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Has the composition of your household changed at all? Even something like a household member turning a different age can sometimes affect the calculation. Also, did you recently receive any retroactive benefits from another program like SSI or Social Security? Sometimes that can trigger small adjustments.
No household changes and no other benefits started. Based on everyone's responses, I'm thinking it's probably one of those annual adjustment things. I'm going to check my notices section on BenefitsCal and if I don't find anything I'll contact my county worker. Really appreciate all the helpful responses!
I went through something similar a few months ago and it turned out to be related to the Maximum Allotment adjustments that happen federally. What helped me was calling my county office and asking them to walk through the benefit calculation step by step - they can see exactly what changed between your last issuance and this one. Also, if you have dependents, sometimes there are small changes to the dependent deductions that aren't always obvious. The $7 difference sounds frustrating but it's likely one of those automatic system adjustments everyone mentioned. Definitely worth getting the explanation though so you know what to expect going forward!
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I'm in Fresno County too and just got my P-EBT SunBucks cards yesterday for my two kids. Same situation - the automated system said benefits won't load until the 31st. My last name starts with T so that matches what others are saying about the S-Z batch. It's really frustrating because my kids are asking why their friends can use their cards already but we have to wait. I understand they're trying to prevent system crashes but they really should have explained the staggered rollout better in the letters they sent. At least now I know it's normal and not a problem with our specific cards. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!
I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm new to the community and just moved to Fresno County with my two kids. We got our P-EBT SunBucks cards last week and I was panicking thinking something was wrong when they wouldn't work. My last name starts with V so I guess we're in that final batch too. It's such a relief to know this is normal and not a mistake. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - it's so helpful for those of us who are new to navigating these programs. The lack of clear information in the letter they sent was definitely confusing for a newcomer like me!
Welcome to the community @Giovanni Martello! I'm glad you found this thread helpful. I'm also relatively new to Fresno County and had the exact same panic when my kids' cards wouldn't work right away. It's really frustrating how they don't explain the staggered rollout clearly in the materials they send. I've learned so much from this community about navigating all these different programs. If you haven't already, I'd recommend calling 2-1-1 like @Genevieve Cavalier mentioned if you need any food assistance while waiting for the 31st. They connected me with a local food pantry that really helped us get through until our cards activate. Also, once your cards do work, definitely look into that Market Match program she mentioned for farmers markets - sounds like a great way to stretch the benefits further for fresh produce!
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does anyone know if p-ebt benefits expire? found old card from 2023 and wondering if money still on there??
Yes, P-EBT benefits do expire, but they typically remain active for at least a year from the date they were issued. If your card is from 2023, the benefits are likely still available. You can check the balance by calling the number on the back of the card. Unlike regular CalFresh benefits, P-EBT doesn't expire month-to-month - you have the full period (usually 12 months) to use the entire benefit amount.
I went through this exact same situation last year! When I moved, I updated my address with CalFresh immediately but forgot to update it with the school district. My P-EBT card ended up going to my old address and it was such a hassle to get it sorted out. The key thing is that P-EBT primarily pulls address info from the school system, not CalFresh. Since you updated both places, you should be in good shape! But definitely call that P-EBT hotline number that Sean mentioned (877-328-9677) just to double-check. When I called, they were able to confirm my kids were in the system and verify the address they had on file. Also, keep an eye on your mail around the time they're supposed to be distributed. If it doesn't show up within a week or two of when other families in your area are getting theirs, call immediately. The sooner you catch any address issues, the easier they are to fix. Good luck!
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I'm confused about this whole SAR7 thing too...is that the same as recertification? I got a packet in the mail but I'm not sure if I'm supposed to fill it out or wait for recertification. Does everybody have to do the SAR7?
SAR7 and recertification are two different things: - SAR7 (Semi-Annual Report) is a form you submit halfway through your certification period. It's a shorter form where you report any changes in income, expenses, or household composition. - Recertification happens once a year and is a more complete review of your case where you essentially reapply for benefits. All CalFresh households must complete both unless they're exempt (some elderly or disabled households). The SAR7 is due in the 6th month of your certification period, and recertification is due in the 12th month.
I called the county office today and finally got through after trying several times. They updated my information to include the childcare expenses! The worker said my benefits will increase starting next month by about $175. I'm so glad I asked here instead of just assuming what my neighbor said about extra benefits. The childcare deduction is actually going to help way more in the long run. Thank you everyone for your help!
That's awesome! Congrats on the increase! 👏
That's fantastic news! $175 more per month will make such a difference for your family. It's great that you were persistent and got through to update your case. This is a perfect example of why it's so important to report all eligible expenses - the system really doesn't automatically know about things like childcare costs. Hope this helps other people reading this thread to check their own cases too!
Maya Lewis
i dont understand why they cant just put all the benifits on the same card!! i have a calfresh ebt card and a p-ebt card and now i got another card for the summer ebt program! its so confusing keepin track of all these different balances and cards!
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Ruby Garcia
•I feel this so much! I literally have a sticky note on my fridge with which card is for what program and how much is supposed to be on each one. Would be SO much easier if they just consolidated everything.
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Isaac Wright
For anyone wondering about eligibility: Your child must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program AND must either: 1. Be approved for free/reduced meals through an application, OR 2. Attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school where all students get free meals, OR 3. Attend a Provision 2/3 school during the designated years Also, a quick note about the cards - if you got a P-EBT card for previous issuances (1.0-3.0), keep it! They'll reload the same card for 4.0. If you've lost your card, request a replacement NOW before the benefits are issued by calling the EBT Customer Service line at 877-328-9677.
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Lucy Taylor
•Wait, if my child's school provides free lunch to ALL students (they said it's some special program), does that mean we automatically get the P-EBT without filling out any forms?
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