How to activate new EBT card for CalFresh? Need help with PIN setup

Welcome to CalFresh! To activate the new EBT card, call the number on the back of the card - it should be 1-877-328-9677 for California. When you call, you'll need the card number, your daughter's date of birth, and her zip code to verify identity. Then you'll create a 4-digit PIN. Once activated, you can use it immediately at any store that accepts EBT. The funds should already be loaded on the card, but you can also check your balance when you call to activate. Hope this helps!

The other ppl r right u gotta call # on back. But make sure ur daughter remembers the PIN!! My son forgot his and we had to call again and wait like 20 min to reset it. Also some stores u gotta push EBT button before entering pin. Others u push credit/debit first. Kinda confusing at first lol

I think I'm having a similar issue with my card but it's a replacement one. Called the number THREE TIMES and it keeps saying "system unavailable" ugh!! Did your daughter's card come with instructions? Mine was just the card in an envelope, nothing else. So frustrating when you need to buy food and can't access your benefits!!

make sure u are careful with the pin!! if u enter it wrong 4 times the card will lock and u have to call to reset it. happened to me last month and couldnt buy food that day

Everyone has given you good advice about calling the number on the back of the card. I just wanted to add that you should also create an account on BenefitsCal.com if you haven't already. You can check your balance there anytime and see when your next benefits will be deposited. For a family of 2, $430 sounds about right for a full month's CalFresh benefits in 2025. The system usually loads benefits on the same day each month, based on the last digit of your case number (1st through 10th of the month).

When I got my CalFresh EBT card last month it came with instructions that said to call the number on the back. But I actually had to take mine to the county office because there was a problem with my identity verification or something. But that's probably just because my situation was complicated with my name change. Your daughter's should work fine with just a phone call.

One more thing nobody mentioned - once your daughters EBT card is active you can also use the CalFresh app to check the balance and see where you can use it! The app is called "ebtEDGE" and it even shows farmers markets that double your CalFresh dollars. My kids love going to the farmers market with me and picking out fruits since we get twice as much there!

Just wanted to share another helpful tip for new CalFresh users - if you're ever unsure about what you can buy with your EBT card, look for the "SNAP Eligible" signs in stores or ask at customer service. Generally you can buy most food items (fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, etc.) but not hot prepared foods, alcohol, or non-food items like soap or paper towels. Also, if you shop at places like Target or Walmart, make sure to separate your EBT-eligible items from other purchases at checkout. The cashier can split the transaction so you pay for food with EBT and other items with cash/card. Welcome to the program and don't hesitate to ask questions - we've all been there!

Is it necessary to activate a Replacement card.? I've called but the system acknowledges both cards.

Is it necessary to activate a replacement EBT card? I've tried numerous ways I can think of? The system acknowledges both cards.