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?

UPDATE: I called this morning and after getting transferred THREE times, I finally got someone who could help. Turns out they sent my card to my old address even though I updated it months ago! The rep said there was some glitch where address updates in the main system weren't syncing with the EBT card system. They're mailing a new card rush delivery to my correct address, and I should have it by Friday. They also gave me the option to go to the Oakland office for same-day pickup, but since I work during their open hours, I'm just going to wait for the mail delivery. Thank you everyone for your help and advice! This whole system is so frustrating.

So glad you got this figured out! That address syncing issue is such a widespread problem - I've seen it happen to so many people. It's crazy that they don't have a better system to prevent this from happening in the first place. Hopefully your rush delivery actually comes through on Friday and you can finally access your benefits again. Thanks for posting the update too - this will definitely help other people who run into the same situation!

Update for everyone: I just checked with our county liaison, and they confirmed the PEBT activation system is experiencing technical difficulties due to high call volume. They're working on expanding capacity, but in the meantime, here's the official workaround: 1. Call the regular EBT customer service number (877-328-9677) 2. Select option 2 (for lost/stolen card) 3. Then option 4 (for other card issues) 4. Tell the representative you're trying to activate a PEBT card This route is working for many families right now as a temporary solution. Hope this helps!

I'm having the same issue with my son's card that arrived yesterday! Been trying to activate it since this morning with no luck. Reading through all these comments is actually really helpful - I had no idea this was such a widespread problem during distribution cycles. I'm going to try Emily's workaround with the regular EBT customer service line tomorrow morning. It's frustrating because my son starts back at school next week and we were planning to use these benefits for his meal plan. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions!

my sister moved from texas last year and got calfresh within 2 weeks! but she had all her paperwork ready and kept calling to check on status. just make sure u have ur ID, proof of income, and something showing ur new address in california. good luck with the move!!

Just wanted to add that if you're job hunting while transitioning to California, you can use a future job offer letter as income verification even if you haven't started working yet. I did this when I moved from Oregon last year - my new employer provided a letter stating my start date and salary, and the county accepted it for my CalFresh application. This can be really helpful if you're between jobs during the move. Also, if you have any medical conditions or disabilities, make sure to mention them during your interview as you might qualify for additional deductions that could increase your benefit amount.