Using your CalFresh benefits

CalFresh benefits are deposited electronically onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card works the same as an ATM card and is accepted at most grocery stores, at many farmers' markets, convenience stores, and even select online retailers like Amazon and Wal-Mart. The EBT card can be used at any store or market that displays the Quest logo.

Need to check your EBT card balance?

• Visit the EBT Website
• Access your account at benefitscal.com
• Call 877-328-9677
• Any remaining balances on your EBT card carry over each month
• Benefits are removed/expunged from the EBT card after nine months without use. These benefits are not replaceable.

EBT General Information:

• For additional information on the EBT card, visit the CDSS EBT Card website. 

Where is EBT Accepted?

• Search online for all the places that accept CalFresh cards at the California EBT 
• Use the EBT Locator Map to see stores near you that accept EBT. 
• Visit the the CDSS EBT Online website for more information on using your EBT card online.
• Farmers Markets in Sonoma County that accept CalFresh EBT Cards. Some markets will match your CalFresh purchase amount dollar-for-dollar, for up to $10 or $20. The program is called Market Match.  
• In all states and the District of Columbia, Guam and the Virgin Islands (except Puerto Rico)
• Some households may qualify to use their CalFresh benefits at participating local restaurants through the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program. To qualify for the program, the entire CalFresh household must meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • An adult aged 60 or older,
  • A person with a disability,
  • The spouse of an individual that belongs to one of the above categories, or
  • A person(s) experiencing homelessness

To find local restaurants participating in the Restaurant Meals Program, please visit https://www.cdss.ca.gov/rmp for an updated list and more information

CalFresh can be used to buy:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Beans, fish, poultry, meat
• Rice, bread, tortillas, cereal
• Milk, cheese
• Seeds and plants that produce food

 CalFresh cannot be used to buy:

• Alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes
• Non-food items
• Pet food, toilet paper, diapers, soap, etc.
• Vitamins, medicine
• Energy drinks
• Hot foods or foods prepared in the store

The county will never ask for your EBT card information or PIN and you should never share this information as it could lead to stolen benefits.

EBT scams can occur via text, email, fraudulent websites, or phone calls. If you have experienced suspicious EBT activity, please report the occurrence to the EBT Helpline at 877-328-6977.

EBT Skimming or Electronic theft occurs when your CalFresh benefits are taken by an unauthorized use of benefits without the use of your physical EBT card.

If you believe your benefits have been skimmed, follow the steps below to report the unauthorized use and make a claim:

1. Report the theft immediately!

   • Theft  must be reported within 90 days of the theft.

2. How to report electronic benefit theft:

   • Submit your report online through BenefitsCal
   • Download, print and complete the form:
     • Report of Electronic Theft of Benefits (English) 
     • Reporte de Robo Electronico de Beneficios 

After completing the form, submit it via:

Mail - P.O. Box 1539, Santa Rosa, CA 95402

Fax - (707)565-5252

In Person or drop off at our office locations

Economic Assistance, 2550 Paulin Dr, Santa Rosa

Human Services South County Center, 5350 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 100, Petaluma

Phone (877) 699-6868, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ELECTRONIC THEFT BY DOWNLOADING THE EBTEDGE MOBILE APPLICATION TODAY!

Use the free ebtEDGE Mobile and Web-based Application to manage your CalFresh or CalWORKs benefits, check your balances, and review transaction history.
Available now for download in the Apple Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android).

• Biometrics to login (mobile app only)
• Reset PIN
• View your benefit schedule
• View last 365 days of transactions
• Order EBT card replacements
• Connect Multiple EBT Accounts
• Freeze card and Unfreeze card functionality
• Block out of State Transactions
• Block Internet Transactions

Watch this video from The California Department of Social Services about the new mobile app and enhanced web portal

Current CalFresh recipients may apply for partial or total replacement of the value of food lost or spoiled if they are affected by any one of the following:

1. Local disaster, such as a fire, flood or earthquake, or
2. Power outage, planned or unexpected, or
3. Household misfortune, such as a house fire, resulting in loss of food purchased with CalFresh benefits.

To apply for replacement benefits, the household has 10 days to report the food loss by phone or in person and to complete a CF 303 form in English or a CF 303 form in Spanish. The replacement benefits may be a partial amount or up to the maximum one-month allotment for the household. Destroyed EBT cards may also be replaced.

Submit the CF 303 form:

• Online: benefitscal.com
• Mail to: P.O. Box 1539, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
• Telephone: (877) 699-6868
• Fax: (707) 565-5252
• In-Person at: 
  • 2550 Paulin Drive, Santa Rosa, or
  • Human Services South County Center, 5350 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 100, Petaluma.