Just updating with some current information: According to a CalFresh eligibility worker I spoke with last week, P-EBT deliveries have been delayed throughout California due to the high volume of cards being sent out for the 2024-2025 school year. The typical delay between Informed Delivery notification and actual delivery has increased to 2-4 business days currently. Also important to note: Make sure your address is current with your child's school district, as P-EBT uses that database for mailings. If you've moved since enrollment, that could cause additional delays or redirection.

So glad your card finally arrived! This is such a common issue and it's really stressful when you're depending on those benefits. For anyone else dealing with this - I've found that checking with your local post office can sometimes help too. Sometimes they hold mail for a day if there's a substitute carrier who isn't familiar with the route. Also, just a heads up that once you activate the card, it can take up to 24 hours for the benefits to actually be accessible, so don't panic if it doesn't work immediately at the store!

Update: My benefits loaded at 1:37am! I set an alarm to check and was able to get to the store before work. Thanks everyone for your help and the tip about the BenefitsCal app - it was way easier than calling the number on the back of the card.

That's awesome that it worked out for you! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - if you're consistently running low on benefits before your next issuance date, there are some food pantries and emergency food programs that can help bridge the gap. Many don't require appointments and are specifically set up to help SNAP/CalFresh recipients during that tough week before benefits reload. Your county social services office should have a list of local resources, or you can call 211 for food assistance in your area. It's not ideal to have to rely on multiple sources, but sometimes that's what it takes to get through the month.

Hey there! I understand your concern about this situation. Here's what you should know: **Regarding payback (overpayment):** Yes, you may be liable to repay benefits you received after becoming ineligible due to your income increase. The state can determine you received an "overpayment" for the months you didn't report your new job income, even if you weren't using the benefits. **About the unused balance:** I'd strongly recommend NOT touching that balance right now. Using benefits you may not have been eligible for could complicate your situation further. **What you should do:** 1. Contact your local CalFresh office immediately to discuss your situation 2. Be honest about when your income changed and why you didn't report it 3. Ask about setting up a repayment plan if an overpayment is determined 4. Get everything in writing The good news is that overpayments can often be resolved through manageable payment plans, and being proactive about addressing this shows good faith. Don't wait - the sooner you contact them, the better your options may be. Hope this helps! 🙏

UPDATE: Just checked our EBT balance and the Summer EBT was loaded today (June 18th)! $414 total for my three kids ($138 each). So happy! Looks like they're starting to distribute them now. Hope everyone else gets theirs soon!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to your county office, you can also check the California Department of Social Services website or your county's DPSS website for updates on Summer EBT distribution dates. Some counties post their specific distribution schedules online. Also, the benefits are good for a full year from when they're issued, so don't panic if you don't get them right away - you won't lose them! My kids are also eating me out of house and home this summer break, so I totally feel everyone's pain here 😅

has anyone tried the new chip EBT cards?? my county says were getting them in august but idk if they really any safer??

This is absolutely infuriating but I'm so glad you finally got your money back! I've been dealing with EBT theft for months now and it's like the system is designed to make us give up. My benefits were stolen twice in February - $520 the first time and $340 the second time. Filed reports immediately but kept getting the runaround from the county office. What really gets me is that they have all this technology to detect "suspicious" purchases when we're actually using our own benefits, but somehow can't stop thieves from draining our accounts? The whole system needs an overhaul. I'm definitely going to try bringing documentation of financial hardship like you did. My utilities are about to be shut off and I've been living off food bank donations while waiting for reimbursement. It's beyond cruel to make families wait weeks or months when we're already struggling to survive. Thank you for sharing your experience - it gives me hope that there might be light at the end of this nightmare!