Just to clear up a common misconception - Dollar Tree doesn't have special rules for SNAP/CalFresh benefits. The federal SNAP rules apply everywhere. I think people get confused because everything is inexpensive there, but the rules are about food vs. non-food items, not about price. If you have both CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits on your EBT card, you can use the CalWORKs portion (cash benefits) for pretty much anything except alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, and a few other restricted items. But those are completely separate benefits with different eligibility requirements.

Hey Malik! I totally understand your frustration - I went through the same confusion when I first started using CalFresh. One tip that's helped me stretch my budget: I make a list before going to Dollar Tree and separate it into "EBT items" (food) and "cash items" (everything else). That way I know exactly what I can afford with my benefits vs what I need cash for. Also, Dollar Tree actually has some really good food deals that work with CalFresh - their pasta sauce, canned beans, and frozen vegetables are great values. For the household stuff, I've found that buying generic brands at regular grocery stores during sales can sometimes be cheaper than Dollar Tree anyway. Good luck with your budgeting!

That's good to know! Luckily it worked for me right away, but that could definitely cause confusion for others.

Just wanted to say this thread is SO helpful! I'm bookmarking it because I know I'll probably forget which option to press next time I need to change my PIN. It's crazy how many people struggle with this same issue - you'd think the state would make the phone menu more user-friendly by now. Really glad Oliver got his PIN sorted out and his family can eat tonight! 🙏

i had a weird thing happen once where i changed my pin and then it wouldnt work at the store even tho i KNOW i put it in right!!! had to call again and change it again. just a heads up that might happen

Just wanted to add that if you're ever in a situation where you need to change your PIN urgently like this, you can also temporarily freeze your EBT card through the automated system while you're deciding on a new PIN. This gives you extra protection if you think someone has your number but you need time to think of a secure new PIN. You can call the same 1-877-328-9677 number and choose the option to temporarily block your card, then call back later to unblock it and change your PIN. I learned this trick from a social worker and it's been really helpful when I've felt unsure about my card security.

Just wanted to add that if you're planning to visit multiple attractions, it's worth checking out the California State Parks system too! Many state parks offer discounted day-use fees for EBT cardholders - I think it's around $3 per vehicle instead of the usual $10-15. Places like Millerton Lake and Roeding Park near Fresno participate. It's a different program from Museums for All but another great way to stretch your budget for family outings. You still need to show your EBT card and ID, same as the zoo discount.

Can i still recieve the ebt/snap discount if i go on a sunday ?

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who's been through this recently. I sold my old gaming console and some textbooks last year when I was between jobs and on CalFresh. Made about $400 total through Facebook Marketplace and Venmo. What I did was take screenshots of all the marketplace listings and kept the messages where people asked about buying my stuff. When my recertification came up, I brought a folder with printouts showing what I sold and when. The worker appreciated that I was so organized and it made the whole process smooth. One tip: if you're selling on apps like OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace, the conversation history is great documentation that shows you were selling personal items, not running a business or getting regular income. Good luck with everything!

I'm in a similar situation right now - waiting to start a new job and needing to make ends meet! One thing I learned from my caseworker is that you can also proactively call the CalFresh office to report these sales if you're worried about them showing up unexpectedly during verification. When I sold my old laptop and some furniture last month, I called and explained what I was doing. They made a note in my case file, so when those deposits showed up on my bank statement, there was already documentation that they were from selling personal items, not income. It gave me peace of mind and prevented any confusion later. The wait times can be brutal though - I'd definitely recommend using that Claimyr service someone mentioned if you decide to call. Saved me from sitting on hold for hours! Hope your new job works out and you can get back on your feet soon.