Are food stamps, EBT cards, and CalFresh all the same thing? So confused!

They're actually all referring to the same program, just different names/terms! CalFresh is California's name for the federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) that used to be called "food stamps" back when actual paper coupons were issued. Now benefits are provided on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at grocery stores. So when people say "food stamps," "CalFresh," or "EBT," they're generally referring to the same food assistance program. You only need to complete one application for CalFresh, and if approved, you'll receive an EBT card loaded with your monthly benefit amount.

my mom still calls them food stamps lol but ya its all the same thing. the card is nice cuz nobody in the store even knows ur using benefits, looks just like a regular card

To add a bit more detail to what others have said: - CalFresh: This is California's name for the federal SNAP program - Food stamps: The old name for the program (from when they used paper coupons) - EBT card: The plastic card you use to access your benefits When you're approved for CalFresh, the county will mail you an EBT card with instructions on how to create a PIN. You'll also receive a BenefitsCal account where you can check your balance, submit documents, and complete your Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) every six months. Your benefits are loaded onto your EBT card on the same day each month based on the last digit of your case number. Also, if you're applying for food assistance, you might want to check if you qualify for other programs like CalWORKs (cash aid) or Medi-Cal (health insurance) since you can apply for all of these at once.

Everyone else is right - same program, different names. Just want to add that if your approved for CalFresh, you might be eligible for other benefits too that aren't as well known! Like discounted internet service, free museum passes through the Museums for All program, and reduced fees for CalFresh recipients at many farmers markets (Market Match program gives you extra $$$ for fruits and vegetables). Don't miss out on these additional benefits!

I work at a community resource center and help people with CalFresh applications all the time. Here's the confusion breakdown: - Food stamps = old term (they stopped using actual stamps in 2004) - CalFresh = current California program name - SNAP = federal program name - EBT = the card and delivery system Think of it like this: CalFresh is the program, EBT is how you receive and use the benefits. It's like saying social security (the program) vs. direct deposit (how you get the money). By the way, if you're struggling to reach someone at the county office about your application, I've had clients use a service called Claimyr that will hold your place in the phone queue and call you back when a worker is available. Saved one client from a 3 hour wait time last week! You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

@profile6 - Yes, it actually works. Several of my clients have used it successfully. The system calls you back when an actual person answers, not when you're still in the queue. It's particularly helpful if you need to speak with a specific county office that has long hold times.

just dont call them ebt stamps... thats like saying atm machine lol

When I first applied last year I was confused too because the paperwork kept mentioning SNAP but I was applying for CalFresh. Nobody explained they were the same thing! I thought I was filling out the wrong forms. The whole system needs better explanation for newcomers.

@profile4 Regarding your question about the SAR7 form - it's not too difficult. You'll need to report: - Any changes in household members - Income changes (paystubs or self-employment) - Address changes - Property or resource changes (if you bought a car, received a large sum of money, etc.) You can submit it online through BenefitsCal or mail/drop it off at your county office. The important thing is submitting it on time (usually by the 5th of your reporting month). If you miss the deadline, your benefits could be discontinued. The form itself has clear instructions, and there's usually a helpline number on it if you have questions.

@profile4 The county will mail you the SAR7 form about a month before it's due, which serves as a reminder. You can also sign up for text or email notifications through BenefitsCal. Setting a calendar reminder on your phone for every 6 months is another good strategy!

Welcome to the program! I've been using CalFresh for about 2 years now and want to add a few practical tips that might help as you navigate this: 1. Keep all your paperwork organized in one folder - you'll need to reference it for your SAR7 reports and any benefit reviews 2. Download the ebtEDGE mobile app to check your balance and transaction history on the go 3. Some stores (like Walmart and Target) let you use EBT for grocery pickup orders, which can be super convenient 4. If you ever have issues with your card (lost, stolen, or not working), you can get a replacement pretty quickly by calling the number on the back The learning curve feels steep at first but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty straightforward. Don't hesitate to ask questions here - this community has been incredibly helpful whenever I've had concerns about my benefits!

One thing I wish someone had told me when I first applied is that you can actually use your EBT card at some farmers markets AND get bonus money for fresh produce! Many markets participate in the Market Match program where if you spend $10 in EBT benefits on fruits and vegetables, you get an additional $10 to spend on more fresh produce. It's like doubling your money for healthy food. Also, some areas have mobile markets that come to neighborhoods and accept EBT - super helpful if you don't have reliable transportation to get to regular grocery stores. The California Association of Food Banks website has a market locator tool to find participating locations near you.

As someone who just got approved for CalFresh last month, I can confirm everything everyone said is true! The terminology was super confusing at first. I kept asking the county worker "but when do I get my food stamps?" and she kept saying "you'll get your EBT card" - I thought they were two different things! One thing I'll add that really helped me was calling the EBT customer service line (1-877-328-9677) after I got my card. They walked me through how to check my balance, explained the PIN setup process, and even told me which grocery stores near me accept EBT. Way more helpful than trying to figure it out on my own. Also, don't be embarrassed about using it! I was so nervous the first time I used my card at the store, but honestly nobody cares. The cashiers see EBT cards all day long. You're just getting the food assistance you qualify for and deserve. Good luck with your application!

Just wanted to jump in as another newcomer who was equally confused about all the terminology! I literally googled "difference between CalFresh and food stamps" like 20 times before finding this thread. It's honestly ridiculous that they don't explain this better in the application materials - I was worried I was missing out on benefits by not applying for "food stamps" separately from CalFresh! One question I haven't seen addressed yet: when you get approved, do they tell you exactly how much you'll receive each month, or does the amount vary? I'm trying to budget and plan meals but I have no idea what to expect for my monthly benefit amount. Also, are there restrictions on what you can buy besides the obvious ones (no alcohol, cigarettes, etc.)? Like can you buy spices, cooking oil, that kind of stuff? Thanks everyone for making this so much clearer - this community is incredibly helpful for people like us who are navigating this system for the first time!

As someone who works in enrollment assistance, I see this confusion ALL the time! You're definitely not alone in being confused by the terminology. Here's what I tell all my clients: Think of it like this: "CalFresh" is the name of California's food assistance program, "EBT card" is the tool you use to access your benefits (like how a debit card accesses your bank account), and "food stamps" is just what older generations still call it from back when they used actual paper coupons. One tip I always give new applicants: when you submit your CalFresh application, you'll get a receipt with a case number. Keep that number handy! You can use it to check your application status online at GetCalFresh.org or by calling your county office. This way you won't have to wait weeks wondering what's happening with your application. Also, if you qualify for CalFresh, make sure to ask about CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) if you're elderly, disabled, or homeless - it lets you use your EBT card at participating restaurants. Not everyone knows about this option! Good luck with your application - you're taking an important step to ensure your food security!

Just wanted to add another resource that helped me a lot when I was first learning about CalFresh! The California Department of Social Services has a really good FAQ page that explains all the terminology in plain English. I wish I had found it earlier instead of spending hours trying to decode all the different names. Also, for anyone who's feeling overwhelmed by the application process - many counties have community partners who can help you fill out the application for free. I went to my local food bank and they had someone who walked me through the whole thing step by step. They even helped me gather all the documents I needed. It made the process so much less stressful than trying to do it alone. One last thing - if you're approved, your benefits will be available on your EBT card by the 10th of each month (the exact date depends on your case number). I was checking my card obsessively the first month because I didn't know when to expect the money to show up! The county should tell you your specific deposit date in your approval letter.

As someone who just went through this exact same confusion a few months ago, I totally feel your pain! The terminology really is all over the place and it's honestly frustrating that they don't make it clearer from the start. What really helped me was thinking of it this way: CalFresh is like the "program name" (similar to how Medicare or Social Security are program names), EBT is the "delivery method" (like how direct deposit delivers your paycheck), and "food stamps" is just the old-fashioned term that stuck around even though they haven't used actual stamps in decades. One thing I wish I had known earlier - when you do get approved and receive your EBT card, make sure to activate it right away and set up your PIN. I let mine sit for a week because I was nervous about using it, and then panicked thinking it might expire! Also, most grocery stores have self-checkout options if you're feeling self-conscious about using it the first few times. You're definitely asking the right questions and you're not alone in this confusion. The fact that you're being proactive about understanding everything shows you're going to do just fine navigating the system. Good luck with your application!