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Has anyone with last name 'M' received their P-EBT benefits yet? Confused about disbursement timeline

I've been waiting for the new round of P-EBT benefits for my kids. Originally I was told by a CalFresh worker that they're distributing benefits alphabetically by last name and that our family (last name Martinez) should receive ours in June/July 2025. But yesterday, another parent at my daughter's school said her cousin who works for the county told her it won't be until September for 'M' families. That seems really late compared to what I've heard! Has anyone with last names starting with M received their P-EBT cards yet? I'm trying to budget for summer and really need to know when these benefits will actually arrive. The official website isn't very clear about the timeline.

Here's the ACTUAL facts, since there's a lot of confusion in this thread: 1. P-EBT 5.0 distribution is NOT alphabetical by last name 2. Benefits are being issued county-by-county based on when school districts submitted eligibility data 3. Most counties will complete distribution between June-August 2025 4. Some counties with processing delays may extend into September 5. You can verify your address is correct by calling the P-EBT Helpline at 877-328-9677 6. There is NO way to check your specific issuance date online currently The CDSS updates their P-EBT information page monthly with county-specific timelines. Last update showed LA County distributing from June 15-August 10, but your specific date depends on your school district.

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Thank you SO much for this detailed information! This is exactly what I needed. I'll call that helpline number to verify my address and check the CDSS website for updates. Really appreciate you taking the time to lay out all the facts.

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Happy to help! Just one more tip - when you call that helpline number, try calling right when they open (8am) or during lunch hours (12-1pm). Those times usually have shorter wait times in my experience.

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I'm in LA County too and have been wondering about this same thing! My last name starts with N and I haven't received anything yet either. Based on what everyone is saying here, it sounds like the county timeline is more important than the alphabetical thing. I'm going to call that helpline number that Caleb mentioned to double-check my address is correct. Has anyone tried checking with their school district directly to see if they submitted the eligibility data yet? Maybe that would give us a better idea of timing.

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It sounds like you're dealing with a confusing situation with your BenefitsCal account and case numbers. This happens more often than you might think! Since your current case isn't showing up in your online profile, you have a few options. First, you don't need to delete your existing profile - that might actually complicate things further. Instead, try calling your county office again and specifically ask them to link your current case to your BenefitsCal account. They should be able to help with this syncing issue. Another approach is to visit your local county office in person with your current case number and ask them to update your online profile. Sometimes these technical issues are easier to resolve face-to-face. In the meantime, make sure you keep a copy of your submitted SAR7 form and get confirmation that they received it. Since you're within the 30-day late period, you're still okay timing-wise, but having documentation of your submission is important. Don't worry too much about the old case number showing up - the system often retains previous information. The key is making sure your current case gets properly linked to your account so you can manage your benefits efficiently going forward.

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The ebtEDGE app really can be incredibly frustrating to use. You're absolutely right that it's not user-friendly, especially when it comes to managing old information. That "can't find you" error is particularly maddening after you've taken the time to enter all your details correctly. Many benefit systems weren't designed with all users in mind, especially those who aren't tech-savvy or don't have access to smartphones. It's a legitimate accessibility issue that affects many people trying to access their benefits. If you're still struggling with the app, you might try: - Calling the EBT customer service number on the back of your card for direct assistance - Visiting your local benefits office where they might be able to help in person - Using the desktop website version instead of the app (sometimes it works better) - Asking if there's a paper-based alternative for managing your benefits Your frustration is completely valid. These systems should be designed to work for everyone who needs to use them, not just those comfortable with technology.

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Need help getting transferred to DSS tech desk about phone number issue - any tips?

Hey everyone, I need some help. I've been trying to get through to the technical desk about an issue with my phone number. Has anyone had any luck getting transferred to the right department? It's been a real headache trying to get this sorted out.

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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Thanks for the detailed advice! I'll give this a shot tomorrow morning 🙏

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The Spanish option trick is legit. Worked for me too!

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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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Classic corporate BS. If it was really important, they'd hire more people to answer the damn phones!

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DSS system says new phone number already in use - How to update?

Hey everyone, I'm having trouble updating my phone number for my benefits. I just got a new number last week, and when I tried to update it online, the system said it was already in use. I haven't had any previous accounts or applications with this number, and I haven't received any notifications about my benefits. Has anyone else experienced this? What should I do when I talk to the agent?

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.

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This is solid advice 💯 Saving this for later!

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Thank you so much for the detailed steps! This is super helpful.

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am i the only 1 who thinks its ridiculous we gotta jump through all these hoops just to update a damn phone number? 🤡 the whole system needs an overhaul fr

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Preach! 🙌 It's like they're stuck in the stone age or smthn

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For real tho. My grandma could design a better system than this 😂

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