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