Just a tip - I recommend creating a separate PIN for the card than what they initially assign. Sometimes the default PINs can be easy for others to guess if they know your child's information. You can change the PIN by calling the number on the back of the card. I also put a little sticker on mine to differentiate it from my regular EBT card since they look similar!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble figuring out what you can buy with P-EBT, the USDA has a great app called "SNAP Retailer Locator" that not only shows you which stores accept EBT but also has a guide for eligible food items. Since P-EBT follows the same rules as regular SNAP/CalFresh, anything you can buy with regular food stamps you can buy with P-EBT. This includes fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, cereals, and even seeds/plants that produce food! Just remember no hot/prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, or non-food items. The app has been super helpful for me when I'm shopping and not sure about something.

So glad you got it resolved! This is really important info for everyone to know. I had no idea that stolen EBT cards get automatically flagged like that. Quick question - when you called the EBT customer service line, did you have to provide any specific information to prove your identity before they could tell you about the fraud flag? I'm always worried about someone else being able to access my account info if they had my card number.

This is such valuable information! I had no idea that EBT cards get automatically flagged for fraud when reported stolen - I always thought you had to manually request the cancellation. It's really helpful to know that the security system is proactive like that, even if the communication about it could be better. For anyone reading this who might be in a similar situation, it's also worth knowing that most food banks don't require any paperwork or proof of income for emergency food assistance - you can usually just walk in and explain your situation. They're there to help during exactly these kinds of emergencies!

Sometimes if you hit 0 a bunch of times during the automated message it will force you to a representative. Thats what I do with most of these stupid automated systems lol

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! My son's card should have loaded yesterday too and I keep getting that silent line after the welcome message. So frustrating when you're just trying to make sure your kid can eat lunch at school. I'm going to try that texting option someone mentioned - fingers crossed it works for us too. Thanks for posting about this, at least now I know it's not just me going crazy!

I STILL haven't gotten an answer about whether my kids qualify since their school has universal free lunch. Does anyone know if that counts? Do I have to be on actual CalFresh?

Just wanted to add that you can also check your card balance online at www.ebtcalifornia.com or by downloading the ebtEDGE mobile app. This is super convenient so you don't have to call the number on the back of the card every time. I set up accounts for all my kids' cards last year and it made tracking their spending so much easier. The app also shows you exactly where the cards were used, which is helpful for budgeting. Also, don't forget that these cards can be used at farmers markets that accept EBT - many of them even have matching programs that double your benefits for fresh produce!

Update us on what happens! The EBT 4.0 rollout has been a mess in many counties. One important thing to know: if they do have to issue emergency benefits because of their error, make sure they give you the full month's amount. Some workers try to prorate it based on the days left in the month, but if it's their system error, you're entitled to the full month's benefits retroactive to your normal issuance date.

UPDATE: Finally got this resolved! I called this morning using the Claimyr service someone recommended, and it actually worked - got through to a real person in about 20 minutes. The worker said there was a 'card synchronization error' that affected several people who got new 4.0 cards. She had to get supervisor approval, but they were able to transfer my full benefits while I was on the phone. Just checked my balance and it's all there! For anyone else having this issue, definitely call and specifically mention it's a '4.0 card synchronization error' - apparently that helps them know exactly what to do.