The California EBT Card , also known as the Golden State Advantage Card , is a program that offers food assistance benefits and cash assistance to eligible residents of the state of California. This card is used to receive and manage benefits such as CalFresh (food stamps, SNAP) and the California Food Assistance Program, as well as cash assistance (TANF) benefits.
The California EBT Card is a safe way to access monthly benefits , since it allows beneficiaries to buy food and basic necessities in authorized stores and supermarkets. In addition to being used to purchase groceries, the California EBT Card may also offer additional discounts and benefits , such as discounts on telecommunications services, free admission, or museum discounts.
Apply for the EBT Card in California
You can apply for the EBT Card in California in the following ways:
- Request the EBT California card online , through the corresponding website. Option 2:
- Apply in person at your local Department of Social Services (CDSS) office .
- Call the Calfresh information line at 1-877-847-3663 and ask to have an application mailed to you to complete the form.
Once you have the EBT card in California, you will then need to activate it to get all the benefits. To do this you must call 1-800-526-9099. If the card is registered in your name, follow these steps:
- Enter the EBT number found on the front of the card.
- Then, provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
Please enter your date of birth below.
- Finally, select a 4-digit PIN that you will use to access the card’s services.
Check the balance of the California EBT card
You can check the balance of your Golden State Advantage Card in the following ways:
- Check your last purchase receipt at a supermarket or authorized ATM. The current balance will appear at the bottom of the receipt.
- Log in to your online account at the Advantage Card website. Enter your card number and you will be able to see your current balance and transaction history.
- Check your balance over the phone by calling the EBT Customer Service number: 1-877-328-9677 . The Customer Service Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
California EBT Deposit Schedule
The California EBT card is the delivery mechanism for the food assistance benefits assigned to you each month . Your benefits will be deposited to your EBT card according to the following schedule :
| If your case number ends in: | Profits are deposited on: |
| 1 | 1st of every month |
| 2 | 2nd of every month |
| 3 | 3rd of every month |
| 4 | 4th of every month |
| 5 | 5th of every month |
| 6 | 6th of every month |
| 7 | 7th of every month |
| 8 | 8th of every month |
| 9 | 9th of every month |
| 0 | 10th of every month |
Restaurants that accept the EBT Card in California
California participates in the Restaurant Meals Program , which allows eligible individuals, such as the elderly, disabled, and homeless, to purchase food at licensed restaurants. Some of the restaurants that accept the EBT Card in California include:
- Burger King
- Denny’s
- Dominos Pizza
- KFC, Subway
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s.
Please note that restaurant participation may vary by county . Participating counties are: Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz.
EBT California card to buy
If you don’t know how to use your card at different locations, here are the steps to use your California EBT card to buy groceries:
- Check your balance: Before you make a purchase, make sure you know your available balance. You can do this by checking your last receipt, by calling Customer Service at 1-877-328-9677, or by checking online.
- Take your purchases to the checkout : Go to the checkout with the products you want to buy. Depending on the store, you may need to separate eligible foods from ineligible ones.
- Swipe your EBT card: Swipe or hand your EBT card to the clerk at the point of sale (POS) terminal.
- Enter your PIN: Enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad. The numbers will be displayed as asterisks to protect your privacy.
- Press «ENTER»: After entering your PIN, press the «ENTER» key on the keyboard.
- Confirm the amount of the purchase: The clerk will enter the total amount of the purchase. If the amount is correct, press the «OK» or «YES» key.
- Get the receipt : You will get a printed receipt that shows the name and address of the store, the amount of your purchase, and the new balance in your food stamp benefit account.
Remember that you cannot be charged to use your food stamp benefits. It is important to follow these instructions and comply with the regulations established for the proper use of the EBT card.