Frequently Asked Questions About Electronic Benefits Transfer
Accordion 1580298733
Direct Deposit is still available to clients for cash (instead of EBT).
The CalFresh "stagger day" remains the same as it was previously and is based on the last digit of the case serial number. There are no exemptions from stagger for CalFresh.
- 1 = 1st day
- 2 = 2nd day
- 3 = 3rd day
- 4 = 4th day
- 5 = 5th day
- 6 = 6th day
- 7 = 7th day
- 8 = 8th day
- 9 = 9th day
- 0 = 10th day
The Cash "stagger day" is also based on the last digit of the case serial number.
- 1, 2, 3 = 1st day
- 4, 5, 6, 7 = 2nd day
- 8, 9, 0 = 3rd day
Note: There may be exemptions from stagger days for hardships
The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card replaced CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps) coupons and Direct Mail (DM). Cash programs include:
- CalWORKs
- General Relief
- Refugee Cash Assistance
- Foster Care
- Vendor Payments
- Supportive Payments
- Diversion Payments
- Under EBT, CalFresh benefits can be used at the same grocers that accept CalFresh now.
- There is never a charge to use a grocer's Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal for CalFresh.
- A grocer that accepts the EBT card for Calfresh benefits will display the Quest logo somewhere in the store.
The EBT vendor provides a 24-hour, toll-free, Customer Service helpline. The helpline provides access to an ARU (Automated Response Unit) and access to a Customer Service Representative. Customers may call the helpline for the following:
- To obtain account balance(s)
- To report lost, stolen, or damaged cards
- To request a new card
- To change their Personal Identification Numbers (PIN)
Transaction Fees
- First 4 transactions per month = NO TRANSACTION FEE
- After 4 transactions per month = $0.85 per transaction
Surcharges
- Determined by the ATM owner
- Some ATMs never surcharge
- Remote
- Out-of-County/State
- Language
- Disability
- Transfer out-of-County
- Other