Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Information

EBT Cards 

If you are eligible to receive CalFresh or Cash benefits, you will receive a plastic card called an EBT card. The EBT card is used to receive your monthly benefits.

With the EBT card you or someone you authorize can use an EBT card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access CalFresh or Cash benefits electronically. CalFresh and Cash benefits can be accessed at a participating retailer by using a point of sale (POS) machine.  Cash benefits can be accessed at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).

Authorizing Someone to Access Your EBT Account

You can authorize a responsible person that you trust to receive an EBT card to use on your EBT account. The designated/alternate cardholder can use your CalFresh and Cash benefits on your behalf. To designate someone, submit a completed TEMP 2201 form to Fresno County Department of Social Services. You can call Fresno County Department of Social Services to have a TEMP 2201 mailed to you.

Requesting Replacement EBT Cards or a PIN Change

If you need to request a replacement EBT Card because your EBT card is lost, stolen, damaged, or if you need to change your PIN call the EBT Customer Service line right away at 1-877-328-9677.

Balance Inquires and EBT Locations

Check your account balance, find retailers, and ATMs that accept your EBT card without charges at the California EBT Client website.

EBT Online

CalFresh recipients can use their EBT card to purchase groceries online at Albertsons, selected stores via Instacart, Amazon, Safeway, Vons, and Walmart.

For more information and to find out which stores offer online purchasing for home delivery or pick up visit EBT Online at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ebtonline.

Cash recipients will also be able to use their benefits to make food or other purchases at participating retailers.

Watch our YouTube video for more information https://youtu.be/jfyHjb6-smw

Electronic Benefit Theft

EBT Skimming occurs when a thief places a device on a retailer’s card-swiping machine to copy your EBT card information so they can steal your EBT benefits.

EBT Scamming occurs when a thief deceives you into giving out your personal information so they can steal your EBT benefits. Personal information includes your EBT card number, EBT PIN number, social security number, or bank information.

If you think your benefits may have been stolen, you should immediately call the EBT Customer Service telephone number on the back of your EBT card, 1-877-328-9677, or call us and speak to a worker during our Service Center hours.

In addition to calling to report EBT theft you must turn in a completed claim form(s) to Fresno County Department of Social Services. For CalFresh or Cash benefits stolen through EBT skimming or CalFresh benefits stolen through an EBT scam complete form EBT 2259. For Cash benefits stolen through an EBT scam complete forms EBT 2259 and EBT 2259A.

Prevent EBT Fraud

• Please be cautious as there are many EBT card scams that are occurring.
• Do not give out your EBT card number and PINs as the county, state, and federal government will NEVER ask you for your EBT card number and PIN by a text message, phone call, email, or on a website.
• Do not let anyone take a picture of your EBT card.
• You may visit California EBT Project Office website to view current scams that have been reported.

California has been experiencing an increase in occurrence of EBT theft. In an effort to educate EBT cardholders and mitigate EBT theft, the California Department of Social Services is providing  a security tips video for those who use EBT cards to receive food and cash assistance. The video can  be watched by scanning the QR code located on the Prevent EBT Fraud flyers below or just by clicking directly on the flyers.