Lost EBT card - Can I get a replacement at any County office building?

You need to go to the county office where your CalFresh case is managed, so Alameda County in your situation. Each county handles their own cases, and San Francisco wouldn't have access to your Alameda case file. However, before making the trip, call the EBT Customer Service line at 1-877-328-9677 first to report your card lost. They can deactivate it immediately so no one else can use your benefits. For going to the office, bring your ID and they should be able to issue you a new card on the spot in most cases. The Alameda County Social Services office in Oakland (Eastmont Self-Sufficiency Center) can typically provide same-day EBT card replacements.

I work at a community resource center and help clients with CalFresh issues regularly. You definitely need to go to your home county (Alameda) where your case is based. Bring your ID and know your Social Security number - that's usually all they need to verify your identity. If possible, call ahead to the office to confirm they can print cards on-site, as some smaller satellite offices don't have the equipment. Also important: Once you get your new card, you'll need to create a new PIN. And your old PIN won't automatically transfer to the new card.

This happened to me last month and I FREAKED OUT!! I called the EBT customer service line and was on hold FOR.EVER. After like 40 minutes they finally helped me cancel the card but said I had to wait 5-7 days for a new one in the mail. I explained I needed food right away for my kids and they didn't seem to care at all. I ended up going to my county office anyway (I'm in LA County) and they were able to give me a card that day, but I had to wait 4 hours!!! The system is so broken. I feel your frustration!!!

Just to add some important info here - when you get your replacement EBT card, your benefits themselves aren't affected. The balance that was on your lost card will be on the new card once it's activated. Some people think they lose their benefits when they lose their card, but that's not the case. Also, you're allowed to get up to 4 replacement cards per year before the county might flag your account for suspicious activity. After that, they might ask more questions or require an interview about why you need so many replacements.

u can also freeze ur card on the ebt app if u find it later. my kid took mine once n i thought it was gone lol

Doesn't the county office close at like 4:30pm? Hope you make it there in time! The Oakland one is always packed whenever I go.

I lost my card 3 times this year already lol. Once in the washer, once at the store, and once my dog literally ate part of it. Each time I just called the 800 number and got a new one in the mail. Didn't know you could go in person to get one faster!

Pro tip for anyone reading this thread - you can also request emergency food assistance while you're at the county office getting your replacement card! If you're completely out of food and benefits, some counties can provide same-day emergency CalFresh benefits (usually $50-100) that get loaded immediately onto your new card. You just need to explain it's an emergency situation. Not all counties offer this, but it's worth asking about, especially when you have kids to feed.

For future reference, you can also download the "ebtEDGE" app on your phone! It lets you check your balance, view transaction history, and most importantly - you can temporarily lock/unlock your card if you misplace it again. Super handy for parents who are always juggling a million things. Glad you got your replacement card sorted out so quickly!

Just want to add that if you're ever in this situation again and the county office is closed, some local food banks and community organizations can provide emergency food assistance while you wait for your replacement card. Places like Alameda County Community Food Bank have emergency food boxes available. Also, if you have kids under 18, you might qualify for WIC emergency food vouchers at some locations. It's not ideal, but it can help bridge the gap when you're waiting for a new EBT card. Glad you got everything sorted out so quickly!

Really glad to see this thread helped you get sorted out so quickly! This is exactly the kind of situation where having a supportive community makes all the difference. For anyone else who might face this in the future, I'd also recommend taking a photo of your EBT card (front only, never the back with the magnetic strip) and storing it securely in your phone. That way you'll always have your card number handy when calling customer service. Also, if you have multiple kids and do a lot of grocery shopping, consider asking your county office if you're eligible for a backup card for emergencies - some counties allow this for larger families. Stay safe out there, and don't beat yourself up too much about losing the card - it happens to the best of us!

As someone who's been helping families navigate CalFresh for years, I'm so glad this community came together to help you out! Just wanted to add one more tip for anyone reading - if you're ever in a similar emergency situation and need food immediately while waiting for your card, many grocery stores (especially larger chains like Safeway, Lucky, and FoodMaxx) have managers who can work with you if you explain your situation. They sometimes allow you to shop and pay later once you get your replacement card, especially if you're a regular customer. It's not guaranteed, but it's worth asking. Also, make sure to keep the receipt from today's county office visit - some counties require documentation if you need multiple replacements in a short time period. Great job advocating for yourself and your kids!

This entire thread is such a great example of community support in action! I'm relatively new to this group but have been so impressed by how quickly everyone jumped in to help with practical, actionable advice. As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month, I'm bookmarking this whole conversation for future reference. The tips about the ebtEDGE app, emergency food assistance at county offices, and even the grocery store manager approach are all things I never would have known otherwise. It's reassuring to know there are so many safety nets and resources available, and that there's a community here willing to share their knowledge and experiences. Thanks to everyone who contributed - this is invaluable information for anyone navigating the CalFresh system!