Just activated EBT card but balance shows $0 - no benefits loaded?

When exactly did you get approved? The benefits usually load at midnight on your assigned day based on the last digit of your case number. So if you just got approved this week, your benefits might not load until your regular issuance date next month. However, if you were approved for expedited service (emergency CalFresh), they should be available within 3 days of approval. Check your approval letter - it should specify your monthly issuance date and whether you qualified for expedited.

the same thing happnd to me last summer!! the lazy workers dont tell u that the first deposit happns based on ur case # NOT when u get the card!! so annoying, i was at the store with a cart full of food and had to leave it there bc my 'approved' card had $0!

If you applied for expedited services and were approved, your benefits should be available within 3 calendar days of approval. However, there's often confusion between being "approved" for CalFresh and when benefits actually become available. Here's what I'd suggest: 1. Check if you received a text or email with your approval details (many counties send electronic notices now) 2. Look for information about your certification period and benefit amount 3. Call the EBT customer service number again (not the activation line, but the regular customer service option) to confirm if any benefits are pending 4. If you still don't have answers, you'll need to contact your county office Unfortunately, county phone lines are often overwhelmed. If you need to reach someone quickly, I've had good luck using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they hold your place in the phone queue and call you back when a worker is available. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 But before spending time on hold, double-check if you received any notices about your issuance date. If you qualified for expedited services, something may have delayed your benefits.

Did you apply throgh BenefitsCal or on paper? If you used BenefitsCal, log in and check your notifications area. They often post the approval letters in the online portal before they arrive in mail. That letter will tell you your issuance date and benefit amount. Also check if your card is actually activated properly - sometimes you think it went through but it didnt. Call 877-328-9677 again to double check the activation went through correctly.

Could b a few things: 1) Maybe ur case isnt actually approved yet? Sometimes workers say things are approved but theyre still processing something in the background 2) If u did get approved, benefits are issued based on the last digit of ur case #. Check ur approval papers. Cases ending 1-3 get benefits on the 1st, 4-6 on the 5th, 7-9 on the 10th, 0 on the 15th. So u might need 2 wait till March 3) Maybe there's a verification still needed? Did they ask for any docs u didnt send yet? Def call tomorrow. The county offices SUUUUCK at answering phones but keep trying.

Update: I checked my BenefitsCal account like someone suggested and found my approval letter! It says I was approved for regular CalFresh, NOT expedited, and my benefits will be available on the 8th of each month (my case number ends in 8). The worker definitely confused me by saying I could use it right away once I got the card. Mystery solved - I just need to wait until the 8th. Thanks everyone for your help!

so annoying they dont tell u this stuff!! they expect everyone to just magically know how the system works 🙄

This is a common issue with new CalFresh recipients. I'm glad you were able to find your approval letter! Here's some additional info that might help you going forward: 1. Your EBT card will automatically load on the 8th of every month 2. Benefits roll over month-to-month if you don't use them all (they expire after 9 months) 3. You'll need to complete a SAR7 form after 6 months and a recertification at 12 months 4. If your income changes by more than $100, you should report it within 10 days Since you've got a few days until your benefits load, you might want to look into emergency food assistance through local food banks. 211 can connect you with resources in your area if needed.

Great that you got it sorted out! Just wanted to add that you can also download the ebtEDGE mobile app to easily check your balance and transaction history without having to call the number every time. It's really convenient for keeping track of your benefits. Also, if you ever need to replace your card (lost/stolen), you can request a new one through the app or by calling the customer service line. Welcome to CalFresh!