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Here's what you need to do when you finally get through to an agent: 1. Explain that you recently got a new phone number (give them the exact date if possible). 2. Tell them you tried to update it online but got an error saying it was already in use. 3. Emphasize that you've never used this number for any previous accounts or applications. 4. Ask them to check if there's been a mix-up or if the number is incorrectly associated with another account. 5. Request that they manually update your phone number in the system. 6. If they say they can't do it, ask to speak with a supervisor. 7. Make sure to get a confirmation number or some kind of written proof that your number has been updated. 8. After the call, try logging in again to verify the change. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.
For those still waiting, there's a specific timeline for P-EBT 4.0 distribution in California. Cards are being mailed between March and June 2025, with different counties prioritized in different waves. If your children qualified for free or reduced-price meals during the 2023-2024 school year, you should receive a card. If you don't receive one by early July, you can request a replacement through the P-EBT Portal at ca.p-ebt.org or by calling the P-EBT Hotline at 877-328-9677. Just be aware the hotline has extremely long wait times currently.
Is it based on when you applied for free lunches? My kids were approved back in September and I got the card already, but my neighbor applied in January and hasn't gotten theirs yet.
It's not directly tied to when you applied for free/reduced lunches, but rather to when your eligibility data was processed and transmitted to CDSS from your school district. Some districts submit their data earlier than others, which can affect distribution timing. The system also processes cards in batches rather than individually, which explains why people in the same area might receive cards at different times.
UPDATE: Got my card today!!! For anyone still waiting, it was in a very plain white envelope that honestly looked like junk mail. $1,482 for my two kids - such a relief. Thanks everyone for the support and info!
its annoying but the EBT rules r super strict!! my neighbor got her benefits cut for 6 months for letting her mom use her card!! they check the times and locations of purchases and if they see its impossible for u to be shopping (like if ur at work) they investigate!! not worth the risk!!
seriously?? how do they even know where ur supposed to be? thats creepy af that they track u like that
They don't actively track your location, but if there's ever an investigation, they can look at purchasing patterns and times. If there's evidence suggesting the cardholder couldn't have been making the purchases (like being at a documented work shift during purchase times), that can trigger fraud concerns. It's not about tracking - it's about protecting the integrity of the program.
Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I talked to my son last night and it turns out he only gets CalFresh (food benefits) not cash aid. He didn't realize I wasn't supposed to use his card even for buying food for his kids. We're going to fill out that form to make me an authorized representative this weekend. Really appreciate all the advice and saving us from potential trouble!
Miguel Harvey
Here's what worked for me: 1. Call early in the morning, like 5 minutes before they open 2. Choose the Spanish option (even if you don't speak it) 3. When you get an agent, politely ask to be transferred to English tech support 4. Be super nice and patient It took me a few tries, but I finally got through this way. Hope it helps!
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Kristian Bishop
•Thanks for the detailed advice! I'll give this a shot tomorrow morning 🙏
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Ashley Simian
•The Spanish option trick is legit. Worked for me too!
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Oliver Cheng
Anyone else notice how they always say 'your call is important to us' but then leave us on hold for hours? 🤡
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Taylor To
•Classic corporate BS. If it was really important, they'd hire more people to answer the damn phones!
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