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EBT

If you are eligible for CalFresh assistance, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) debit card. You can use your EBT card to purchase food items at participating grocery stores, order grocery online for pick up or delivery at participating grocery stores, and participating Farmers' Markets.

Customer is paying at checkout line of the grocery store by tapping Golden State Advantage card against credit card terminal.

EBT Card Replacement

New EBT Chip Tap Cards Coming in 2025

Coming soon: EBT cardholders will get a new EBT card in the mail. Please use your new EBT card right away to activate it as it is more secure. Activation can be done through the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal, EBT Customer Service Center, or simply using the new card to complete a CalFresh or cash transaction.  Activating the new card will automatically deactivate the old card. If customers do not use their new card, the existing magnetic stripe-only card will automatically be deactivated after approximately 180 days after card issuance. Help protect your benefits by using chip and tap on your new card as soon as you receive it.

Homeless households who use our district office address as their mailing address, can pick up their new card from any of our district offices.

If you have questions, please contact the EBT Customer Service Helpline (877) 328-9677.

General Information

If your EBT card is lost or stolen, or if you need to change your PIN, call (877) 328-9677.

Los Angeles County participants are using the State's Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system to receive CalFresh and cash benefits.

EBT will, in no way, impact the benefit amount, eligibility requirements or what cardholders may purchase using their CalFresh or cash benefits. With EBT, participants (primary cardholder) and designated alternate cardholders use the EBT (Golden State Advantage) card with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access their benefits electronically.

All cardholders may use their EBT (Golden State Advantage) card at participating retailers with a Point-of-Sale (POS) device and automated Teller machines (ATMs) displaying the Quest® logo throughout California and across the country.

Some banks charge $1.00 - $4.00 each time you withdraw cash benefits using your California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. 

More Information on California's State EBT Project

List of Surcharge-Free and Surcharging EBT ATMs

Where Can I Use My EBT Card?

Important Message for EBT Cardholders

You can request or designate a responsible person that you trust to use your EBT card. The designated/alternate Cardholder can use your cash and CalFresh benefits on your behalf. To designate someone, you must download, complete, signed, and submit the EBT–Request for Authorized Representative/Designated Alternate Cardholder form

You can submit this form by uploading it through the BenefitsCal portal.

Golden State Advantage card with tap chip
Apply On-Line with BenefitsCal

The easiest and quickest way is to apply for benefits at BenefitsCal.

Apply by Telephone for CalFresh and Medi-Cal
You can apply by phone. Call the Customer Service Center (CSC) (866) 613-3777 to have an application mailed to you.
Apply In Person
You can apply In person at any Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) District Office or outreach site.