My friend got a flyer about some town hall meeting where they are discussing the benefits increase. I think its happening at the community center next week. Maybe you could go and ask questions?

I'm new to CalFresh and this thread has been super helpful! Just wanted to add that I found the official USDA Food and Nutrition Service website has a section where they post the annual benefit adjustments once they're finalized. It's usually updated around late August/early September. The URL is fns.usda.gov if anyone wants to bookmark it for official updates rather than relying on rumors. Also, @Hailey O'Leary definitely report that childcare expense ASAP - that could make a huge difference in your monthly benefits while you're waiting for any COLA increase!

Just to clarify for everyone: P-EBT 4.0 for Summer 2025 should be approximately $490 total per eligible child, distributed in 2-3 payments. The first payment is typically $120, with the remainder split into 1-2 additional payments over 6-8 weeks. The payments load automatically onto the P-EBT card - no additional action needed if your child already received the first payment. If you haven't received any payments but believe your child qualifies, contact their school first to verify they were included on the eligibility list. For those asking about regular CalFresh - that's separate from P-EBT, requires its own application, and provides monthly benefits year-round based on household income and expenses.

Just wanted to add that you can check your P-EBT card balance anytime by calling the customer service number on the back of your card or visiting the ebtEDGE website. I set up text alerts for when new payments are loaded, which has been really helpful for tracking when the next installment arrives. Also, if you're still having trouble reaching someone by phone, try calling first thing in the morning (around 8 AM) - that's when I've had the most success getting through to a real person without waiting forever on hold.

UPDATE: I finally got through to a supervisor at my county office. Turns out the worker had entered my medical expenses in the wrong field in their system, so they weren't being counted in the calculation! The supervisor fixed it and recalculated my benefits on the spot. I now qualify for $281/month in CalFresh! She said I can withdraw my appeal since it's resolved. So relieved I don't have to go through with the hearing. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

Congratulations on getting it resolved! Your story is so helpful for others in similar situations. It's really telling that it was just a data entry error in their system - makes you wonder how many people get wrongly denied because of these kinds of mistakes. I'm dealing with a similar issue right now with my recertification and this gives me hope that persistence pays off. Did you have to provide any additional documentation to the supervisor, or were they able to see your medical expenses in the system once they looked in the right place?

This whole thread is so helpful! I'm new to CalFresh and had no idea about the address syncing issues between different systems. It's honestly shocking that this is such a common problem but they don't warn people about it upfront. Sadie, I'm really glad you were persistent and got it sorted out - that must have been so stressful going weeks without access to your benefits. The fact that you had to get transferred three times just to find someone who could actually help shows how broken the communication is within the system. Thanks for sharing your experience and the update - this is going to help so many people who face the same situation!

This is such a perfect example of why the system needs major reform! I'm relatively new to this community but already seeing how these "glitches" disproportionately affect people who can least afford to go weeks without food benefits. The fact that Sadie had to become a detective just to figure out why her replacement card never arrived is absurd. It shouldn't take three transfers and multiple phone calls to discover that the address systems don't sync properly - that's a basic functionality issue that affects people's ability to eat! Really grateful for everyone sharing their experiences and workarounds here. This kind of peer support is invaluable when navigating such a broken system. Fingers crossed your rush delivery actually comes through Friday, Sadie!

they said it was probably a skimmer at the store but i never found out for sure. just be really careful anywhere you shop and cover the keypad when you type your pin. also check your balance after each purchase so you know right away if somethings wrong!

Welcome to CalFresh, Sofia! You've gotten some great advice here already. I just want to add a couple things from my experience: For EBT theft protection, I also recommend taking a photo of your receipt after each transaction and keeping track of your balance manually. The app is helpful but sometimes there's a delay in updating, so having your own records makes it easier to spot discrepancies quickly. Also, if you ever feel uncomfortable about a card reader looking suspicious (like if it seems loose or different from usual), trust your instincts and ask to pay cash or use a different terminal. Better safe than sorry! And definitely check out local food banks like Jamal suggested - many also have "client choice" programs where you can pick out personal care items and cleaning supplies alongside groceries. Some churches and community centers also do monthly distributions of household essentials. You're asking all the right questions as a new recipient. Stay vigilant but don't stress too much - most people use their benefits without any issues. Good luck with everything!