I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! Got duplicate P-EBT cards for my 7-year-old last week. Based on what everyone's saying here, it sounds like the key is to call and report it ASAP. I'm going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned because I can't afford to sit on hold for hours either. One thing I'm wondering - for those who've been through this, did you get any kind of confirmation letter or email after they resolved it? I want to make sure I have proof that I reported it properly in case any questions come up later. Thanks for sharing your experience @Giovanni, it's really helpful to know we're not alone in dealing with this!

I'm going through something similar right now! My 9-year-old got duplicate P-EBT Summer cards too - one to our home address and another to my mom's house where she stays after school. I was panicking thinking I'd somehow accidentally applied twice, but reading all these responses is such a relief. It sounds like this is a widespread system glitch with the 2025 Summer P-EBT rollout. I'm definitely going to call the hotline tomorrow and report it proactively like everyone suggests. The advice about documenting everything and getting the rep's ID number is really helpful. It's scary how something that's completely their mistake could potentially mess with our regular benefits if not handled properly. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it really helps to know what to expect when I call!

As someone who just went through this process, I can confirm what others have said - they definitely use the primary account holder's last name (Johnson in your case) for the alphabetical distribution. I had the same confusion because my stepkids have different last names but are on my CalFresh case. One thing I'd add is that you should make sure your phone number is updated with the county office because they send text notifications about 24-48 hours before your group's window opens. Also, even though the windows are only 3-4 days each, the actual Sun Bucks benefits stay on your EBT card for 30 days once loaded, so you don't have to rush to spend them immediately. Hope this helps ease some of the stress!

I'm new to CalFresh and still figuring out all these programs. This Sun Bucks thing sounds helpful but I'm confused about something - do you have to do anything special to sign up for it or does it automatically get added to your EBT card if you're already getting CalFresh benefits? I don't want to miss out because I didn't know I was supposed to apply separately or something. Also, is this a one-time thing or does it happen regularly? Sorry for all the questions, but the paperwork they send is always so confusing!

good 4 u!!! put a freeze on ur card when ur not using it btw. u can do it in the app now

So glad you were able to get some emergency benefits! Just wanted to add that when you get your replacement card, consider using contactless payment (tap to pay) instead of inserting the card whenever possible - it's much harder for skimmers to intercept. Also, if you shop at stores with self-checkout, try to use the ones that are closest to the attendant station since skimmers are less likely to be placed on those machines. Stay strong - you're doing an amazing job advocating for your family!

Hey Liam! I went through something similar when I got back on CalFresh after a gap. The adjustment from those pandemic emergency allotments to regular benefits was definitely noticeable. One thing that helped me figure out if my amount was right was using the CalFresh benefit calculator on the GetCalFresh website. You can plug in your income, rent, and other expenses to get an estimate of what you should be receiving. It's not perfect but gives you a good ballpark to compare against your actual benefits. Also, if you do have any utilities you pay separately (like electricity, gas, water, or trash), make sure those are documented in your case. Even if it's just one utility bill, you might qualify for the Standard Utility Allowance which can increase your benefit amount. Good luck getting everything sorted out!

Just wanted to chime in as another San Bernardino County resident! I've been on CalFresh for about 3 years now and can confirm that the pandemic emergency allotments (EA) ended in March 2023. Those extra benefits were a lifesaver during COVID but they're definitely gone for good now. Your $198 benefit amount sounds about right for a single person with $1600 income. The calculation gets pretty complex with all the deductions, but the key things that can boost your benefits are: - Shelter costs over half your income (sounds like your $1850 rent qualifies!) - Any utilities you pay separately - Medical expenses if you're over 60 or disabled Since you mentioned paying electricity separately, that should definitely help. Make sure SB County has that documented - sometimes things get missed during phone interviews. You can always call and ask them to read back what utilities they have on file for you. Hope this helps clarify things! The system can be confusing especially after being out of it for a while.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - having your benefits stolen is stressful enough without the system making it even harder to get help. I just went through something similar a few months ago and wanted to share what finally worked for me. The key thing that made a difference was getting really specific about who I was talking to. Instead of just calling my regular worker, I started asking to be transferred directly to the "EBT Fraud Investigation Unit" when I called the main county number. They have people who specifically handle theft claims and they know the process way better than regular eligibility workers. Also, when you do get someone on the phone, ask them to put notes in your case file about the call - date, time, what was discussed, and when they'll follow up. Then reference those notes in your next call. It forces them to actually document what's happening instead of just giving you the runaround. One more thing - if you haven't already, start documenting everything yourself. Write down every call you make, every person you talk to, every promise they make. If this drags on much longer, you might need that documentation for a hearing or complaint. Hang in there! The system is broken but your benefits WILL get replaced eventually. In the meantime, definitely reach out to local food banks and see if any churches or community centers are doing food distributions.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and it's absolutely maddening! My EBT was skimmed three weeks ago and I'm getting nowhere with my county office. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening though - I had no idea there were so many different numbers to call and forms to request. For what it's worth, I found that calling RIGHT when they open (usually 8 AM) gives you the best chance of getting through without waiting on hold forever. Also, if you have a smartphone, you can use the "Call Back" feature some counties offer where they hold your place in line and call you back instead of making you wait on hold. One thing that helped me was reaching out to my local Assembly member's office. They have constituent services staff who can sometimes make inquiries on your behalf when you're not getting responses from the county. It doesn't always work but it's another avenue to try. Stay strong and keep pushing! The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these government agencies. Document everything and don't let them wear you down.