If you have a California EBT Card, there are several ways to obtain the balance on your card. In this post, we will explain in detail the three ways you can check your California EBT Card Balance.
Table of Contents:
- How to Check California EBT Card Balance
- List of Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery
- California EBT Frequently Asked Questions
News Alert: Did you know you can use your SNAP EBT Card to buy groceries on Amazon? Click here to find out how.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is responsible for administering California Food Stamp benefits to approved, low-income households who meet income and other requirements.
The state of California deposits food stamp benefits on your EBT Card on the same day every month.
CalFresh EBT Card benefits can be accessed by 5 AM the morning after they are posted to your EBT Card account.
You can use the benefits to make approved food purchases at eligible retail locations.
Most California grocery stores accept EBT Cards as payment. Also, some grocery stores accept EBT online for pickup and delivery.
Additionally, you can use your CalFresh EBT card at most farmers’ markets, including at select locations where you can double your money when you buy produce.
Also, eligible CalFresh EBT cardholders can use their SNAP benefits to buy hot food at approved restaurants in California.
Lastly, you can get discounts and perks with your California EBT, including 50% off Amazon Prime, Free or Discounted phone and internet services, and more.
For instructions on how to check the balance on your California EBT Card, keep reading below.
How to Check your California EBT Card Balance
There are three options for checking your California EBT Card balance. Here they are:
Option 1 – Locate Your Last Purchase Receipt
One of the easiest ways to check your California EBT Card balance is to find the most recent purchase receipt or ATM receipt (for TANF recipients only).
At the bottom of the receipt, you will find the current balance on your card.
In order to use this method to check your balance, be sure to save all of your recent Golden State Advantage Card receipts.
Option 2 – Check Your Golden State Advantage Card Balance Via Phone
Another option is to check your card balance by calling the California EBT Card Customer Service phone number at (877) 328-9677.
Representatives are available to help you retrieve your Golden State Advantage Card balance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Before you call, be sure to have your EBT Card number, 4-digit PIN, and Social Security Number (SSN) ready.
You must provide this information to receive your EBT Card balance information.
Option 3 – Check Your California EBT Card Balance Online
The last option to check your California EBT Card balance is online. You can find out your EBT Card balance online by using the California EBT Cardholder website.
Once you are on the CA.Gov website, enter your User ID and Password.
You must log into your account to check your EBT balance.
For more help, please refer to the screenshot below.
If this is your first time logging in, you must first create an account. Click here to create your California EBT Cardholder Online Account.
Be sure to fill out all the requested information.
California EBT Card Surcharge-Free ATMs
If you are a California EBT Cardholder and receiving cash assistance, you can access your benefits at ATMs in California.
You can use eligible ATMs to check your California EBT Card balance or view your transaction history.
Many eligible EBT ATMs have surcharge fees for using them.
For a complete list of all the California EBT ATMs that do not have surcharge fees, click here.
List of Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the Online Purchasing Pilot that allows select grocery stores to accept EBT cards online.
Currently, there are 29 grocery stores that accept California EBT Cards online for home grocery delivery or store pick-up.
California EBT cardholders can buy food online for delivery and/or pickup from the approved grocery stores listed below.
- Albertsons
- ALDI
- Amazon
- Brothers Marketplace
- Cardenas Markets
- Co-opportunity Market
- ExtraMile by Jacksons
- Food 4 Less
- FoodMaxx
- Gong’s IGA Market
- Jacksons Food Stores
- Jimbo’s Naturally
- Lucky Supermarkets
- Mar Val Foods
- Pavilions
- Raley’s
- Rancho San Miguel Markets
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club Scan and Go
- Save Mart Supermarkets
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Stater Bros.
- Super King Market
- Superior Grocers
- Target
- The Market by Superior
- Vons
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
For more information about how you can use your EBT Card to shop online for delivery, click here.
California EBT Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the California EBT Card.
How much will I get on my EBT card each month?
The amount of benefits you receive on your EBT Card each month is determined by your income and household size.
You can use the Maximum Monthly SNAP Amount Chart to find out the highest amount of benefits you can receive each month.
I have seen people purchase non-food items with an EBT card. I thought SNAP was only for food.
Yes, SNAP benefits are only for food. However, some people have an EBT card for their TANF (cash assistance) benefits.
You can use TANF benefits to purchase food and non-food items. For information on TANF eligibility, contact your local government benefits assistance office.
Where can’t I use my California EBT Card?
You cannot use your California EBT Card at the following locations:
- Casinos
- Poker Rooms
- Card Rooms
- Smoke & Cannabis Shops
- Adult Entertainment Businesses
- Nightclubs/Saloons/Taverns
- Tattoo & Piercing Shops
- Spa/Massage Salons
- Bingo Halls
- Bail Bonds
- Racetracks
- Gun/Ammo Stores
- Cruise Ships
- Psychic Readers
Can I have someone else help me shop using my EBT account?
Ask your local California Food Stamps caseworker about setting up an Authorized Representative (AR).
The AR will have a separate card with his or her own account number and PIN.
In addition, the EBT system is able to track which card is used at any time. The AR will have access to your entire benefit account.
Can I use my California EBT card in other counties and other states?
Your California EBT card will work at any store or ATM that accepts EBT Cards in the United States, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.
Additionally, there are no rules against using your EBT card outside of your state of residence.
However, you are required to report any address change to your local county public assistance office.
If I don’t use all of the benefits I received this month, will these benefits still be available to me next month?
Yes, benefits that are not used in the month issued will stay in the EBT account. You may use these benefits in the following months.
What do I do if I suspect someone has stolen benefits from my EBT Card account?
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, immediately call the California EBT Card Customer Service phone number at (877) 328-9677.
A replacement card will be mailed to you upon reporting that your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
Replacement cards will be received within 3-5 business days.
You can also contact your county Social Services Agency or your local CDSS caseworker. To find a CDSS location near you, click here.
How do I report a store or person that I think is misusing food or cash benefits (committing fraud)?
Misusing benefits on purpose is a federal crime. If you misuse benefits, your benefits can be taken away.
To report a store or person misusing benefits, click here.
What items am I allowed to purchase with my EBT card?
For information on items that you are allowed to purchase with EBT food benefits, click here.
Cash aid may be used to purchase anything that can be legally purchased with currency (cash).
Can I go to a bank teller and withdraw money from my EBT account?
No, you may only withdraw money from an ATM or through a cash-back/cash-only withdrawal at a participating store.
Additionally, bank tellers do not have information or access to EBT accounts.
Are there any fees for using my California EBT Card?
There is never a charge for using your card to buy food.
However, any Bank surcharges (if any) for using cash machines will be taken from your account.
How do I buy food and items with my EBT Card?
Here’s how to use your EBT Card to purchase food items:
- Swipe your card at the store’s payment machine.
- Then select “EBT” from the card options.
- Next, enter your 4-digit PIN.
- Complete the transaction and take your receipt – it will show your current EBT Card balance at the bottom.
California EBT Card Discounts and Savings
Did you know that there are exclusive discounts and freebies available to California EBT Cardholders? It’s true!
If you are currently receiving food stamps, find out how you can save with your California EBT Card.
You can qualify for discounted phone service, internet, free museum admission, and even over 50% off on Amazon Prime!
Check out how you can save with your California EBT card here.
California EBT Card Account
We hope this article on how to check your California EBT Card Balance was helpful.
If so, we encourage you to share this article with anyone who may also find it helpful by using the “Share this” button below.
If you have additional questions about the California Golden State Card, please leave those in the comments section below. We are here to help you!
If you are interested in applying for food assistance in California, you can find out more information on eligibility and the online California SNAP application here.
Be sure to check out our other articles about California Food Stamps and EBT, including:
- California EBT Card Discounts & Free Admissions
- How to Buy Groceries Online with California EBT
- Grocery Stores that Accept EBT online
- How to Get 50% off Amazon Prime with EBT
- Eligible Food Stamps Items