Just received my CalFresh EBT card and PIN - what do I do next? Activation help needed!

Congrats on your approval! Here's what you need to do: 1. First, call the number on the back of your EBT card to activate it. You'll need to enter your PIN during this call. 2. Your benefits are typically loaded on the same day each month based on the last digit of your case number. For example, if your case number ends in 3, your benefits load on the 3rd of each month. 3. Once activated, you can use your card right away at any store that accepts EBT (most grocery stores and farmers markets). 4. Create an account on the EBT website (www.ebt.ca.gov) or download the California EBT mobile app to check your balance, transaction history, and find stores that accept EBT near you. If you just got approved, your first month's benefits might be prorated depending on when in the month you were approved. So don't worry if the amount seems less than expected.

i got my card last yr and didn't need 2 activate it!! just went to the store and used it right away with the pin they sent me. worked fine

I remember being so confused when I got mine too! One thing I wish someone told me - keep track of your balance! The EBT app is decent but sometimes glitches. I got embarrassed at checkout once when my purchase was declined because I thought I had more money on my card than I actually did. Also, make sure you understand what you can and can't buy with CalFresh. Basically food items are covered (including seeds to grow food!), but no hot prepared foods, alcohol, household items, or hygiene products. Oh and when you set up your account online, you can also see exactly what day of the month your benefits will load each month.

To add to the great advice already shared: after you activate your card by calling the number on the back, you can use it immediately. There's no waiting period. Your benefits for each month are deposited on a specific day based on the last digit of your case number (which should be on your approval letter): - Case ending in 1: Benefits available on the 1st - Case ending in 2: Benefits on the 2nd - And so on through 0, which gets benefits on the 10th If you were just approved, your first month might be different or prorated. You can call your county office to confirm when your first deposit will happen if you're concerned. Also important: your PIN is crucial. If you ever forget it, the process to reset it can take time. I recommend storing it somewhere secure but accessible.

When I got my CalFresh EBT last year, I was so confused about the whole process! I called the number on the back to activate, then I tried to use it that same day and it worked fine. But beware - some stores will ask for ID the first time you use your card, so bring your ID when you go shopping. Also, has anyone else had trouble getting through to their county worker with questions? I've been trying to update my address for 2 WEEKS and can't get anyone on the phone!!! So frustrating.

Update: I called the number on the back of my card and activated it! They told me my benefits will be loaded on the 8th of each month (tomorrow) since my case number ends in 8. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I'm downloading the EBT app now to track my balance like you all suggested. One more question - do these benefits expire if I don't use them right away? I want to budget carefully.

don't 4get u can use calfresh at farmers markets and some of them do that thing where they give u double money!!! like u spend $10 and get $20 worth of fruits and veggies its awesome

Hey Ravi! So glad you got everything sorted out with the activation! Just wanted to add a couple more tips as someone who's been using CalFresh for a while: 1. If you ever have issues with your card being declined at a store, ask them to run it as "EBT Food" instead of just "EBT" - sometimes the cashier selects the wrong option and it helps to be specific. 2. Keep your receipt from your first grocery trip! It'll show your remaining balance, which is helpful to double-check against the app. 3. Don't be shy about asking store employees where the EBT-eligible items are if you're unsure. Most grocery stores have signs, but it can be confusing at first. You're going to do great! The fact that you're already thinking about budgeting carefully shows you're approaching this responsibly. Welcome to the CalFresh community - we're all here to help each other out!

Just wanted to add something that helped me when I first got CalFresh - if you're planning to shop at different stores, it's worth checking which ones have the best EBT policies. Some stores like Walmart and Target let you use EBT for online grocery pickup (super convenient!), while others are in-store only. Also, if you're ever unsure about whether something is EBT-eligible while shopping, most stores have little shelf tags that say "EBT" or "SNAP eligible" next to the price. One more thing - if you're shopping somewhere new and your card gets declined, don't panic! Sometimes the card readers are finicky or the cashier needs to try running it a second time. I've had that happen a few times and it usually works on the second try. Good luck with your first shopping trip tomorrow!

Welcome to CalFresh, Ravi! It's so great to see how this community comes together to help newcomers navigate the system. I've been using CalFresh for about 6 months now and still learn new things from reading these discussions. One thing I wish I had known earlier - download a budgeting app or keep a simple notebook to track your CalFresh spending for the first few months. It really helped me understand my shopping patterns and make my benefits stretch further throughout the month. I use a simple phone app where I just enter how much I spent after each grocery trip. Also, if you're interested in cooking more at home to maximize your benefits, there are some great free resources like the SNAP-Ed nutrition education programs that many counties offer. They teach you how to prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals with CalFresh-eligible ingredients. You're off to a great start by asking questions and planning ahead. The learning curve isn't too steep, and before you know it, using your EBT card will feel totally natural. Happy grocery shopping tomorrow!

Hey Ravi! Congratulations on getting approved for CalFresh! I just went through this same process a few months ago and totally understand the confusion. Everyone here has given you amazing advice already. One small thing I'll add - when you do your first grocery shopping trip tomorrow, don't feel pressured to spend all your benefits at once. I made that mistake my first month and ended up with way too much food that went bad before I could eat it. It's totally fine to make multiple smaller trips throughout the month as you figure out your shopping rhythm. Also, if you have any Asian grocery stores near you, many of them accept EBT and often have really great prices on rice, vegetables, and other staples. I've found some of my best CalFresh deals at the Korean market in my neighborhood. You're going to do great! This community is super helpful if you have any other questions down the road. Welcome to the CalFresh family! 🙂

Hey Ravi! Congrats on getting your CalFresh approval - that's awesome! 🎉 I see you've gotten tons of great advice already (this community is seriously the best!), but I wanted to add one more thing that really helped me when I first started: don't be afraid to ask questions at the store! I was so nervous my first time using my EBT card that I almost didn't buy something I really needed because I wasn't sure if it was eligible. The cashier was super understanding and helped me figure it out. Also, pro tip: if you're shopping at a store with self-checkout, using your EBT card there can feel a bit more private if you're feeling self-conscious at first. I know some people don't care, but when I was new to CalFresh, it helped reduce my anxiety about using the card in public. You've got this! And remember, you're using a resource that you're entitled to - there's nothing to feel embarrassed about. This program exists to help people, and you deserve that help. Happy shopping tomorrow! 🛒

Hey Ravi! I'm so happy to see how this thread has evolved - it's amazing to watch someone go from confusion to confidence with the help of this community! I wanted to add one more resource that's been a game-changer for me: CalFresh Healthy Living (formerly SNAP-Ed) has a free app called "Fresh EBT" that not only tracks your balance but also shows you which stores near you accept EBT and even has digital coupons you can use WITH your CalFresh benefits to save even more money. Also, since you mentioned budgeting, I've found that planning meals around sales and seasonal produce really helps stretch those benefits. Like right now, winter squash and root vegetables are usually cheaper and last longer in storage. One last thing - if you ever have issues with your card or need to report it lost/stolen, save the customer service number (1-877-328-9677) in your phone. I had to use it once when my card got demagnetized and they were super helpful. You're going to do amazing! This community has your back, and don't hesitate to come back with any other questions. We've all been where you are now! 💪

Hey Ravi! What an incredible thread this has become - it's so heartwarming to see how this community has rallied around you with such detailed, practical advice! I wanted to add one more tip that I wish someone had told me when I first got CalFresh: consider shopping with a calculator (or using your phone's calculator) for your first few trips. It really helps you stay within budget and avoid any awkward moments at checkout. I used to add up my total as I shopped and it made me feel so much more confident. Also, if you have a Dollar Tree near you, they accept EBT and have surprisingly good deals on things like canned goods, pasta, and frozen vegetables. Just make sure to check expiration dates since items sometimes sit on shelves longer at discount stores. One thing I noticed from reading through all these responses - this community is absolutely amazing! The way everyone has shared their experiences and tips shows what mutual aid looks like in action. You're not just getting CalFresh benefits, you're joining a network of people who genuinely care about each other's success. Enjoy your first shopping trip tomorrow, and remember that every expert was once a beginner. You've got this! 🌟