SNAP · California
California SNAP: Golden State Advantage EBT Card, phone numbers and deposit days
In California, SNAP is called CalFresh and benefits load on the Golden State Advantage EBT Card. 5,093,375 people were on SNAP in California in July 2026, down 6.5% from July 2025 (5,449,432). 29,867 stores in the state take SNAP.
California SNAP and EBT phone numbers
- EBT card help: Golden State Advantage EBT CardBalance, lost or stolen card, PIN877-328-9677
- CalFresh help lineApplications, interviews, case questions877-847-3663
We publish a phone number only when two independent sources agree: the USDA state directory and the state agency's own website. "n/d" means we could not confirm it, so call 2-1-1 or use the number on the back of your card.
When benefits arrive
We could not confirm California's current deposit days against the state's own page, so we do not show a table. Your approval notice and the EBT line have your date.
How to find your deposit dayIncome limits in California
California uses a gross income limit of 200% of the poverty line for most households, under a state option called broad-based categorical eligibility. Households under that limit do not face the federal net income or asset tests.
| People | Gross limit (200%) | Net limit (poverty line) | Maximum SNAP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $3,608 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $4,554 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $5,500 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $6,448 | $3,224 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $7,394 | $3,697 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $8,340 | $4,170 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $9,288 | $4,644 | $1,841 |
No asset limit for most households in California under its broad-based rule.
Estimate your benefit for CaliforniaCalifornia rules at a glance
- Soda and candy. No soda or candy restriction for California on the USDA list.No restriction listed
- Hot meals at restaurants. California runs the Restaurant Meals Program: households where everyone is 60 or older, has a disability or is homeless can use SNAP at participating restaurants. See the restaurants.Yes, for some
- Work rules. California has time limit waivers for some areas in the first quarter of FY2027.Details
- Summer EBT for kids. California took part in Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) in 2026.Details
Utility allowances
Instead of adding up each bill, SNAP counts a set utility amount. A higher amount can raise the benefit.
| Area | Heating or cooling | Basic or limited | Phone only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | $663 | $170 | $20 |
Where to use EBT in California
Counties with the most stores:
Online stores that take SNAP
The USDA state directory lists 68 stores that take SNAP online in California:
- Albertsons
- ALDI
- Amazon
- Andronico's Community Markets
- Avenue 33 Farm
- Bel Air
- Big Square
- Black Mountain Farm
- Bristol Farms
- Brothers Fresh
- Brothers Marketplace
- Cardenas Markets
- Co-opportunity Market
- Costco
- CVS Banners
- Dare 2 Dream Farms
- Dashmart
- Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA)
- Dollar General
- El Super
- ExtraMile by Jacksons
- Family Dollar
- Farm Fresh Eggs
- Foggy Bottom Boys
- Food 4 Less (Kroger)
- Food 4 Less (PAQ)
- FoodMaxx
- Foods Co
- Gelson's Markets
- Glen Ellen Village Market
- Gopuff
- Gus's Community Market
- Holiday Market
- Jacksons Food Stores
- Jimbo’s Naturally
- Lazy Acres
- Lucky Supermarkets
- Mandela Partners
- Mar Val Foods
- Mountain Bounty Farm
- Nob Hill
- Northgate Markets
- Pavilions
- Prime Time Nutrition
- Raley’s
- Ralphs
- Rancho San Miguel Markets
- Ray's Food Place
- Rite Aid
- Safeway
- Sam’s Club Scan and Go
- Sav Mor
- Save Mart Supermarkets
- Smart and Final
- Speedway (22962526)
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Stater Bros.
- Super King Market
- Superior Grocers
- Target
- The Market by Superior
- Thrive Market
- Urban Tilth
- Vons
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Whole Foods
- Winter Sister Farm
Common questions
What is the EBT card called in California?
Golden State Advantage EBT Card. The program is called CalFresh.
What is the SNAP income limit in California for 4 people?
$5,500 a month gross (200% of the poverty line) and $2,750 net, from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027.
How do I check my EBT balance in California?
Call 877-328-9677, the EBT customer service line, or look at your last receipt.
Can I buy soda with SNAP in California?
No soda or candy restriction for California on the USDA list.
Sources: USDA SNAP State Directory of Resources (state entry updated July 22, 2026); USDA, SNAP Fiscal Year 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments memo (signed August 21, 2026; in effect October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027); USDA, Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility chart (June 2026); USDA, Standard Utility Allowances by state, FY2026 table; USDA, SNAP Food Restriction Waivers (page updated October 13, 2026); USDA SNAP Data Tables, persons participating (data as of October 9, 2026); USDA SNAP Retailer Locator data (layer updated October 21, 2026); USDA, ABAWD time limit waiver status, FY2027 first quarter (in effect October 1, 2026); USDA, Summer EBT participating areas (page updated August 14, 2026).
Independent guide. Not a government website. Not affiliated with USDA or any state agency. We do not take applications, and we never ask for your case number, card number or PIN. Amounts and rules can change: your state SNAP agency has the final word.