EBT

EBT Stagger Days & Alternative Methods to Cash EBT Header

When will my monthly benefits be available?
CalWORKs		Food Stamps and General Relief	Refugee and CAPI
If the last digit of your case number is:	Your benefits will be available on:	Your benefits will be available on the calendar day of the month that matches the last digit of your case number. For example, if your case number ends in 5, your benefits will be available on the fifth calendar day of each month.	Your cash benefits will be available on the first calendar day of each month.
1 to 3	The first day of each month
4 to 7	The second day of each month
8 to 0	The third day of each month

	How do I know what my stagger day is, the day my benefits are available?
	Can I change the day I get my cash benefits?
	When do I get my cash benefits if my benefits are deposited directly into my checking account?
	Can I change my Food Stamp stagger day or be exempted from using EBT for Food Stamps?
	Can I be exempted from using EBT for cash?

Question	How do I know what my stagger day is, the day my benefits are available?
Answer	Always look at the last number on the bottom line of your California Advantage or EBT card. That number will tell you what the day of the month your cash and Food Stamp benefits are available, unless your cash stagger day has been changed to the first of the month.
			1st line:	EBT Card Number
			2nd line:	Cardholder Name
			3rd line:	Case Number (11 digits) 19 (County Number), 2-digit separate family number, and 7-digit case number
Question	Can I change the day I get my cash benefits?
Answer	You can get your money on the first of the month if you need the money to pay your bills or to avoid paying late fees. You must be able to show that the due date for the monthly expense is before your stagger or availability day (this is the day you can get your benefits). Some of the reasons are:
		You live in Public Housing (not Section 8);
		Your rent is due before your stagger day;
		You have an eviction (Sheriff's) notice;
		You have a 3-Day Notice to pay Rent or Quit;
		You have a Summons and Complaint for Unlawful Detainer; or
		You have monthly bills (for example, bus pass, child care, car insurance, etc.) that are due before your stagger day.
Question	When do I get my cash benefits if my benefits are deposited directly into my checking account?
Answer	Your benefits should be in your checking account on the first day of each month.

Question	Can I change my Food Stamp stagger day or be exempted from using EBT for Food Stamps?
Answer	No. State regulations do not allow for any changes to the stagger of Food Stamp benefits or for an exemption.

Question	Can I be exempted from using EBT for cash?
Answer		You can be exempted from using EBT for cash and receive a check in the mail on the first of each month. This is not available if you use the DPSS' offices as your mailing address.
		You are 65 or older.
		You have a mental or physical condition that prevents you from using EBT for cash. You will need to provide a letter from your doctor or medical licensed practitioner that verifies this. If you receive General Relief (GR), contact your worker to determine what needs to be done.
		There is limited access or barriers that prevent you from using your EBT card to get cash. For example, you could show that you have to travel too far or too long to get your cash or you cannot use nearby machines because they are not in your language.