Good luck with everything!! Housing stuff is so stressful 😫 I went through all this last year and finally got a place after 7 months of waiting. The system is broken but don't give up!!

I'm going through something similar right now! My CalWORKs worker actually told me about something called the Homeless Prevention Program that might help too. It's different from HSP but can provide emergency rental assistance if you're behind on rent or facing eviction. You might want to ask about both programs when you call tomorrow. Also, when you're filling out housing applications, make sure to check if they participate in the coordinated entry system - some places give priority to people who are literally homeless or at immediate risk, which sounds like your situation with the rent increase. Hang in there! 💪

is p-ebt even still pandemic related? like covid is over why they still calling it that lol

Update: Just called the County office and they confirmed Bakersfield cards should start getting loaded next Tuesday! The lady said they're doing it alphabetically by last name, A-M first week and N-Z the following week. Thanks everyone for the help and information!

UPDATE: Just got our P-EBT card in the mail today!! (May 17) We're in the Sherman Oaks area of LA. It did come in a very plain envelope that I almost missed. It has the full amount for all months! Such a relief. Hope everyone else gets theirs soon!

Congrats Malik! So happy to hear you finally got yours! I'm in Van Nuys and still waiting but this gives me hope that they're working through the San Fernando Valley area. Going to be extra careful checking my mail now. Thanks for the update and glad you got the full amount!

One more important thing: when they issue you a replacement P-EBT card, make sure to ask them if the benefits from the original card will transfer automatically or if they need to manually transfer them. In some counties, this happens automatically, but in others, you need to specifically request it. You don't want to get a new card with zero balance if your benefits were already loaded to the original card.

I work for a local food bank and we see this P-EBT mail theft issue way too often unfortunately. One thing that might help prevent this in the future - you can request to have your replacement card sent to a different address like a trusted family member or friend's house, or even have it held at the post office for pickup. Just mention this option when you call! Also, some post offices will let you put a temporary hold on mail delivery if you're going out of town, which can help prevent theft during vulnerable times. Hope you get this resolved quickly!

the whole system is RIGGED against us!!! my friend had her benefits stolen 3 TIMES and they accused HER of selling her benefits!!! this is why i keep telling everyone to withdraw all your money as soon as it hits your account and just use cash!!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - EBT theft is absolutely devastating, especially when you have kids depending on those benefits. Since you mentioned the county is questioning the second theft, make sure you emphasize that you DID change your card after the first incident and that you've been following security protocols. Document everything - save all your police reports, correspondence with the county, and any evidence of the theft. One thing that helped me was creating a "theft protection checklist" after my benefits were stolen: 1) Only shop at stores with good lighting and visible security cameras, 2) Never use your card at gas stations or convenience stores (higher risk for skimmers), 3) Always cover your PIN entry with your other hand, and 4) Check your balance daily through the app so you catch any unauthorized use immediately. For immediate food help while waiting for replacement, also try reaching out to local churches and community centers - many have emergency food pantries that don't require extensive paperwork. Hang in there - this isn't your fault, and you WILL get through this.