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Just wanted to add - if your benefits were approved but just not issued yet, once they do process it, you'll get the full amount you're entitled to for January. CalFresh benefits are always retroactive to the date of eligibility. So even with the delay, you shouldn't lose any benefit amount.
have u checked wit local churches?? my cousin got rent help from catholic charities when she was facing eviction. they paid 2 months rent for her when county was being slow. also did u apply for calworks online through BenefitsCal or in person?? going in person can make things go faster sometime.
I haven't tried churches yet but will definitely look into Catholic Charities tomorrow! I applied for CalWORKs through BenefitsCal last week but maybe I should go in person to see if that speeds things up. Thanks for the suggestion!
I see from your comments that you're getting some good advice and making calls tomorrow. One more suggestion - when you go to your CalWORKs appointment, bring ALL your documentation: ID for everyone, birth certificates, social security cards, lease agreement, eviction notice or communications from landlord, utility bills, bank statements, and proof of any income or resources. Being fully prepared can sometimes get you immediate emergency assistance versus having to come back multiple times. Also ask specifically about "Immediate Need" payments through CalWORKs, which can provide up to $200 while your regular application is processing. And regarding the lock changing - this actually gives you significant legal leverage. In many California counties, a landlord who performs an illegal self-help eviction (like changing locks) can be liable for damages up to $100 per day plus actual damages. Document everything and mention this when you speak to legal aid.
Thank you so much for this detailed advice! I didn't know about "Immediate Need" payments either. I'm gathering all my documents tonight to take with me tomorrow. And I'll definitely document everything with the landlord situation and mention the potential daily damages when I speak with legal aid. I really appreciate everyone's help here.
One more thing to check - make sure you look at your BenefitsCal account online if you have access. Sometimes there are electronic notices or requests for verification that don't get mailed. The system has been moving more toward digital communication.
UPDATE: I FINALLY got through to my caseworker! Turns out there was a glitch in their system during their monthly issuance batch processing. Several households in my county were affected. They're doing an emergency issuance tonight and I should have my benefits by tomorrow morning. Thank you everyone for your advice and support during this stressful situation!
Great news! This happens occasionally with batch processing. For future reference, request they note in your case file that you experienced this issue. If it happens again, it establishes a pattern they need to address more systemically.
maybe ur mailman stole it?? happened to my neighbor with her regular ebt card. these things have alot of $$$ on them now with inflation supplement. check with post office maybe???
This is extremely unlikely as P-EBT cards come in unmarked envelopes specifically to prevent theft. They don't indicate there's a benefit card inside. Mail theft of P-EBT cards is very rare - delivery delays are much more common.
u never know tho... some mail ppl can tell by the sender address! just sayin its possible. beter safe than sorry.
Just to update with the most current information: The P-EBT issuance for 2025 that went out in November is experiencing significant delays. The Department of Social Services announced last week that some cards mailed in November might not arrive until early January due to a processing backlog and postal service delays. If your child relies on these benefits for adequate nutrition, and you're facing immediate food insecurity while waiting, contact your local school district's nutrition services department. Many have emergency food resources available for families waiting on P-EBT benefits.
Thank you for this update! I had no idea there was an official announcement about delays. That helps explain things. I'll reach out to the school district tomorrow to see if they have any emergency resources. Really appreciate everyone's help!
Yuki Tanaka
My benefits just arrived today and its the same amount as always so no extras for me I guess
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Sasha Ivanov
•Mine came today too. Same amount as usual. Guess that confirms it was just a rumor 😕
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Esmeralda Gómez
To summarize the correct information for anyone finding this thread later: 1. There are NO emergency allotment supplements for June 2025 or any future month planned at this time. Those ended permanently in March 2023. 2. The annual cost-of-living adjustment typically happens in October, not June. 3. Summer EBT is available for households with school-age children who qualify for free/reduced lunch programs. 4. If your circumstances have changed (increased rent, utilities, childcare costs, medical expenses for seniors/disabled), report these changes as they might increase your regular benefit amount. 5. Always check BenefitsCal.com for official announcements about CalFresh changes rather than relying on rumors.
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Sasha Ivanov
•Thank you for the clear explanation! I'm going to call about my rent increase tomorrow. Also going to look into the Summer EBT since my kids qualify for free lunch at school. Hoping that helps stretch our food budget a bit further!
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