Confused about EBT 3.0 - is it just for food or cash benefits too? CalFresh question for my son
Hey everyone, I'm a bit confused about this EBT 3.0 card my son just got. He said I could use it to help with groceries, but I'm not sure if it's just for food or if there's cash benefits on it too? When I tried using it at the store, the cashier asked if I wanted to use 'food' or 'cash' and I didn't know what to say. My son isn't answering his phone today. I don't want to do anything wrong or illegal. Can someone explain if CalFresh EBT 3.0 is supposed to have cash benefits or is it only for food? And is it even okay for me to use it if it's my son's card?
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Noah Torres
EBT cards can have both CalFresh (food only) and CalWORKs (cash aid) benefits on the same card, depending on what programs the person is enrolled in. If your son only receives CalFresh, then the card will only work for eligible food items. If he also receives CalWORKs, then there would be cash benefits that can be used for other purchases or withdrawn at ATMs. However, I should point out that EBT cards are not transferable - they're only meant to be used by the person whose name is on the account or an authorized household member that was listed on the application. Using someone else's EBT card (even a family member's) when you're not an authorized user can be considered fraud.
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Natalie Wang
•Oh no! I had no idea. He just said I could use it to get some groceries when I'm watching his kids (my grandkids). I don't want to get him in trouble. So if I'm not living with him, I shouldn't be using it at all?
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Samantha Hall
The EBT 3.0 is just the newest version of the card but doesnt change how benefits work. My sister got one last month and was all confused too lol. If ur sons only getting CALFRESH then its ONLY for food no cash. If he has both programs then ya it has both. But like seriously be careful cuz they track who uses the card and when!!! My cousin let her boyfreind use hers and got a whole fraud investigation!!!
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Natalie Wang
•That's scary! I definitely don't want him getting in trouble. I wonder if there's a way he can add me officially since I watch his kids 3 days a week and do most of the grocery shopping for them?
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Ryan Young
To answer your question directly: EBT 3.0 refers to the updated card design and security features, not the benefits themselves. The benefits are determined by which programs your son qualified for. If he only applied for and was approved for CalFresh, then the card only has food benefits. If he also applied and qualified for CalWORKs, then there would be cash benefits as well. Regarding using someone else's card - this is a serious concern. Only the cardholder and authorized household members listed on the case can legally use the card. Even giving someone your PIN is against program rules. Your son should contact his county office to see if you can be added as an authorized representative if you're regularly shopping for his household.
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Sophia Clark
•I went through this EXACT situation with my mom! I was able to add her as an "Authorized Representative" by filling out form CF 285 C1 and submitting it to my county office. Then she could legally shop for me using my benefits when I was working.
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Katherine Harris
Omg everyone is being so dramatic lol. families share food all the time! if ur helping with his kids and buying food FOR THEM then ur just using the benefits for the household they're intended for. my mom uses mine sometimes when she cooks for my kids ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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Ryan Young
•This is not accurate advice and could lead to serious consequences. The rules are very clear that only the cardholder or authorized household members can use the EBT card. Violations can result in disqualification from the program, repayment of benefits, or even criminal charges in severe cases. It's important to follow proper procedures.
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Madison Allen
I've worked with many families who dealt with this situation. Your son needs to add you as an Authorized Representative on his CalFresh case if you're regularly shopping for his household. This is a simple form (CF 285 C1) that can be submitted online through BenefitsCal or in person at the county office. Here's the key difference: If you're buying food that will be consumed by his household (him and his children), then he can authorize you to shop. However, if you're using his benefits to buy food for your own separate household, that would be considered fraud regardless of family relationship. As for the EBT 3.0 question - that's just the newest version of the physical card with better security features. The benefits remain the same based on eligibility.
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Natalie Wang
•Thank you! That makes so much sense. The food is definitely for his kids when I'm watching them at his house. I'll tell him about that form. Does he have to go in person or can he do it online? He works such long hours it's hard for him to get to the county office during business hours.
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Joshua Wood
If your son is having trouble reaching his county office during business hours, I'd recommend he try Claimyr. I was in a similar situation - working 12-hour shifts and needing to add my sister as an authorized rep on my CalFresh case. Called the regular number for WEEKS with no luck getting through. Then I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an actual worker in minutes. Worth checking out their video demo: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 The worker I spoke with completed the whole authorized representative process over the phone and emailed me the form to sign electronically. Saved me from having to take time off work!
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Natalie Wang
•Thank you for this! I'll pass this information to my son. He's always complaining about not being able to get through on the phone. This might really help him get me properly authorized.
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Sophia Clark
its annoying but the EBT rules r super strict!! my neighbor got her benefits cut for 6 months for letting her mom use her card!! they check the times and locations of purchases and if they see its impossible for u to be shopping (like if ur at work) they investigate!! not worth the risk!!
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Katherine Harris
•seriously?? how do they even know where ur supposed to be? thats creepy af that they track u like that
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Noah Torres
•They don't actively track your location, but if there's ever an investigation, they can look at purchasing patterns and times. If there's evidence suggesting the cardholder couldn't have been making the purchases (like being at a documented work shift during purchase times), that can trigger fraud concerns. It's not about tracking - it's about protecting the integrity of the program.
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Natalie Wang
Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I talked to my son last night and it turns out he only gets CalFresh (food benefits) not cash aid. He didn't realize I wasn't supposed to use his card even for buying food for his kids. We're going to fill out that form to make me an authorized representative this weekend. Really appreciate all the advice and saving us from potential trouble!
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Madison Allen
•That's great news! Just a quick tip - when he adds you as an authorized representative, you'll still use his EBT card and PIN, but now it will be legally documented that you have permission to shop for his household. Make sure to keep all receipts too, just as a good practice.
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