


Ask the community...
UPDATE: My supplemental benefits just loaded onto my EBT card this morning! I'm in Contra Costa County with a case number ending in 7. It was exactly 40% of my regular benefit amount. Such a relief! Hope everyone else gets theirs soon too!
Just wanted to share that I'm still waiting for mine in Riverside County (case ending in 4). Called the customer service line this morning and they confirmed the supplemental benefits are rolling out through April 26th based on case numbers. The rep said if you don't see yours by the 26th, then call back to check on any issues with your account. Fingers crossed everyone gets theirs soon! This extra help will make such a difference for so many families struggling right now.
Update: I did end up calling the county office (took forever to get through). The worker confirmed it's the May 2025 Food Cost Adjustment Supplement that was approved statewide. She said all CalFresh households are getting approximately 50% of their monthly benefit as a one-time supplement. The notices are being mailed out this week, so we got the money before the explanation. Thanks everyone for your help!
Thanks for posting this update! I was actually wondering about the same thing when I saw an extra deposit on my card yesterday. It's really helpful to know it's the Food Cost Adjustment Supplement and that it's legitimate. I was hesitant to spend it without knowing for sure what it was for. Really appreciate you taking the time to call and confirm, and then sharing the info with everyone here. Now I can use that extra money for groceries without worrying about having to pay it back later!
keep us updated after u call back! now im worried cuz my cousin just reported theft last week and didnt get reference # either...
I'm so sorry this happened to you - EBT theft is becoming way too common and it's incredibly stressful when you're depending on those benefits to feed your family. Based on what everyone else has shared, it definitely sounds like you need to call back and get a proper claim reference number. I went through something similar about 6 months ago when $450 was stolen from my card. The first person I spoke with seemed confused about the process, but when I called back and asked specifically for someone who handles EBT theft claims, I got connected to someone much more knowledgeable. They gave me a claim number immediately and walked me through exactly what would happen next. A few things that might help: - Write down the exact date/time you called and any details the first worker gave you - When you call back, ask for the claim number from your previous call first - if they can't find it, that's a red flag - Ask about emergency food assistance while your claim is being processed - Get everything in writing if possible (email confirmation, case notes, etc.) The waiting is the worst part, but from what I've seen here, most people do get their benefits back eventually. Hang in there and definitely don't give up on getting that reference number - you deserve to have proper documentation of your claim.
Update: I was able to register on the website. It's orangecounty.gov/sunbucks if anyone else is looking. Had to enter my EBT card number and some basic info, but it was pretty easy. Thanks everyone for your help clearing this up! I'm actually excited about this program now - $50 extra for fruits and vegetables will make a big difference for my kids.
Glad you got it figured out! One important thing to note: you need to spend the Sun Bucks balance each month - it doesn't roll over like regular CalFresh benefits. The program runs through October 2025 as a pilot, and then they'll decide if it becomes permanent. Make sure to keep your receipts for the first few shopping trips in case there are any issues with the system recognizing eligible items.
Just wanted to add that I also got one of these letters in North OC and was totally confused at first! Mine has letter H on it - so there must be even more store groups than just F and G. The website worked fine for me this morning and I was able to register pretty easily. One thing I noticed is that they ask you to verify your phone number during signup, probably so they can send you updates about the program. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - it's so much more helpful than trying to get through to the county office!
Edwards Hugo
i think theres still a summer p-ebt payment coming later this year? at least thats what i heard from my sons school. not sure if it applies to under 6 kids too or just school age kids. anybody know?
0 coins
Lucas Parker
•You're right about Summer P-EBT, which is a separate program from the regular P-EBT benefits. Summer P-EBT 2025 hasn't been officially announced yet, but based on previous years, it would likely cover June-August 2025 and be issued around August/September. And yes, it typically includes both school-aged children AND children under 6 who are eligible for CalFresh, though the issuance dates and amounts may differ. We should get official announcement about it in the next month or so.
0 coins
Katherine Hunter
does anyone else's p-ebt card keep getting declined sometimes even when theres supposed to be money on it? happened to me twice this year already its so embarrassing in the checkout line
0 coins
Donna Cline
•YES!! This happened to me too! Try calling the number on the back of the card to check your balance first before shopping. Sometimes the money isn't loaded exactly when they say it will be. Also some stores (like Target by me) always decline P-EBT for some reason even when I have a balance, but it works fine at grocery stores.
0 coins
Miguel Harvey
•This happens to me too! Another tip - sometimes the card readers at stores don't recognize P-EBT cards right away. I've found that if it gets declined, asking the cashier to manually enter it as an EBT card (instead of swiping) usually works. Also, make sure you're only buying eligible food items - I got declined once because I accidentally had soap in my cart with my groceries. The cashier had to remove the non-food items and run it again.
0 coins