Will CalFresh EBT card get reloaded or do I need a new one after using benefits?

Keep your EBT card! It automatically gets reloaded with your CalFresh benefits on the same day each month (based on the last digit of your case number). CalFresh and P-EBT are different programs that use similar cards. P-EBT is specifically for families with school-age children to replace school meals during certain periods, while CalFresh (formerly food stamps) is the ongoing nutrition assistance program. The same physical card will be used for your benefits as long as you're eligible - sometimes for years. Just keep it in a safe place like you would a debit card.

KEEP THE CARD!!! I made that mistake when i first got benefits and threw mine away after using it cuz i thought they'd mail a new 1 each month. Then had to wait 7 days and pay $5 for replacement. The same card gets refilled every month on ur assigned day. Its not like those prepaid visa cards that r 1-time use!!

To answer your other question, P-EBT (Pandemic EBT) was a special program that provided food benefits to families with children who would have received free or reduced-price meals at school during COVID-19. It's different from regular CalFresh, though the benefits are delivered on a similar-looking EBT card. P-EBT has had several phases and extensions since 2020, but it's not a permanent program like CalFresh. For your regular CalFresh benefits, they'll automatically reload on your card based on the last digit of your case number. If your case number ends in 7, your benefits should reload on the 7th of each month. No need to do anything except maintain your eligibility by submitting your SAR7 form (Semi-Annual Report) when it's due and completing your annual recertification.

The CalFresh EBT card works just like a bank debit card. You keep it and use it every month when your benefits get loaded. If you misplace it, you can call the EBT customer service number (it's on the back of your card - write it down somewhere safe) to report it lost and request a new one. To answer about the SAR7 - it's a form you'll need to fill out every 6 months to update your household information. It's pretty simple, but VERY important to return on time or your benefits can stop. You'll get it in the mail about 45 days before it's due. Mark your calendar when you receive it! If you ever have trouble reaching someone at the county office about your case (which happens A LOT), I had success using a service called Claimyr that connects you to a live person without the hours of waiting. Saved me so much frustration when I needed to sort out an issue with my SAR7 processing. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

my sister got pebt for her kids last year but they stopped giving it out i think. its different from calfresh. pebt was just during covid for school kids.

Has anyone else had trouble with their EBT card not working at certain stores? I've had my card for about 2 years now and sometimes the chip doesn't read right. I've found I have to swipe it at some places but others require the chip. Just something to be aware of if you're new to using the card.

i was confused about this too when i first got calfresh!! but yeh u keep the same card and they just put the $$ on it each month. u can also check ur balance by calling the number on the back or use the app. the app is actually pretty good.