EBT :. Golden State Advantage Card 
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that automates the delivery, redemption, and reconciliation of issued public assistance benefits. EBT is the method for distributing CalFresh benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps and currently known federally as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits), California Food Assistance Program benefits, and cash aid benefits. EBT is currently used in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.
Recipients of public assistance in California access their issued benefits with the Golden State Advantage EBT card. The cardholder simply slides this card through a point-of-sale (POS) device, or uses the card at an automated teller machine (ATM). The card is convenient, secure, and reduces the stigma sometimes associated with public assistance.
The positive effects of EBT in California extend beyond the cardholder. Others who benefit include federal, state, and county governments, retailers, financial institutions, and taxpayers. EBT food and cash aid benefits can be redeemed at more than 80,000 locations in California.
In addition to CalFresh, cash benefits for CalWORKs, Refugee Cash Assistance, Cash Assistance Payments to Immigrants (CAPI), and General Assistance are issued using EBT in Alameda County.
Using your Golden State Advantage Card
Click HERE for important Client Information about EBT cards, including the following:
- What To Do if Your Card is Lost or Stolen
- Frequently Asked Questions regarding EBT
- How to Take Care of Your EBT Card
Copies of the State EBT Brochures are available by clicking HERE. Non-English translations are also available at this link.
Toll-Free Customer Service Telephone Number
877-328-9677 is a free call from California land lines; when using a cell phone, normal cellular telephone charges may apply.
Customer Service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer any questions you may have about your EBT Card.
When you call, you will reach an Automated Response Unit, and you can get the answers to most of your questions without the need to talk to a Customer Service Representative. Answers can be provided in English, Spanish, Eastern Armenian, Cambodian (Khmer), Chinese, Farsi, Hmong, Lao, Russian, and Vietnamese.
Call when:
- Your EBT card is lost or stolen.
- Your EBT card does not work.
- You want to change your personal identification number (PIN), because you forgot it or someone else knows your PIN. Your public assistance office may also be able to help you change your PIN.
- You want to find out how much you have left in your account(s).
- You have been charged for a purchase, but did not get the items or were charged too much for what you bought.
- You have other questions or problems.
Where Can I Use My EBT Card?
- You can use your EBT card at any store or ATM that displays the Quest mark throughout California and across the country.
Click HERE to find locations in your area.
- How to Get Cash Benefits at No Cost
- The locations where you can use your EBT card to withdraw cash may have changed. You can no longer get your cash benefits at:
- ATM's and point of sale (POS) devices in liquor stores that don't accept your CalFresh (Food Stamps) benefits
- Casinos, poker rooms, card rooms, adult entertainment businesses, bail bonds, night clubs/saloons/taverns, bingo halls, race tracks, gun/ammunition stores, cruise ships, psychic readers, smoking shops, cannabis shops, tattoo/piercing shops, and spa/massage salons.
County EBT Forms:
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