Fresno County residents receiving CalFresh may see a delay in their November benefits if the federal government shutdown continues past October 23rd until funding is made available.
October benefits will not be impacted. You can use your existing CalFresh benefits.
We understand this is a difficult situation and will share more information about your November CalFresh benefits as soon as possible. However, the federal government has not approved us to provide you benefits during this time.
For more information on CalFresh benefits and impacts from the federal shutdown visit the California Department of Social Services website linked here: CalFresh Frequently Asked Questions.
Your CalFresh Balance can be checked using the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
CalFresh-Impact-Flyer_English.pdf(PDF, 435KB)
CalFresh-Impact-Flyer_Spanish.pdf(PDF, 401KB)
CalFresh-Impact-Flyer_Arabic.pdf(PDF, 351KB)
CalFresh-Impact-Flyer_Dari.pdf(PDF, 344KB)
CalFresh-Impact-Flyer_Pashto.pdf(PDF, 348KB)
DSS-Listening-Session-on-Shutdown-CalFresh-Impacts-25.10.28.pptx(PPTX, 11MB)
Website: https://www.uwfm.org/our-work/211-helpline/
Phone: Dial 2-1-1 or visit the link above to connect with local food pantries, meal programs, and other essential services. Available 24/7 and in multiple languages
Website: FindHelp.org
Search for social services available by zipcode. Services listed will assist with various areas of need including but not limited to food security
Website: https://ccfoodbank.org/home/findfood/food-locator/
Find a food distribution near you on a day that is convenient for your schedule
Website:https://ccfoodbank.org/home/findfood/g2g/
Groceries2Go is available by appointment only through Central California Food Bank and 5 satellite locations throughout Fresno County. Schedule an appointment online by clicking the link above (available by appointment only):
Website: https://ccfoodbank.org/home/findfood/first-fruits-market/
Location: City Center Fresno, 2025 E Dakota Ave Fresno CA 93726
Website: https://fresnoeoc.org/food-distributions/
Location: Website lists food distribution locations throughout rural and metro Fresno County locations
Apply for benefits online, anytime 24-7. If you have already are receiving benefits, create your BenefitsCal account and link to your case to utilize all the available features for case management. Available for residents in all 58 California counties!
All locations open to the public during lobby business hours. Job Specialists on site and available to assist. Job-search, create and update resumes, prepare for job interviews, and more!
A location list of all Fresno County Social Services Offices, hours of operation, and 24-7 dropbox locations.
What you need to know when it comes to changes in the Medi-Cal program coming in 2026 and 2027.
Health Care Options services are available for Medi-Cal recipients who would like assistance choosing a Managed Care Provider once approved for Medi-Cal, or if there is a need to change from one provider to another.
DSS works with various Community Based Organizations (CBO's) who can assist Fresno County residents with applying for CalFresh, Medi-Cal and Cash Aid assistance programs.
If you are part of a CBO and your agency would like to request a BenefitsCal Assistor Account in Fresno County, you can email CBOSupport@FresnoCountyCA.gov with your request.
The following organizations have approved BenefitsCal Assistor Accounts in Fresno County:
Are you using an EBT card without a chip? If so, your card will stop working soon - Request a new one today by using the ebtEDGE mobile app, calling the number on the back of your card, or going to your county office.
Please note: county offices may have long wait times, so don't wait any longer
Scan one of the QR codes below to download the official ebtEDGE application:
Reminder - The official ebtEDGE app is always free. Do not Download or use a third party app.
If you are a victim of an EBT scam in California, you should immediately call the California EBT Customer Service Helpline at 1-877-328-9677
Fresno County EBT Alert Flyer_2025(PDF, 3MB)
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has identified a third-party mobile application titled “Ebt edge - food stamps” in the Apple iOS App Store. This app imitates the official FIS ebtEDGE Mobile App and charges users a $4.99 weekly fee or $60 for lifetime access.
Should EBT users call or drop in to speak with Fresno County Department of Social Services (DSS) staff, they will be informed that the “Ebt edge - food stamps” is not the official app and they will be directed to the official state-supported FIS ebtEDGE Mobile App, which is free to use.
DSS would like to remind EBT users not to enter personal or financial information into unverified apps. If client has downloaded the wrong app or believes they may have, they will be directed to delete immediately and download the official FIS ebtEDGE Mobile App.
05-19-2025 Press Release: Temporary Operational Hours Change DSS Eligibility Contact Center(PDF, 1MB)
When calling (559) 600-1377 or 1-855-832-8082 (toll free), the public will not have the option of speaking with an Eligibility Worker on Wednesdays.
Contact Center Eligibility Workers remain available to assist with phone calls Monday-Tuesday, and Thursday-Friday, 7:30AM - 4:30PM
During these Wednesday closures, Contact Center Eligibility Workers will be working diligently to complete outstanding applications, renewals, scheduled interviews, and other urgent tasks for our CalFresh, Medi-Cal and Cash Aid recipients.
DSS is confident this focused effort will ultimately result in a drop in call wait times and lobby traffic, allowing for overall better quality client services for our Fresno County residents.
All other DSS services including DSS Lobbies, Child Welfare, and Adult Services remain unchanged.
Flyers linked here in English and Spanish:
DSS-Contact-Center-Update_English.pdf(PDF, 485KB)
DSS-Contact-Center-Update_Spanish.pdf(PDF, 488KB)
English-Spanish-DSS-Location-Flyer_05-2025.pdf(PDF, 199KB)
1-855-832-8082 (Toll Free)
(559) 600-1377
7:30AM - 4:30PM
Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday
Temporary Changes:
Wednesday, Automated Services Only
Automated IVR Access Available 24/7
Locate a DSS lobby near you, hours of operations, and more
Apply for, and manage your CalFresh, Medi-Cal and Cash Aid benefits online
Visit this page to learn more about the Adult Services Branch at Fresno County DSS, and all the services available
Visit this page to learn more about the Child Welfare Branch at Fresno County DSS, and all the services available
Find out when you can find the DSS Community Engagement Team in your neighborhood!