When are CalFresh EBT benefits deposited each month? Different dates for different people?
Hi everyone! I just got approved for CalFresh benefits last week (yay!!!) but I'm confused about when I'll actually receive my benefits on my EBT card. The worker told me something about deposit dates being spread throughout the month, but I was so nervous during the interview I didn't fully understand. Is it true that CalFresh benefits are deposited on different days for different people? Or do all recipients get their benefits on the same day each month? I need to plan my grocery shopping and want to know when to expect the money. Thanks in advance for your help!
21 comments


Keisha Robinson
congrats on getting approved! yes ebt is deposited every month but the day depends on the last digit of ur case number. its always the same day for u each month tho
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Yara Haddad
•Omg thank you! Where do I find my case number? Is it on the approval letter or on the EBT card itself?
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Paolo Conti
CalFresh benefits are deposited monthly but on different days depending on the last digit of your case number. In California, benefits are distributed over the first 10 days of each month. For example, if your case number ends in 7, you'll get your benefits on the 7th of every month. If it ends in 0, you'll get them on the 10th. Your case number should be on your approval notice and any correspondence from the county office. This staggered distribution helps prevent everyone from shopping on the same day and overwhelming grocery stores.
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Yara Haddad
•Thank you so much for explaining! This makes perfect sense. I found my case number on my approval letter and it ends with 4, so I guess I'll get my benefits on the 4th of each month. So helpful!
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Amina Sow
•mine ends in 0 and i get it on the 10th every month which SUCKS cuz its so late in the month and i always run out of food before then 😩
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GalaxyGazer
YES they deposit every month but THE SYSTEM IS SO MESSED UP!! Sometimes I don't even get mine on the right day and have to call and WAIT FOR HOURS just to be told 'it's coming' or 'there's a system delay' or some other excuse. Last month they were 2 DAYS LATE and nobody would tell me why!!! They expect us to plan our whole lives around these benefits but can't even get the deposits right! So frustrating!!!
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Oliver Wagner
•I had the same thing happen to me once. Called the EBT customer service line and apparently there was a 'system update' that delayed everyone's benefits. No warning, no nothing.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•If you're having trouble reaching someone at the county when benefits are delayed, I've had luck using Claimyr.com to get through the phone systems faster. They have this service that calls the county for you and then connects you when a real person answers. Saved me hours of waiting last time my benefits were delayed. They have a demo video that explains it better than I can: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8
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GalaxyGazer
•OMG THANK YOU!!! Will def try this next time because I literally cannot spend another 3 hours on hold with my toddler screaming in the background!!!
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Javier Mendoza
One thing to know is that even though benefits are supposed to be deposited on your assigned day, sometimes they can appear later in the day. I've noticed mine usually show up around 6am, but once they didn't appear until almost noon. If you're checking and don't see them first thing in the morning, don't panic right away - give it until the afternoon before you start calling the county office.
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Yara Haddad
•That's good to know! I'll make sure not to plan any early morning grocery trips on my deposit day just in case there's a delay.
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Emma Thompson
I work for a community resource center and wanted to add a few things that might help you: 1. The benefit amount will be the same each month UNLESS you report changes (income, household size, etc.) or submit a SAR7 form (Semi-Annual Report). 2. Your EBT card will work even if you don't use all your benefits in one month - they roll over! 3. If you ever don't receive your benefits on your scheduled day, first check the EBT customer service line (1-877-328-9677) for any system notices before calling the county. 4. Download the CalFresh Mobile app to track your balance and deposit date. Hope this helps!
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Yara Haddad
•Wow thank you for all this information! I didn't know about the rollover - that's really helpful. And I'll definitely download that app right now! I appreciate you taking the time to explain everything.
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Amina Sow
does anyone know why they make us wait different days? seems unfair that some people get it on the 1st and others have to wait till the 10th????
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Paolo Conti
•It's to prevent everyone from shopping on the same day. Imagine if all CalFresh recipients (millions in California) tried to use their benefits on the same day - grocery stores would be overwhelmed, especially in areas with high numbers of benefit recipients. The staggered schedule helps stores manage inventory and staffing needs.
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Amina Sow
•ok i guess that makes sense... still sucks to get it on the 10th tho lol
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Keisha Robinson
btw if u ever need emergency food before ur benefits come the food banks dont ask questions. saved me last month when my car broke down and i had to use grocery $$ for repairs
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Yara Haddad
•That's really good to know - thank you! Is there a way to find local food banks?
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Keisha Robinson
•yea google 'food bank' plus ur city or call 211 they can tell u whats nearby
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Isaac Wright
Welcome to CalFresh! 🎉 Just want to add that you can also check your balance anytime by calling the number on the back of your EBT card or going to www.ebt.ca.gov - super helpful when you're at the store and not sure how much you have left. Also, don't stress if your first deposit seems to take forever - I remember checking my card like 50 times on my first deposit day lol. The anticipation is real! You've got this! 💪
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Ezra Beard
•Thank you so much! I definitely relate to checking the card multiple times 😅 I've already bookmarked the ebt.ca.gov site and downloaded the app someone else mentioned. This community is so helpful - I was really nervous about navigating all this but everyone's been so welcoming and informative!
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