How to check your EBT balance in California

Staying on top of your EBT card balance is essential if you get CalFresh (also called SNAP or food stamps) or CalWORKs (also called TANF or EBT cash).

There are a few different ways to keep track of your EBT account if you live in California, from smartphone apps like Propel to calling the state EBT phone number. Here’s everything you need to know about tracking your EBT benefits in California.

Using the Propel app#using-the-propel-app

Propel is a simple, easy-to-use EBT-balance checking app available in English and Spanish for California EBT users. Propel is completely free to download and use—there’s no subscription fee.

Beyond basic balance checking, Propel offers tools to help you make the most of your CalFresh benefits and keep your account secure, with features like:

• Instant EBT balance updates without phone calls or complicated website logins
• Benefit deposit predictions and arrival notifications
• Complete transaction records going back two years
• Map tool for finding retailers that accept EBT near you
• Exclusive discounts for EBT cardholders on things like groceries, utilities, and insurance
• Information about other assistance programs you might qualify for

California users also get enhanced security features through Propel, like:

• Out-of-state transaction blocking: Keep anyone from using your EBT card outside of California
• Suspicious activity monitoring: Get alerts about unusual EBT account activity
• Card locking capability: Temporarily disable your CalFresh card when you’re not grocery shopping

Setting up Propel takes just a few minutes:

1. Download the Propel app from your phone’s app store
2. Register with your basic information
3. Connect your EBT card safely to your account
4. Access your balance and start saving with exclusive offers

Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app

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Using ebtEDGE to check your CalFresh balance#using-ebtedge-to-check-your-calfresh-balance

CalFresh-recipients can also use ebtEDGE to check their balance, a free app that provides:

• Real-time balance and account information
• Alerts when your monthly benefits are loaded onto your card
• Account security tools like card locking and out-of-state and online transaction blocking
• PIN changes
• Card replacement requests

You can download ebtEDGE from your phone’s app store and sign up using your EBT card number and PIN.

After registering for the first time, you’ll be able to log in with touch or face identification instead of having to enter your user ID and password every time.

Checking your CalFresh balance online#checking-your-calfresh-balance-online

California offers an online portal called BenefitsCal, where you can apply for and manage your CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and other state benefit accounts from a single dashboard.

California EBT cardholders can access their accounts online through BenefitsCal or the ebtEDGE website. Online access for the ebtEDGE website requires a one-time registration process. Here’s how to register:

1. Go to ebtEDGE.com
2. Choose “New user registration”
3. Input your EBT card number
4. Choose login credentials
5. Set your security verification questions

Checking your CalFresh balance over the phone#checking-your-calfresh-balance-over-the-phone

Phone support is available 24 hours a day through California’s EBT helpline, which is 1-877-328-9677. You’ll need your CalFresh card number and PIN to access your account balance over the phone.

When you call on the phone, you can check your CalFresh balance, hear recent transaction details, and lock or unlock your EBT card for security.

Using store receipts and ATMs to check your CalFresh balance#using-store-receipts-and-atms-to-check-your-calfresh-balance

Every receipt from shopping with your EBT card shows your remaining CalFresh balance along with transaction details like the store name and location, and the date and time of the purchase.

Keeping receipts can help you track detailed spending patterns, especially since some digital EBT balance-checking systems don’t provide specific store information.

You can also check your CalFresh balance before you shop at the store through the payment terminal. Select “Check balance” at the card reader and enter your PIN to see how much you have available to spend.

If you get cash assistance, you can check your cash EBT balance at ATMs that accept EBT cards, though some locations charge fees for this. Using mobile apps to check your CalFresh balance to avoid additional costs.

The bottom line#the-bottom-line

Propel is the best way to stay on top of your EBT benefits in California. Having instant access to your balance information helps you save time, shop smart, and manage your benefits effectively.