Just following up - were you able to get emergency benefits issued? If they're still giving you the runaround, specifically ask for an "Immediate Need" issuance while your theft claim is being processed. This is a separate process from the reimbursement claim. You're entitled to expedited benefits in emergency situations like this. If the regular county line isn't helpful, try calling the main CalFresh customer service line at 1-877-847-3663 (1-877-FOOD). Make sure to document the time and date of every call, who you spoke with, and what they told you.

I'm so glad you got the emergency benefits sorted out! This is exactly why we need to share this information - too many county workers don't mention the "Immediate Need" option or emergency replacement benefits. For anyone else reading this thread who might face EBT theft, save this post! The key phrases are "Immediate Need issuance" and "emergency replacement benefits" - these are separate from your regular theft claim reimbursement. Don't let them tell you to just wait weeks with no food assistance. You're entitled to help while your case is being processed. Really happy this worked out for you and your family!

UPDATE: I checked the portal and my daughter IS approved!! Thank you all for the help. Says the card should be mailed next month. Such a relief!

That's awesome news Ruby! So glad you were able to get it sorted out. The P-EBT portal is definitely the way to go - saved me so much stress when I was trying to figure out my son's benefits last year. Once you get the card, you'll be able to use it just like a regular EBT card at grocery stores. The $48 per month really does add up and helps a lot with the grocery budget. Hope your card arrives quickly!

Just to follow up - once you report your pregnancy (after 7 months along) and after your baby is born, make sure to update your CalFresh case. For a household of 3 in 2025, the maximum CalFresh benefit is around $770/month instead of $425. Also, since housing costs affect CalFresh benefits, if your rent does increase, report that too! Higher rent can sometimes qualify you for higher CalFresh benefits because it reduces your "net income" in their calculations. This is called the "excess shelter deduction.

I was in a similar situation last year and ended up applying for everything at once through BenefitsCal.com - you can apply for CalFresh, CalWORKs, and Medi-Cal all in the same application. Made things way easier than doing separate applications. The CalWORKs Housing Support Program ended up being what saved us from eviction.

UPDATE: My benefits are back! Logged into the app this morning and everything is showing correctly now. For anyone else with this issue, looks like it was just a temporary glitch with the app display. Thanks everyone for your help!

So glad to see this got resolved! This is actually pretty common during WIC system updates - I've seen this happen in Orange County too. For future reference, the CA WIC program usually posts updates about planned maintenance on their main website (mywic.ca.gov), so you can check there if you see weird app behavior. Also worth noting that even when the app shows zero, your physical WIC card should still work at authorized stores during these glitches. The card connects to a different part of the system than the mobile app display.

I just want to thank everyone for all the detailed explanations! This thread has been incredibly helpful. I was so confused when I first got that mail about P-EBT, but now I understand it's separate from CalFresh and tied to the school lunch program. Based on what everyone shared, it sounds like I need to: 1. Check if our school filled out that meal application (or if it's a CEP school) 2. Verify our address is correct with the school 3. Wait a bit longer since some counties are still processing 2025 cards 4. Call the P-EBT helpline if nothing comes in the next few weeks It's frustrating that the program isn't more straightforward, but at least now I know what to expect. Really appreciate this community for breaking it all down in terms that actually make sense!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that P-EBT benefits can also be used for online grocery pickup/delivery at participating stores like Walmart, Amazon Fresh, and some Safeways. This was really helpful for us since we don't always have time to go grocery shopping in person with work schedules. Also, if you're having trouble getting through to the P-EBT helpline, try calling right when they open (usually 8am) or during lunch hours when call volume might be lower. I've had better luck getting through around 12:30pm than in the mornings or late afternoons. And just to echo what others said - definitely save all the paperwork that comes with the cards! There's usually a pamphlet with store locations and online retailers that accept P-EBT, plus information about what you can and can't buy. Super useful to keep in your wallet or purse for reference.