In California, you cannot track an EBT card by mail with a tracking number, as these cards are sent through a standard batch process without individual USPS tracking .
How long it takes
- Typically, 7–10 business days after approval for CalFresh benefits.
- Expect delays during high volumes or if your address isn’t updated.
What you can do
- Wait up to 10 business days from benefit approval.
- If no card by then, contact your county EBT office or call the toll-free number 1‑877‑328‑9677.
- Ask if expedited shipping or an in-person pickup is available—some counties offer this option.
- Keep your benefitscal.com or ebtEDGE account up-to-date—ensuring your address is correct helps avoid delays.
Real experiences
From Reddit:
Quote:“Not sure about NY. But CA currently does not offer tracking numbers… One more security flaw.” reddit.com
And:
Quote:“The EBT card usually takes 7‑10 business days to arrive… Sometimes faster, but I’d plan for that timeframe to be safe.”
To activate your EBT card in California, follow these steps:
Activate by Phone:
- Call the Toll-Free Number:
- Dial 1-877-328-9677 (California EBT Customer Service).
- Available 24/7.
- Enter Card Details:
- Provide the 16-digit card number printed on your EBT card.
- Verify Identity:
- Enter your date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY).
- Provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) or a PIN setup code if requested.
- Set Your PIN:
- Choose a 4-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number).
- Re-enter the PIN to confirm.
- Complete Activation:
- You’ll receive a confirmation that your card is now active.
Activate Online (If Available):
- Visit the EBT Portal:
- Log in or register at ebt.ca.gov.
- Follow the steps to activate your card and set your PIN.
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