What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be a stressful experience. It’s a common challenge, but it doesn't have to mean going without food. Fortunately, there are several proactive steps you can take to secure more benefits or find temporary assistance.

Apply for Emergency CalFresh

If your balance hits zero, you may qualify for emergency CalFresh benefits, also known as “Expedited Service.” This process is designed to get food assistance to households in immediate need, often much faster than the standard California EBT payment schedule.

First, contact your county CalFresh office or log in to BenefitsCal to request “Expedited Service.” You only need to provide your name, address, recent income, and cash on hand to begin the screening.

If your monthly gross income is under $150 and you have less than $100 in liquid resources, you may be eligible. The same applies if your housing costs are more than your remaining income and resources. The county must interview you the same day and issue benefits within three calendar days, as outlined in the CalFresh guide.

During the process, remember these points:

• Ask staff to load the allotment onto your existing EBT card to avoid waiting for a new one.

• If you apply after the 15th of the month, remind the worker that rules require them to provide the first and second month’s benefits at once.

• Submit any postponed verification documents within 30 days to prevent a disruption in your ongoing benefits. This is a requirement for ES Documentation.

Reevaluate Your CalFresh Allotment

Your CalFresh benefit amount is not set in stone. If your financial situation changes, you can report it to potentially increase your monthly allotment before the next SNAP deposit dates.

The first step is to gather proof of the change. This could be a new pay stub showing fewer hours, a higher rent receipt, a utility shut-off notice, or an ID for a new household member.

You can then report the change through one of these methods:

• Select “Report a Change” on the BenefitsCal website.

• Call your caseworker directly.

• Submit a voluntary SAR-3 form.

If your income dropped by over $50 or you added a household member, ask for a “supplemental issuance.” The county must provide this extra food money within ten days or with your next deposit. This mid-period report can significantly help.

Finally, confirm your Income Reporting Threshold is now lower than your new income to keep the higher benefit amount. You can check BenefitsCal after ten days to verify the new amount and request a written Notice of Action for your records, as detailed in these regulation summaries.

Mine Surplus from Local Food Banks

Food banks can be a lifeline when you're trying to stretch your budget until the next SNAP payment dates. Many locations offer surplus boxes toward the end of their distribution times, providing extra groceries to bridge the gap.

Start by using statewide tools to find a location near you. Both the CA Food Banks “Find Food” map and 211 California can help you locate pop-up and drive-thru sites.

Call ahead and ask when volunteers open the “surplus,” “glean,” or USDA TEFAP line. This is usually during the last 15 to 30 minutes of the distribution window.

Arrive with reusable bags. Because leftover boxes cannot be stored, staff often let late arrivals take multiple 10- to 15-pound boxes of produce and shelf-stable items. This can provide enough food to last until your next EBT deposit.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

The free app Benny lets you check your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. This can help you manage your budget between each California EBT payment schedule.

To start, link your EBT card. After you shop, scan your receipt with the app to receive cashback for SNAP-eligible items directly on your EBT card. Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.