The Guide to EBT/CalFresh in California

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, usually shorted to SNAP and sometimes just called food stamps, is a vital benefit program that helps millions of American families supplement their grocery budget every month.

In California, the SNAP program is called CalFresh, but it works the same as SNAP in any other state. Here's what you need to know about applying for and getting CalFresh benefits in California.

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What is the Golden State Advantage card?#what-is-the-golden-state-advantage-card

The Golden State Advantage card is just California’s version of an EBT card. Once you're approved for benefits, you'll get your Golden State Advantage card in the mail.

It works just like a debit or credit card but is loaded with your SNAP deposits ( also called CalFresh or food stamps) and any cash benefits you receive too. You can use it at any stores that accept EBT.

Once you get your Golden State Advantage card, download a trusted app like Propel to check your EBT balance, see upcoming deposits, track your spending, and more.

California’s EBT customer service number is 1-877-328-9677.

How do I apply for SNAP in California?#how-do-i-apply-for-snap-in-california

The easiest way to apply for SNAP in California is online at GetCalFresh.org (for CalFresh only) or BenefitsCal.com (for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKS).

You can also check online to see if you're eligible for CalFresh and understand SNAP income limits in California before you officially apply, but if you're not sure whether you qualify for SNAP, applying is the best way to find out.

Some California counties will also let you apply for CalFresh over the phone. If you’d rather apply in person, call the CalFresh Information Line (1-877-847-3663), or find your local county office.

If you'd like assistance with your California SNAP application, your local food bank can help.

How do I renew my CalFresh benefits?#how-do-i-renew-my-calfresh-benefits

In general most people have to do two different kinds of renewals for their CalFresh benefits:

1. Fill out the SAR 7 form six months after the latest application or recertification
2. Do a recertification (also called renewal) roughly once per year (sometimes less for some people)

You’ll have to renew your food stamps before your certification period (the amount of time you’ll get food stamps) ends.

For most California households without elderly (60+) or disabled people, that period is 12 months. For most California households with elderly (60+) or disabled people, that period is 24 months.

You’ll get a letter in the mail when it’s time to reapply. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.

You can submit your SNAP renewal in California in two different ways:

1. Online at BenefitsCal.com
2. Returning the paper by mail

As part of renewal, most CalFresh recipients have to do a telephone interview too. Look in the mail for your appointment time, or look online in the "notifications" section of the BenefitsCal portal.

To find out the easiest way to renew in your county, call your county worker, local county office, or the CalFresh Information Line at 1-877-847-3663.

What is the SAR 7 report in California?#what-is-the-sar-7-report-in-california

The SAR 7 report is a form most people who get CalFresh have to fill out six months after they initially applied for or renewed their benefits.

You have to complete the SAR 7 (and include proof of income and any changes) to keep getting your SNAP benefits and avoid missing an EBT deposit.

Read our SAR 7 guide below for common questions, tips, and help completing your SAR 7 form.

When will I get my CalFresh deposit?#when-will-i-get-my-calfresh-deposit

California sends out food stamps over the first ten days of every month, based on the last digit of your case number. The deposits go straight to your EBT card.

Check the full schedule to find out which day you’ll get your food stamp deposit in California.

What household changes do I have to report for CalFresh and when?#what-household-changes-do-i-have-to-report-for-calfresh-and-when

There are two types of changes you probably only need to report at the halfway point and when you recertify your CalFresh benefits:

• When someone moves in or out of your household
• Financial changes like income, rent, savings, or child support

But you need to report any of the following changes no more than ten days after they happen:

• When your household income goes over the monthly income limit. This could be because someone starts making more money or someone with income moves in
• When an adult without a disability or a child (what the government calls an ABAWD) who was working or training 20 hours/week starts working or training less
• When you suddenly have substantial lottery or gambling winnings

You should also report your new address if you are moving to make sure you don’t miss any important letters about your CalFresh benefits. You can report any changes online at BenefitsCal.

How do I replace a lost or stolen EBT card in California?#how-do-i-replace-a-lost-or-stolen-ebt-card-in-california

If your EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should report it as soon as possible so you can get a new one and protect yourself from EBT theft. Here's what to do:

1. Call the California EBT hotline at 1-877-328-9677
2. Press one for English, or choose another language from the options
3. When it asks for your card number, don't press anything—just wait
4. After asking for your card number multiple times, it will give you an option to press one to report your card lost, stolen, or damaged
5. You will then be connected to a customer service representative who can order you a replacement card

My EBT benefits were stolen in California, what can I do?#my-ebt-benefits-were-stolen-in-california-what-can-i-do

If you're a victim of EBT theft, call the California EBT hotline number at 1-877-328-9677. Your state may require you to change your PIN, report your card stolen, and/or request a new card. Learn more about California EBT theft resources.

If your benefits were stolen electronically (like through illegal skimming or phishing) between October 2022–December 20, 2024, you may be eligible to apply for reimbursement.

Unfortunately reimbursement may not be available if the theft happened after December 20, 2024.

What can I buy with EBT in California?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-in-california

You can use your CalFresh benefits to buy most groceries, including:

• Dairy, like milk, cheese and yogurt
• Drinks like juice, water, and energy drinks
• Fruits and vegetables, either fresh, dried, canned, or frozen
• Meat and fish
• Snacks like popcorn, chips, pretzels, and candy
• Pantry stables like flour, olive oil, and spices

You cannot use food stamps to buy alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, live animals, hot foods, pet food, or any non-food household items like diapers, wipes, and cleaning products. See a full list of SNAP-eligible groceries here.

Which stores and restaurants take EBT in California?#which-stores-and-restaurants-take-ebt-in-california

Download the Propel app to see nearby grocery stores and farmer’s markets that take EBT. You don’t need an account to use the map.

If you’re 60 or older, disabled, or homeless, you may qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program, which allows recipients to use EBT at some California restaurants, including Subway, McDonald's, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and others.

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Can I get any discounts with my Golden State Advantage card?#can-i-get-any-discounts-with-my-golden-state-advantage-card

Yes, your EBT card can get you discounted or free admission to museums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and more.

Here's a full list of freebies and discounts you may be able to get as a SNAP recipient.

Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent in California?#can-i-get-more-food-stamps-if-im-pregnant-or-a-new-parent-in-california

Yes—once your child is born, you should report your new family member to your county (on BenefitsCal). More household members means more benefits.

If you're pregnant or have a child under five years old, consider applying for the WIC program, which gives you extra benefits on top of food stamps—including things like support with breastfeeding and extra grocery benefits.

Where else can I get financial help in California?#where-else-can-i-get-financial-help-in-california

If you have a child who is under 18 years old, you may qualify for cash assistance through the CalWORKS program.

CalWORKS provides monthly cash assistance to help families with children get by during tough times. Unlike CalFresh, which is just for groceries, CalWORKS can help you pay for things like rent, utilities, and necessities like clothing.