California CalFresh
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When will P-EBT cards be reloaded in California for 2025? No funds yet
Does anyone know when California is planning to reload the P-EBT cards for 2025? My kids' school said they qualified again this year, but we haven't received any funds yet. Last year, they loaded benefits in March, but it's already April and nothing so far. I called the P-EBT customer service number but kept getting disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes! I'm really counting on this extra food assistance since my work hours got cut last month. Has anyone received their P-EBT reload yet or heard any official announcements about the schedule?
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WARNING: CalFresh EBT PIN theft happening at month-end - Anyone else getting benefits stolen?
I'm freaking out right now. For the THIRD month in a row, about $230 disappeared from my CalFresh EBT card before I could use it! I noticed the pattern - it always happens around the 11th-12th of the month, usually late at night when benefits post. Called the fraud hotline but they keep saying it'll take 10 business days to investigate. That's food my kids aren't eating RIGHT NOW! The worker suggested changing my PIN regularly, but shouldn't their system be more secure than this?? Has anyone else experienced this? Do you change your PIN monthly? And most importantly - has anyone actually gotten their stolen benefits REPLACED? County office keeps transferring me around in circles.
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I work with a benefits advocacy group, and unfortunately, EBT theft is increasing throughout California. Here are the current official recommendations: 1. Change your PIN immediately after benefits deposit (usually 1st-10th of month depending on your case number) 2. Check your EBT account activity at least weekly 3. Report unauthorized transactions within 10 days 4. Request an "expedited determination" if you have children or seniors in the household 5. File a police report and get a case number 6. Avoid using EBT cards at ATMs or card readers that appear damaged or have loose parts The state is currently working on implementing better security features, but until then, regular PIN changes are your best protection.
This is really helpful info, thank you! I didn't know about requesting an "expedited determination" - no one at the county mentioned that option. Do you know if benefit replacements are guaranteed if theft is proven?
Yes, if theft is proven, replacement benefits should be issued. However, there's a limit of two theft replacements per year under current regulations. Make sure to emphasize if you have children in the household, as this often prioritizes your case. The county must make a determination within 10 days of receiving all required documentation for expedited cases.
Just wanted to say im sorry ur dealing with this its super stressful. our family had to go to food banks twice while waiting for our case to be resolved last year. if ur in a bad spot call 211 they can tell u where emergency food assistance is near u
Thank you - I appreciate the suggestion. We're definitely struggling right now. I'll call 211 today. It's just so frustrating that we're entitled to these benefits but have to jump through so many hoops after someone steals them.
Missing CalFresh P-EBT 3 card for 9-year-old - how to get a replacement?
It's been months and I still haven't received the P-EBT 3 benefit card for my 9-year-old. My other kids (5 and 12) got theirs back in December 2024, but nothing came for my middle child. I've checked the mail constantly and definitely never activated or used it, so it's not lost - it just never arrived. Already tried calling the P-EBT hotline twice but got disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes each time. Anyone know how to actually get a replacement card or talk to someone who can help? My son qualified for free lunch all year so I know he should have received benefits like his siblings did.
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did u check if maybe the card came but looked like junk mail?? my nephews p-ebt came in a really plain white envelope that looked like spam... almost threw it away!! no markings saying it was important or anything
I actually saved all our mail for a couple months because I was worried about exactly that! Went through everything multiple times and definitely no card for him. His siblings' cards came in white envelopes but they at least had the state return address. I've been super careful about our mail since then.
Quick update on P-EBT 3 timeline: If you're still missing a card at this point in 2025, it's definitely not coming without intervention. The final batch of initial P-EBT 3 cards was mailed in November 2024. At this stage, you'll need to specifically request a replacement through the hotline or email. When contacting them, ask them to verify if a card was ever issued for your child - sometimes there are system errors where eligible children are missed in the initial distribution. Based on your situation with siblings receiving benefits, your 9-year-old was likely eligible but either the card was sent to an old address or there was a system error in the issuance.
Thank you for confirming this! I sent that email yesterday with all his info and mentioned our change of address situation. If I don't hear back by next Friday, I'll try the Claimyr service to get through on the phone. It's good to know all initial cards should have been sent by now, so I can stop checking the mail every day hoping it might still come!
EBT benefits stolen after using card at gas station in San Bernardino - anyone else?
I had $745 in CalFresh benefits stolen last weekend and I'm freaking out! When I checked my account Monday morning, someone had cleaned out almost everything. The transactions happened at stores I've never been to in Oakland. The only unusual thing I did was buy groceries at that AM/PM gas station on Highland Ave in San Bernardino last Friday (not usually where I shop). Has anyone else had their benefits stolen after using their EBT at gas stations? Specifically in the San Bernardino/Inland Empire area? I already called the fraud line but they said investigation takes 30 days and my kids need to eat NOW. County office keeps putting me on hold forever. Starting to think these gas station card readers aren't secure.
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wait what about the rest of us who shop at gas stations??? i live in muscoy and theres only the 7-11 within walking distance for me. no car. am i just supposed to not eat???
If gas stations are your only option, try to use your EBT inside the store rather than at the outdoor payment terminal. Also, consider asking about the Fresh Access program - San Bernardino County started offering free monthly bus passes to CalFresh recipients who live in food deserts so they can reach full grocery stores. Check with your eligibility worker about enrolling in that program.
This is unfortunately becoming a common issue with CalFresh benefits in the Inland Empire. Here's what you need to know about the current EBT theft situation: 1. Gas stations in San Bernardino County have seen higher rates of skimming devices according to the 2025 CDSS Fraud Report. The Highland Ave corridor has been specifically identified as a hotspot. 2. You must file the EBT-2259 form AND a police report. Despite what some comments suggest, both are required for expedited replacement under the new 2025 guidelines. 3. Under AB-1880, counties must provide replacement benefits within 10 business days of receiving a completed claim. 4. Request "immediate need" replacement when you submit your form - this indicates food insecurity and should prioritize your case. 5. The transaction history on your EBT account should show exactly where the fraudulent charges occurred - print this out as evidence. This is fixable, but you need to be persistent and follow the exact procedures.
This is really helpful info - thank you! I didn't know about the Highland Ave being a known hotspot, but that makes sense now. I'm going to file the police report today and submit everything together. Really hoping they process this quickly.
Canceled PEBT replacement on August 7th but still nothing - how long before new card arrives?
I'm so frustrated right now! I called to report my lost PEBT card on August 7th and canceled the old one like they told me to. The representative said I'd get a replacement card in the mail but it's been almost 3 weeks and still nothing! My kids are back in school and I was counting on those benefits for groceries this month. How long does it normally take for a replacement PEBT card to arrive? Should I call again or just keep waiting? Anyone else wait forever for a replacement? I'm worried it got lost in the mail or something went wrong when they processed my request.
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I don't mean to confuse things, but are you sure it's a PEBT card and not regular CalFresh EBT? I only ask because sometimes people mix them up and the replacement processes are slightly different. PEBT is specifically for school-age children's food benefits, while regular CalFresh EBT is for general household food assistance. Just want to make sure you're calling the right department!
Yes, it's definitely PEBT (Pandemic EBT) for my school-age kids. We have that in addition to our regular CalFresh benefits. The PEBT is the blue card with my kids' names on it for their school meals program.
Got it! Just checking because the wait times and processes are different. Definitely follow the advice from the benefits worker above - asking for a supervisor and getting a confirmation number is key!
UPDATE: I called using that Claimyr service someone recommended, and it worked! Got through to a supervisor who confirmed my replacement was stuck in "pending" status because of a glitch in their system. They fixed it and expedited a new card that should arrive within 3-5 business days. They also gave me a confirmation number this time. Thanks everyone for your help!
so glad u got it fixed!!! save that confirmation # like its gold lol. they always try to act like they never talked to u before if u dont have it
The system glitches are so common now with the new platform they switched to. Good thinking on getting the supervisor directly - regular representatives often can't see the backend status codes. Hope your card arrives quickly!
Charlee Coleman
P-EBT isnt the same as calfresh tho. maybe try asking in a p-ebt forum instead? not trying to be rude just saying this is mostly about calfresh ebt not the pandemic school stuff
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Lucas Schmidt
You're technically correct that they're different programs, but both P-EBT and CalFresh are nutrition assistance programs administered by the same department (CDSS). Many families utilize both programs, and the customer service issues often overlap. The information about verification processes and delays would be helpful for anyone trying to navigate either system.
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JaylinCharles
Update! I finally got through to someone today and got some answers. They said our school district is in the second batch of P-EBT issuances scheduled for May 10-15. The representative explained that they had to implement new federal guidelines this year which caused verification delays. For anyone still waiting, they recommended checking the portal at ca.p-ebt.org for your specific date once it's confirmed. She also mentioned that all eligible households will receive a notification letter about 7-10 days before funds are loaded.
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Freya Collins
THANK YOU for sharing this!!! I'm going to check the portal right now. At least now we have some actual dates to plan around instead of just waiting with no information.
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