Lost my EBT card in Fresno County - Can I get replacement same-day at office?
I think I lost my CalFresh EBT card yesterday somewhere between grocery shopping and getting home. Tore apart my whole apartment looking for it but can't find it anywhere. I need to buy food for my kids this weekend and can't wait for a replacement in the mail. Does anyone know if I can just walk into the Fresno County office and get a new card right away? Do I need an appointment? Also should I report the card as lost before going in, or can they do that when I'm there? Really stressing about this 😫
19 comments
Join the conversation
NebulaNinja
yes u can go to the fresno county office on tulare street and they can give u a new card same day. did this last summer when my wallet got stolen. bring ur ID tho!!! they wont give u a new one without it
0 coins
Giovanni Mancini
•THANK YOU! Forgot about the ID part. Will definitely bring that with me.
0 coins
Fatima Al-Suwaidi
You should first call the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 to report your card lost/stolen right away. This protects your benefits if someone found your card. After that, yes, you can go to the Fresno County Department of Social Services office at 205 W. Tulare Ave and request a replacement card. You'll need your photo ID, and they should be able to issue a new card while you wait. Their office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday-Friday.
0 coins
Giovanni Mancini
•Thank you for the detailed info! I'll call that number right now to report it lost, then head over to the office with my ID.
0 coins
Dylan Mitchell
•This is right. I work at a community org in Fresno and we tell clients this exact process. Definitely report the card lost FIRST before going in. Your benefits stay safe that way.
0 coins
Sofia Morales
Wait, don't they charge u like $5 for a replacement card now?? I swear they took money out of my benefits last time I had to get a new one in 2024. And I think after like 3 replacements in a year they charge u even more
0 coins
Fatima Al-Suwaidi
•The first replacement in a calendar year is actually free. After that, yes, there's a $5 fee that comes out of your benefits for each additional replacement card. If you need more than 3 replacements in a 12-month period, they can require an interview to determine if there's a good reason before issuing another card.
0 coins
Sofia Morales
•ok good to know! i must have been on my second one then when they charged me
0 coins
Dmitry Popov
God the Fresno county office is THE WORST. Last time I went there for a card replacement, I waited 4 HOURS!!!! The place was packed with like 100 people and they had 2 workers at the desk. Bring something to do while you wait. And don't go during lunch time whatever you do.
0 coins
Ava Garcia
•this is so true lol. go first thing in morning right when they open if u can. thats what i do now + its way faster
0 coins
Giovanni Mancini
•Ugh, that sounds awful. Maybe I'll try going right when they open tomorrow morning.
0 coins
StarSailor}
If you're having trouble getting through to anyone at the Fresno County office by phone to verify their current process, you might want to try Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to an actual CalFresh worker without waiting on hold forever. I used it when I needed to resolve a benefits issue last month and got through in minutes instead of hours. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check their video demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 - totally worth it when you're dealing with an urgent issue like needing your EBT card.
0 coins
Giovanni Mancini
•Thanks for the tip! I'll check that out if I have trouble. Right now I'm planning to just go to the office in person tomorrow morning, but if that doesn't work out I'll definitely look into this.
0 coins
Dylan Mitchell
One thing nobody mentioned - make sure your address is up to date in their system before you go. If you moved since last time you updated your info with them, they might try to mail it instead. I had this happen to a client last month and she had to update her address first, then get the card.
0 coins
Giovanni Mancini
•That's a really good point! I did move about 3 months ago but I updated my address online through the BenefitsCal website. Hopefully that's enough but I'll bring my lease just in case they need proof.
0 coins
NebulaNinja
also dont 4get to ask them for ur pin again cuz they dont give u the same one with new card. i forgot to ask n had to go back next day cuz i couldnt use the card without it lol
0 coins
Ava Garcia
sameday replacement totally depends on office staff n how busy they r. my cousin went in fresno last week n they mailed his card instead cuz they said theyre out of blank ones or somethin. bring cash as backup just in case?
0 coins
Dmitry Popov
•Are you serious??!! They can just be "out of cards"? That's ridiculous! What are people supposed to do if they need food that day?
0 coins
Giovanni Mancini
•Now I'm worried... I really need these benefits this weekend. I'll definitely bring some emergency cash just in case. Thanks for the heads up.
0 coins