Will CalFresh reload my EBT card after first deposit? Confused about monthly benefits

Yes, CalFresh benefits automatically reload on your EBT card once a month. The exact day depends on your case number - it's usually the same day each month (like the 1st, 3rd, 10th, etc. depending on your assigned date). You don't need to do anything special to get your monthly benefits as long as you remain eligible and complete any required paperwork (like your SAR7 every six months and annual recertification). Just keep your card safe and remember your PIN!

It's definitely NOT a one-time thing!! They reload every month on your assigned day. Mine comes on the 11th, my sister gets hers on the 4th. It's based on the last digit of your case number. Check your approval notice - it should tell you the date. Also make sure you fill out that stupid SAR7 form when they send it (after 6 months) or they'll cut you off!!!

Your CalFresh benefits will reload monthly on a specific day based on the last digit of your case number: • Case ending 1: benefits on the 1st • Case ending 2: benefits on the 2nd • Case ending 3: benefits on the 3rd And so on up to the 10th. Your approval letter should specify your exact date. Just remember you need to submit your Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) every six months and complete your annual recertification to keep benefits coming. If your income changes by more than $100, you should also report that within 10 days.

they load it once a month every month forever until u get cut off lol... they give u same amount unless ur situation changes then u gotta report it... dont miss the sar7 thing or ur recert or they cut u off and its a PAIN to get back on... trust me i kno 😭

Just adding that if you need to check your EBT balance anytime, you can call the number on the back of your card (it's automated) or use the BenefitsCal mobile app. I find the app super convenient - you can see your balance, transaction history, and when your next deposit will be. Also lets you know when that dreaded SAR7 is due!

When I first got CalFresh, I was TOTALLY confused about the reload dates too! My worker never explained it clearly. Found out my benefits reload on the 9th of every month (based on last digit of case number). Was so stressed that first month wondering if I'd get more food money! Just know that if you start making more money, you HAVE to report it or they'll claim overpayment and you'll have to pay it back. Happened to my cousin and it was a mess.

If you're having trouble reaching your CalFresh worker to ask questions like this (which I always did!), I started using this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at the county office without waiting on hold for hours. Totally changed my experience with CalFresh. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check their video demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Saved me so much frustration when I had questions about my EBT reloads and SAR7.

BTW if you're wondering how much you'll get each month, that depends on your income, household size, and expenses. They're supposed to recalculate if your income changes or if you add someone to your household. Sometimes they make mistakes tho, so always check the notices they send you. My benefits randomly dropped $43 last month and when I finally got through to someone, they had calculated my rent wrong.

Just wanted to add that you can also set up text alerts through the EBT Edge mobile app to get notified when your benefits are loaded each month! I find this super helpful so I don't have to remember the exact date. The app will send you a text saying "Your EBT benefits have been added" right when they hit your card. Also, if you ever move, make sure to update your address with CalFresh ASAP - not just for mail but because some counties have different reload schedules. When I moved from LA County to San Diego County, my reload date actually changed even though my case number stayed the same!

Welcome to CalFresh! I remember being super confused about this same thing when I first started. Everyone here gave you great info - yes, your benefits definitely reload every month automatically! One thing I'd add is that if you ever have issues with your card (like it gets damaged or stolen), you can request a replacement through your county office and they'll transfer your remaining balance to the new card. Also, keep all your receipts for the first few months - sometimes there are weird charges or double charges that you'll want to dispute. The customer service number on the back of your card can help with transaction disputes too. You're doing great navigating all this - the system is confusing at first but you'll get the hang of it!

Hey Olivia! Congrats on getting approved for CalFresh! 🎉 Yes, your benefits will definitely reload automatically every month - no need to stress about that! Since everyone covered the reload schedule really well, I just wanted to add a couple practical tips: First, try to spread out your grocery shopping throughout the month rather than using most of your benefits right away. I learned this the hard way my first few months when I'd blow through everything in the first week and then struggle the rest of the month. Second, if you shop at farmers markets, many accept EBT and some even have matching programs where they'll double your produce dollars! Just look for the "Market Match" signs. Also, don't feel bad about asking questions - this system is genuinely confusing and the workers often rush through everything. We've all been there! Welcome to the community and feel free to ask anything else that comes up.

Hey Olivia! Welcome to CalFresh and this community! Everyone has given you such great info already - yes, your benefits definitely reload automatically every month on your assigned date based on your case number. I just wanted to add something that helped me a lot when I first started: download the CalFresh mobile app if your county has one, or use the EBT Edge app to track your spending. It really helped me learn to budget my benefits throughout the month instead of going through them too quickly like I did at first. Also, if you ever have trouble reaching your worker with questions (which happens a lot unfortunately), don't hesitate to call the statewide CalFresh hotline at 1-877-847-3663 - they can often answer basic questions about your case. The paperwork deadlines everyone mentioned are super important - I set phone reminders for my SAR7 and recertification dates so I never miss them. You're asking all the right questions, and this community is always here to help! 😊

Hey Olivia! Welcome to the CalFresh family! 🙂 Everyone here has given you fantastic advice already. I just wanted to share something that really helped me when I was new - create a simple monthly budget plan for your benefits. I use a basic notebook to track what I spend each week so I don't run out of food money before the month ends (learned that lesson the hard way!). Also, if you have a smartphone, definitely get the "FreshEBT" app - it's free and super easy to check your balance without having to call the number on your card. One more tip: save the customer service number for your EBT card in your phone contacts as "EBT Help" - you'll probably need it at some point and it's way easier than flipping your card over every time. Don't be afraid to ask questions here - we've all been confused newcomers at some point and this community is really supportive. You've got this! 💪

Hi Olivia! Welcome to CalFresh! 🎉 I see everyone has already given you amazing advice about the monthly reloads (yes, they're automatic!). I just wanted to add that if you're ever unsure about anything CalFresh-related, your local food bank often has advocates who can help explain things in plain English. They helped me understand my paperwork when I was totally lost my first few months. Also, many grocery stores have signs showing which items are EBT eligible, but don't be embarrassed to ask at checkout if you're unsure - the cashiers deal with EBT all day and are usually really helpful. One last thing: if you qualify for CalFresh, you might also qualify for other programs like reduced-price utilities or free phone service, so it's worth looking into! This community is such a great resource, and you're asking all the right questions. You've got this! 💪

Hey Olivia! Welcome to the CalFresh community! 🎉 Everyone here has given you such thorough and helpful information - this thread is like a masterclass in CalFresh basics! I just wanted to add one small tip that saved me some stress: when your benefits reload each month, they usually post very early in the morning (like between midnight and 6 AM) on your assigned day. So don't panic if you check at 8 AM and don't see them yet - they're probably there! I used to wake up super early on my reload day because I was so anxious, but now I just check in the afternoon and they're always there. Also, if you ever have a month where your benefits seem late or the amount looks wrong, don't hesitate to call right away - sometimes there are system glitches or processing delays that can be fixed quickly if you report them. You're asking all the right questions and this community will always be here to help! 😊

Hey Olivia! Welcome to CalFresh and to our community! 🙂 I can totally relate to feeling confused after that whirlwind interview - they really do go through everything so fast! I'm glad you found this thread because everyone has given you such solid advice. Yes, your benefits will automatically reload every month on your assigned day (sounds like the 7th based on your case number ending in 7). One thing I wish someone had told me when I first started: don't feel pressured to spend all your benefits right away just because they're there. I used to treat it like "free money" and blow through everything in the first week, then struggle the rest of the month. Now I try to think of it as my monthly food budget and pace myself. Also, if you ever feel overwhelmed by all the paperwork and deadlines (SAR7, recertification, etc.), just remember that this community is always here to help remind you or walk you through anything confusing. We've all been the confused newcomer at some point! You're going to do great. 💪

Hey Olivia! Welcome to CalFresh and this amazing community! 🎉 I just went through the same exact confusion when I got approved last month - that interview really is information overload! Yes, your benefits will definitely reload automatically every month on your assigned day (looks like the 7th for you based on your case number). I made the same mistake of using up most of my benefits right away too, so don't feel bad about that! One thing that's helped me is setting up a simple weekly meal plan so I know roughly how much to spend each week. Also, I highly recommend getting the EBT Edge app that others mentioned - it's been a lifesaver for checking my balance and seeing exactly when my benefits reload. The text alerts are great too! Don't stress about remembering all the paperwork deadlines right now - just focus on getting comfortable with using your benefits first. This community is incredible for answering questions, so never hesitate to ask anything else that comes up. You've got this! 😊

Hi Olivia! Welcome to CalFresh! 🎉 I totally understand the confusion - when I first got approved, I was convinced it was some kind of one-time emergency assistance and spent weeks worrying about when I'd have to reapply! Everyone here has given you excellent advice about the automatic monthly reloads. I just wanted to add that if you're like me and tend to be anxious about money, it really helps to take a screenshot of your EBT balance right after your benefits reload each month. That way you have a record of your starting amount and can track your spending throughout the month. Also, don't be afraid to ask store employees which aisles have the best deals on EBT-eligible items - most grocery stores are really helpful about this. One last tip: if you ever have issues with your card not working at a store, try it at a different register first before panicking - sometimes it's just a reader issue. You're asking all the right questions and this community will always have your back! 😊