California EBT Customer Service: How to Get Help & Common Issues

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Getting help with your EBT benefits doesn't have to be stressful, whether you're a current cardholder with an issue or a new applicant with questions. This guide provides clear instructions for contacting customer service for EBT in California, so you can quickly resolve common problems like a lost card, a forgotten PIN, or a suspicious transaction.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in California

There are several ways to get customer service for EBT in California, depending on your specific need.

Phone: The main customer service line is 1-877-328-9677, available 24/7 for issues like balance checks or lost cards. This is the primary California EBT customer service number. For those with hearing or speech impairments, a relay service is available at 1-800-735-2929. You can find more guidance on when to call online.
Email: For general questions, you can send a message to CDSSEBT@dss.ca.gov. If you need to report suspected fraud, use the dedicated address fraudprevention@dss.ca.gov to contact the appropriate department directly.
Mail: For formal correspondence with the administrative body overseeing the EBT program, you can write to the CDSS – EBT Automation & Client Initiatives Bureau, 744 P Street, MS 8-8-46, Sacramento, CA 95814.
In-Person: While there is no single statewide office, you can get help with EBT customer service in California by visiting your local county social services office. The state provides a county offices directory to help you find the location nearest to you.

Multi-Lingual Support

The customer service for EBT in California provides interpretation services in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. A complete list of supported languages is available in the state's guidance on when to call. This is a helpful option for anyone needing assistance from EBT customer service in California.

Download Benny app to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

Common EBT-Related Issues and How to Resolve Them

While EBT is a reliable system, you might occasionally encounter issues. Problems can range from a lost card or forgotten PIN to transaction errors or missing benefits. Knowing the right steps to take can help you resolve these situations quickly and secure your funds.

Lost or Stolen EBT Card

If your card is missing, acting fast is the best way to protect your benefits. You should immediately report the card as lost or stolen to deactivate it. The customer service for EBT in California is available around the clock for these emergencies.

Immediately call the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. The line is open 24/7.
Follow the prompts to report your card lost or stolen, which will disable it.
Request a replacement card and ask for tracking details if available.
If you suspect benefits were stolen before you reported the loss, contact your county office about filing a Report of Electronic Theft for possible reimbursement.
When your new card arrives, set a new PIN before using it.

Forgotten or Compromised PIN

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is what protects your account if your card falls into the wrong hands. If you forget your PIN or suspect someone else knows it, you should change it immediately to secure your benefits.

Call the EBT customer service line and select the option to change your PIN. Have your card number ready.
Choose a new four-digit PIN that is difficult to guess. Avoid using old PINs or obvious numbers like your birth year.
Periodically change your PIN for added security, especially if you receive any data-breach alerts from the state or your county.
Sign the back of your card and test the new PIN with a small purchase or at an ATM.

Balance Missing or Benefits Not Loaded

If you check your balance and find it's incorrect or your monthly benefits haven't appeared, there could be a deposit delay or an issue with your case. First, confirm the exact balance and the last deposit date to see what's going on.

You can check your balance with a free app like Benny, which shows your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance, or by logging into the official state EBT portal.

Compare the deposit date with your county’s California deposit schedule. If the date has passed, contact customer service.
A representative can tell you if the deposit failed, was delayed, or was adjusted for a reason like recertification.
If the issue requires county action, contact your caseworker directly with any information the representative provides.
If the balance is still wrong after 24 hours, you can file a fair-hearing request with your county.

Card Declined or Does Not Work at Checkout

A declined transaction can be frustrating, but it often has a simple explanation. The issue could be insufficient funds, an incorrect PIN entry, or a problem with the store's card reader. The California EBT customer service number can help with some of these issues.

First, confirm you have enough funds for the purchase. You can find a complete guide on how to check your EBT balance.
Carefully re-enter your PIN. Entering the wrong PIN three times will lock your card for the rest of the day.
Ask the cashier to try a different register or to process the transaction as an “EBT manual entry.”
If the card is visibly damaged and unreadable, you will need to call customer service to order a replacement.

Manage Your EBT Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at popular stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items. This process is separate from the support provided by the EBT customer service in California.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

Getting help with your EBT benefits doesn't have to be stressful, whether you're a current cardholder with an issue or a new applicant with questions. This guide provides clear instructions for contacting customer service for EBT in California, so you can quickly resolve common problems like a lost card, a forgotten PIN, or a suspicious transaction.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in California

There are several ways to get customer service for EBT in California, depending on your specific need.

Phone: The main customer service line is 1-877-328-9677, available 24/7 for issues like balance checks or lost cards. This is the primary California EBT customer service number. For those with hearing or speech impairments, a relay service is available at 1-800-735-2929. You can find more guidance on when to call online.
Email: For general questions, you can send a message to CDSSEBT@dss.ca.gov. If you need to report suspected fraud, use the dedicated address fraudprevention@dss.ca.gov to contact the appropriate department directly.
Mail: For formal correspondence with the administrative body overseeing the EBT program, you can write to the CDSS – EBT Automation & Client Initiatives Bureau, 744 P Street, MS 8-8-46, Sacramento, CA 95814.
In-Person: While there is no single statewide office, you can get help with EBT customer service in California by visiting your local county social services office. The state provides a county offices directory to help you find the location nearest to you.

Multi-Lingual Support

The customer service for EBT in California provides interpretation services in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. A complete list of supported languages is available in the state's guidance on when to call. This is a helpful option for anyone needing assistance from EBT customer service in California.

Download Benny app to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

Common EBT-Related Issues and How to Resolve Them

While EBT is a reliable system, you might occasionally encounter issues. Problems can range from a lost card or forgotten PIN to transaction errors or missing benefits. Knowing the right steps to take can help you resolve these situations quickly and secure your funds.

Lost or Stolen EBT Card

If your card is missing, acting fast is the best way to protect your benefits. You should immediately report the card as lost or stolen to deactivate it. The customer service for EBT in California is available around the clock for these emergencies.

Immediately call the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. The line is open 24/7.
Follow the prompts to report your card lost or stolen, which will disable it.
Request a replacement card and ask for tracking details if available.
If you suspect benefits were stolen before you reported the loss, contact your county office about filing a Report of Electronic Theft for possible reimbursement.
When your new card arrives, set a new PIN before using it.

Forgotten or Compromised PIN

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is what protects your account if your card falls into the wrong hands. If you forget your PIN or suspect someone else knows it, you should change it immediately to secure your benefits.

Call the EBT customer service line and select the option to change your PIN. Have your card number ready.
Choose a new four-digit PIN that is difficult to guess. Avoid using old PINs or obvious numbers like your birth year.
Periodically change your PIN for added security, especially if you receive any data-breach alerts from the state or your county.
Sign the back of your card and test the new PIN with a small purchase or at an ATM.

Balance Missing or Benefits Not Loaded

If you check your balance and find it's incorrect or your monthly benefits haven't appeared, there could be a deposit delay or an issue with your case. First, confirm the exact balance and the last deposit date to see what's going on.

You can check your balance with a free app like Benny, which shows your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance, or by logging into the official state EBT portal.

Compare the deposit date with your county’s California deposit schedule. If the date has passed, contact customer service.
A representative can tell you if the deposit failed, was delayed, or was adjusted for a reason like recertification.
If the issue requires county action, contact your caseworker directly with any information the representative provides.
If the balance is still wrong after 24 hours, you can file a fair-hearing request with your county.

Card Declined or Does Not Work at Checkout

A declined transaction can be frustrating, but it often has a simple explanation. The issue could be insufficient funds, an incorrect PIN entry, or a problem with the store's card reader. The California EBT customer service number can help with some of these issues.

First, confirm you have enough funds for the purchase. You can find a complete guide on how to check your EBT balance.
Carefully re-enter your PIN. Entering the wrong PIN three times will lock your card for the rest of the day.
Ask the cashier to try a different register or to process the transaction as an “EBT manual entry.”
If the card is visibly damaged and unreadable, you will need to call customer service to order a replacement.

Manage Your EBT Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at popular stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items. This process is separate from the support provided by the EBT customer service in California.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

Getting help with your EBT benefits doesn't have to be stressful, whether you're a current cardholder with an issue or a new applicant with questions. This guide provides clear instructions for contacting customer service for EBT in California, so you can quickly resolve common problems like a lost card, a forgotten PIN, or a suspicious transaction.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in California

There are several ways to get customer service for EBT in California, depending on your specific need.

Phone: The main customer service line is 1-877-328-9677, available 24/7 for issues like balance checks or lost cards. This is the primary California EBT customer service number. For those with hearing or speech impairments, a relay service is available at 1-800-735-2929. You can find more guidance on when to call online.
Email: For general questions, you can send a message to CDSSEBT@dss.ca.gov. If you need to report suspected fraud, use the dedicated address fraudprevention@dss.ca.gov to contact the appropriate department directly.
Mail: For formal correspondence with the administrative body overseeing the EBT program, you can write to the CDSS – EBT Automation & Client Initiatives Bureau, 744 P Street, MS 8-8-46, Sacramento, CA 95814.
In-Person: While there is no single statewide office, you can get help with EBT customer service in California by visiting your local county social services office. The state provides a county offices directory to help you find the location nearest to you.

Multi-Lingual Support

The customer service for EBT in California provides interpretation services in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. A complete list of supported languages is available in the state's guidance on when to call. This is a helpful option for anyone needing assistance from EBT customer service in California.

Download Benny app to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

Common EBT-Related Issues and How to Resolve Them

While EBT is a reliable system, you might occasionally encounter issues. Problems can range from a lost card or forgotten PIN to transaction errors or missing benefits. Knowing the right steps to take can help you resolve these situations quickly and secure your funds.

Lost or Stolen EBT Card

If your card is missing, acting fast is the best way to protect your benefits. You should immediately report the card as lost or stolen to deactivate it. The customer service for EBT in California is available around the clock for these emergencies.

Immediately call the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. The line is open 24/7.
Follow the prompts to report your card lost or stolen, which will disable it.
Request a replacement card and ask for tracking details if available.
If you suspect benefits were stolen before you reported the loss, contact your county office about filing a Report of Electronic Theft for possible reimbursement.
When your new card arrives, set a new PIN before using it.

Forgotten or Compromised PIN

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is what protects your account if your card falls into the wrong hands. If you forget your PIN or suspect someone else knows it, you should change it immediately to secure your benefits.

Call the EBT customer service line and select the option to change your PIN. Have your card number ready.
Choose a new four-digit PIN that is difficult to guess. Avoid using old PINs or obvious numbers like your birth year.
Periodically change your PIN for added security, especially if you receive any data-breach alerts from the state or your county.
Sign the back of your card and test the new PIN with a small purchase or at an ATM.

Balance Missing or Benefits Not Loaded

If you check your balance and find it's incorrect or your monthly benefits haven't appeared, there could be a deposit delay or an issue with your case. First, confirm the exact balance and the last deposit date to see what's going on.

You can check your balance with a free app like Benny, which shows your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance, or by logging into the official state EBT portal.

Compare the deposit date with your county’s California deposit schedule. If the date has passed, contact customer service.
A representative can tell you if the deposit failed, was delayed, or was adjusted for a reason like recertification.
If the issue requires county action, contact your caseworker directly with any information the representative provides.
If the balance is still wrong after 24 hours, you can file a fair-hearing request with your county.

Card Declined or Does Not Work at Checkout

A declined transaction can be frustrating, but it often has a simple explanation. The issue could be insufficient funds, an incorrect PIN entry, or a problem with the store's card reader. The California EBT customer service number can help with some of these issues.

First, confirm you have enough funds for the purchase. You can find a complete guide on how to check your EBT balance.
Carefully re-enter your PIN. Entering the wrong PIN three times will lock your card for the rest of the day.
Ask the cashier to try a different register or to process the transaction as an “EBT manual entry.”
If the card is visibly damaged and unreadable, you will need to call customer service to order a replacement.

Manage Your EBT Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at popular stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items. This process is separate from the support provided by the EBT customer service in California.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

Getting help with your EBT benefits doesn't have to be stressful, whether you're a current cardholder with an issue or a new applicant with questions. This guide provides clear instructions for contacting customer service for EBT in California, so you can quickly resolve common problems like a lost card, a forgotten PIN, or a suspicious transaction.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in California

There are several ways to get customer service for EBT in California, depending on your specific need.

Phone: The main customer service line is 1-877-328-9677, available 24/7 for issues like balance checks or lost cards. This is the primary California EBT customer service number. For those with hearing or speech impairments, a relay service is available at 1-800-735-2929. You can find more guidance on when to call online.
Email: For general questions, you can send a message to CDSSEBT@dss.ca.gov. If you need to report suspected fraud, use the dedicated address fraudprevention@dss.ca.gov to contact the appropriate department directly.
Mail: For formal correspondence with the administrative body overseeing the EBT program, you can write to the CDSS – EBT Automation & Client Initiatives Bureau, 744 P Street, MS 8-8-46, Sacramento, CA 95814.
In-Person: While there is no single statewide office, you can get help with EBT customer service in California by visiting your local county social services office. The state provides a county offices directory to help you find the location nearest to you.

Multi-Lingual Support

The customer service for EBT in California provides interpretation services in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. A complete list of supported languages is available in the state's guidance on when to call. This is a helpful option for anyone needing assistance from EBT customer service in California.

Download Benny app to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

Common EBT-Related Issues and How to Resolve Them

While EBT is a reliable system, you might occasionally encounter issues. Problems can range from a lost card or forgotten PIN to transaction errors or missing benefits. Knowing the right steps to take can help you resolve these situations quickly and secure your funds.

Lost or Stolen EBT Card

If your card is missing, acting fast is the best way to protect your benefits. You should immediately report the card as lost or stolen to deactivate it. The customer service for EBT in California is available around the clock for these emergencies.

Immediately call the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. The line is open 24/7.
Follow the prompts to report your card lost or stolen, which will disable it.
Request a replacement card and ask for tracking details if available.
If you suspect benefits were stolen before you reported the loss, contact your county office about filing a Report of Electronic Theft for possible reimbursement.
When your new card arrives, set a new PIN before using it.

Forgotten or Compromised PIN

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is what protects your account if your card falls into the wrong hands. If you forget your PIN or suspect someone else knows it, you should change it immediately to secure your benefits.

Call the EBT customer service line and select the option to change your PIN. Have your card number ready.
Choose a new four-digit PIN that is difficult to guess. Avoid using old PINs or obvious numbers like your birth year.
Periodically change your PIN for added security, especially if you receive any data-breach alerts from the state or your county.
Sign the back of your card and test the new PIN with a small purchase or at an ATM.

Balance Missing or Benefits Not Loaded

If you check your balance and find it's incorrect or your monthly benefits haven't appeared, there could be a deposit delay or an issue with your case. First, confirm the exact balance and the last deposit date to see what's going on.

You can check your balance with a free app like Benny, which shows your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance, or by logging into the official state EBT portal.

Compare the deposit date with your county’s California deposit schedule. If the date has passed, contact customer service.
A representative can tell you if the deposit failed, was delayed, or was adjusted for a reason like recertification.
If the issue requires county action, contact your caseworker directly with any information the representative provides.
If the balance is still wrong after 24 hours, you can file a fair-hearing request with your county.

Card Declined or Does Not Work at Checkout

A declined transaction can be frustrating, but it often has a simple explanation. The issue could be insufficient funds, an incorrect PIN entry, or a problem with the store's card reader. The California EBT customer service number can help with some of these issues.

First, confirm you have enough funds for the purchase. You can find a complete guide on how to check your EBT balance.
Carefully re-enter your PIN. Entering the wrong PIN three times will lock your card for the rest of the day.
Ask the cashier to try a different register or to process the transaction as an “EBT manual entry.”
If the card is visibly damaged and unreadable, you will need to call customer service to order a replacement.

Manage Your EBT Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at popular stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items. This process is separate from the support provided by the EBT customer service in California.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

Getting help with your EBT benefits doesn't have to be stressful, whether you're a current cardholder with an issue or a new applicant with questions. This guide provides clear instructions for contacting customer service for EBT in California, so you can quickly resolve common problems like a lost card, a forgotten PIN, or a suspicious transaction.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in California

There are several ways to get customer service for EBT in California, depending on your specific need.

Phone: The main customer service line is 1-877-328-9677, available 24/7 for issues like balance checks or lost cards. This is the primary California EBT customer service number. For those with hearing or speech impairments, a relay service is available at 1-800-735-2929. You can find more guidance on when to call online.
Email: For general questions, you can send a message to CDSSEBT@dss.ca.gov. If you need to report suspected fraud, use the dedicated address fraudprevention@dss.ca.gov to contact the appropriate department directly.
Mail: For formal correspondence with the administrative body overseeing the EBT program, you can write to the CDSS – EBT Automation & Client Initiatives Bureau, 744 P Street, MS 8-8-46, Sacramento, CA 95814.
In-Person: While there is no single statewide office, you can get help with EBT customer service in California by visiting your local county social services office. The state provides a county offices directory to help you find the location nearest to you.

Multi-Lingual Support

The customer service for EBT in California provides interpretation services in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese. A complete list of supported languages is available in the state's guidance on when to call. This is a helpful option for anyone needing assistance from EBT customer service in California.

Download Benny app to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

Common EBT-Related Issues and How to Resolve Them

While EBT is a reliable system, you might occasionally encounter issues. Problems can range from a lost card or forgotten PIN to transaction errors or missing benefits. Knowing the right steps to take can help you resolve these situations quickly and secure your funds.

Lost or Stolen EBT Card

If your card is missing, acting fast is the best way to protect your benefits. You should immediately report the card as lost or stolen to deactivate it. The customer service for EBT in California is available around the clock for these emergencies.

Immediately call the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. The line is open 24/7.
Follow the prompts to report your card lost or stolen, which will disable it.
Request a replacement card and ask for tracking details if available.
If you suspect benefits were stolen before you reported the loss, contact your county office about filing a Report of Electronic Theft for possible reimbursement.
When your new card arrives, set a new PIN before using it.

Forgotten or Compromised PIN

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is what protects your account if your card falls into the wrong hands. If you forget your PIN or suspect someone else knows it, you should change it immediately to secure your benefits.

Call the EBT customer service line and select the option to change your PIN. Have your card number ready.
Choose a new four-digit PIN that is difficult to guess. Avoid using old PINs or obvious numbers like your birth year.
Periodically change your PIN for added security, especially if you receive any data-breach alerts from the state or your county.
Sign the back of your card and test the new PIN with a small purchase or at an ATM.

Balance Missing or Benefits Not Loaded

If you check your balance and find it's incorrect or your monthly benefits haven't appeared, there could be a deposit delay or an issue with your case. First, confirm the exact balance and the last deposit date to see what's going on.

You can check your balance with a free app like Benny, which shows your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash balance, or by logging into the official state EBT portal.

Compare the deposit date with your county’s California deposit schedule. If the date has passed, contact customer service.
A representative can tell you if the deposit failed, was delayed, or was adjusted for a reason like recertification.
If the issue requires county action, contact your caseworker directly with any information the representative provides.
If the balance is still wrong after 24 hours, you can file a fair-hearing request with your county.

Card Declined or Does Not Work at Checkout

A declined transaction can be frustrating, but it often has a simple explanation. The issue could be insufficient funds, an incorrect PIN entry, or a problem with the store's card reader. The California EBT customer service number can help with some of these issues.

First, confirm you have enough funds for the purchase. You can find a complete guide on how to check your EBT balance.
Carefully re-enter your PIN. Entering the wrong PIN three times will lock your card for the rest of the day.
Ask the cashier to try a different register or to process the transaction as an “EBT manual entry.”
If the card is visibly damaged and unreadable, you will need to call customer service to order a replacement.

Manage Your EBT Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real-time and get cash back on eligible purchases at popular stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's.

To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items. This process is separate from the support provided by the EBT customer service in California.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.