card present.
The state may also request emergency waivers from the federal government to allow greater flexibility with SNAP benefits during crises. For example, waivers can extend certification periods, suspend in-person interviews, or authorize replacements for food lost in a disaster.
Monitor news and alerts in your area so you are aware of any temporary EBT modifications designed to ensure access to food remains intact during emergencies.
Protecting your EBT card
– Keep your EBT card locked up securely when not in use.
– Do not lend your card to anyone else. You are responsible for any misuse.
– Keep your PIN secret. Never write it on the card itself.
– Check your balances frequently and report any unauthorized charges right away.
– Do not leave your card unattended while shopping. Wait until you check out to take it out at the register.
– Only swipe your card in reputable, approved EBT locations to avoid potential card skimming scams.
– Monitor your account regularly online or by phone to confirm valid transactions.
Avoiding EBT card scams
Unfortunately, EBT recipients sometimes encounter scams and fraudulent acts relating to their benefits. Here are some common situations to watch out for:
– Being asked for your card number or other personal information over the phone – Never reveal private account details unless you initiate the call to an official EBT customer service line yourself.
– Fake EBT cards for sale – Real EBT cards can only be obtained through the standard application process. Any offers to instantly obtain a card for a fee are scams.
– People offering to exchange your EBT funds for cash at less than face value – This is illegal, and you will lose benefits while the scammer profits.
– Being approached at retailers by strangers asking you to buy items for them – Never allow someone else to ring up EBT purchases under your card.
– Calls, emails or texts claiming to be from “EBT” and asking for account verification – EBT/the state will never contact you this way for private information.
– Fake EBT websites requesting logins – Only access your benefits at the official ebt.ca.gov site or via the official EBT mobile app.
If anything ever seems suspicious relating to your EBT card, report it to your caseworker or EBT customer service right away.
Managing your EBT account
– Set up direct deposit to have benefits deposited right to your EBT account each month rather than waiting for your card to arrive by mail
– Convert to online-only statements to avoid mailed paperwork that could reveal account information
– Sign up for email and text alerts to receive notifications about deposits, low balances, and other EBT account activities
– Use mobile apps to manage your account securely on the go with fingerprint/facial recognition access
– Maintain a written record of your card number and customer service contact info in case your physical card is ever lost or stolen
– Provide customer service with a secondary contact number or email so you can be reached if your primary contact details change
By taking advantage of EBT online and mobile resources and keeping client contact information up-to-date, you can securely monitor your benefits and account usage from anywhere.
EBT card resources
California has many resources to provide help and guidance around getting and using your EBT card:
– **EBT Customer Service Helpline** – Toll-free help is available 24/7 at 1-877-328-9677 for any issues related to your EBT card, PIN, account balance, unauthorized usage, and more.
– **CalFresh Helpline** – For specialized assistance with SNAP/CalFresh benefits, call 866-613-3777 or use the online inquiry form.
– **CalWORKs Info Hotline** – Call 916-654-1322 for help with your California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Kids (TANF) cash aid.
– **Your County Social Services Agency** – Local offices can help update your information, replace lost cards, and answer EBT usage questions. Locate contact info for your county via https://www.cdss.ca.gov/county-offices.
– **EBT Project Website** – www.ebtproject.ca.gov has resources on where to use benefits, avoidig scams, and more.
– **California EBT App** – The official mobile app allows you to securely manage your EBT account on the go with Android/iOS.
Having access to EBT support can help resolve any issues that pop up so you can always use your benefits when needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Conclusion
EBT cards offer California residents receiving SNAP and cash assistance a convenient, secure way to access essential food and living benefits. While the system comes with rules and restrictions, familiarizing yourself with the state’s specific EBT policies, protecting your card information, and utilizing available support resources will ensure a smooth experience using your card. Contact your county social services agency or EBT customer service anytime you need account assistance or have questions about how to use your EBT benefits. With the right knowledge, your EBT card can be a valuable tool in meeting your household’s monthly nutritional and financial needs.
