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UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know our P-EBT card finally arrived yesterday! Like someone mentioned, it came in a white envelope that really did look like junk mail. The benefit amount was $295 per child which I guess is the first installment. Thanks everyone for your help and info - hope everyone else gets theirs soon!
That's great news that people are finally starting to receive their cards! I'm a new member here and have been following this thread because I'm in a similar situation. My family just moved to Stanislaus County from Fresno last month and I'm wondering if the move might complicate things for us. My two kids were enrolled in their new school district in February, but I'm not sure if they made it into the P-EBT system in time. Has anyone dealt with a mid-year school district transfer and P-EBT? Should I contact the new school district directly or wait it out like everyone else? Thanks for all the helpful info in this thread!
That's awesome! And really smart to post an update - I always wonder what happened with these things. Enjoy those benefits! The P-EBT program has been a lifesaver for so many families.
Congrats on getting it resolved! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this thread - if you're still having trouble getting through to the EBT customer service line, you can also try using the automated system on their website at www.ebt.ca.gov. Sometimes the online PIN setup works when the phone lines are jammed. You'll need the same info (card number, child's DOB, ZIP code) but it might save you the long wait times. The P-EBT program really is a game-changer for families - that $1,265 will go a long way for groceries!
thx for posting what the card looks like! hope they bring this program to riverside soon, sounds awesome
Last name starts with M here too and still waiting! I'm in the Chula Vista area. Really hope it shows up soon because I was planning to use it at the farmers market this weekend. Has anyone tried calling that Claimyr service that was mentioned? Wondering if it's worth the cost or if I should just wait it out a few more days.
dont forget that income limits went up too!!! my benefits went up by like $30/month in January when they did that new calculation thing they do every year. maybe thats part of why u got more?
That's the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). It typically happens in October, not January, but you're right that benefit amounts and income limits were adjusted upward for inflation. However, that wouldn't explain such a large discrepancy between what the caseworker estimated and what was deposited. The retroactive benefits explanation makes more sense in this case.
Just wanted to add another tip for anyone in a similar situation - if you're getting a large lump sum of retroactive benefits like this, consider using some of it to stock up on non-perishable items that you use regularly. Things like rice, beans, pasta, canned goods, frozen vegetables, etc. This way you can stretch those back benefits over time even after you're down to your regular monthly amount. I did this when I got 6 months of back benefits and it really helped my grocery budget for the rest of the year. Just make sure to check expiration dates and rotate your stock!
Anastasia Sokolov
For anyone who experiences this issue in the future, there are a few steps you can take: 1. Check the BenefitsCal website for any system announcements 2. Call the EBT customer service line (though wait times may be long) 3. Contact your local county CalFresh office directly 4. Check the CDSS website for any system update notifications 5. If you need immediate food assistance, contact your local food bank It's also good practice to keep some emergency food supplies if possible, as these system delays do happen occasionally. If delays become a regular issue for you, you can request to have your deposit date changed by contacting your county worker during your next recertification.
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Ravi Sharma
•Thank you for these tips. I'll definitely start keeping better track of system update announcements and try to keep some emergency food on hand. Is there any way to sign up for text alerts about these types of delays?
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Anastasia Sokolov
•Unfortunately, California doesn't currently offer a dedicated text alert system specifically for EBT deposit delays. However, some counties do offer general CalFresh text notifications. You can ask your county worker about enrolling in any available notification services during your next contact with them. It's a good idea to also check the BenefitsCal website a few days before your deposit date each month.
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Lucas Notre-Dame
I'm dealing with this same issue too - my deposit date is the 11th and I've been checking since midnight with no luck. Just saw that others are getting theirs around 10:30am though so I'm hoping mine shows up soon! This is really stressful when you're planning your grocery shopping around these deposits. I wish they would send out notifications ahead of time about these system updates instead of leaving us all wondering what's going on. Going to check my account again now and cross my fingers it's finally there.
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