Thanks everyone for all your helpful responses! I checked and we definitely haven't received any P-EBT card yet. I'm going to try calling again, and if I can't get through, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. It's frustrating because that could be several hundred dollars in food benefits we could really use right now. I'll update this post if I manage to get any answers from the P-EBT helpline!

I'm so annoyed with the whole P-EBT system. It's been a complete mess from the beginning. My neighbor's kids got their cards months ago, but my kids who definitely qualify haven't seen anything! And when you call, you can never get through to a real person. Then they have the nerve to put expiration dates on the benefits! How is that fair when they're so inconsistent with sending the cards out? The whole thing is ridiculous.

This thread is so frustratting!!! Can someone just clearly say which counties are gettin this extra money?? I'm in Sacramento and really need to know if I should be expecting something extra on the 15th or not????

Just to provide some clarity for everyone - there are currently NO regular emergency allotments for CalFresh in 2025. What the original poster is referring to are Disaster CalFresh supplements related to specific flood-affected counties. Key points: - Regular emergency allotments ended in March 2023 - Disaster CalFresh was available only to those who applied during the short application window following the disaster - Applicants needed to show disaster-related expenses or income loss - Regular CalFresh benefits are issued according to the last digit of your case number - Maximum benefit amounts did increase slightly in October 2024 due to the annual cost of living adjustment If you're struggling with your current benefit amount, I recommend speaking with a county worker about your specific situation. There may be deductions you're eligible for that could increase your benefit amount.

Just to clarify something important: P-EBT money doesn't expire as quickly as regular CalFresh. Regular CalFresh benefits expire after 9 months of non-use, but P-EBT funds remain available for 274 days (about 9 months) from the date of issue. This gives families more flexibility to use the benefits when needed most.

@FedUpMom22 - Regular CalFresh benefits actually stay on your card for 9 months before expiring (not 3 months). P-EBT benefits stay on the card for about 9 months from the issue date too. Neither expires after just 3 months. The confusion might be because they used to send notices about using your oldest benefits first within 3 months, but that was just a recommendation, not an expiration notice.

To be specific about your question - YES, this is self-employment income for CalFresh purposes. Here's exactly what you need to do: 1. Keep tracking ALL income and expenses until recertification 2. Only report before recertification if your TOTAL household income exceeds your IRT (this is on your approval notice, usually around 130% of the Federal Poverty Level) 3. For recertification, you'll complete a Self-Employment worksheet (ask for one if they don't provide it) 4. You'll need to show GROSS income (before expenses) and then all allowable business expenses 5. Allowable expenses include: supplies, tools, business insurance, transportation to job sites (mileage or actual gas costs), advertising, and any other direct business costs CalFresh will then calculate your NET self-employment income (after expenses) and only count that toward your household income. This often results in much lower countable income than people expect. One last tip: When doing your SAR7 (Semi-Annual Report), if they ask about income changes, be sure to explain the variable nature of the landscaping work so they understand why amounts fluctuate.

On a related note - have you considered applying for CalWORKs too? If your income is low enough for CalFresh, you might qualify for cash aid as well, especially with children in the household. The self-employment rules are similar.

Just to add a bit more information - the new system that's gradually replacing BenefitsCal is called CalSAWS (California Statewide Automated Welfare System). It's been in development for years and is meant to unify all 58 counties under one system. The transition is happening in phases, and Sacramento County might be in one of the current transition phases. During these transitions, some online features might be temporarily limited while they migrate data. Your best bet is to: 1. Follow your worker's specific instructions 2. Submit your paper recertification with plenty of time before deadline (at least 2 weeks) 3. Keep a copy of everything you submit 4. Get a receipt or confirmation of submission if possible 5. Call a week after submitting to confirm they received it The system should stabilize again after the transition period.

after reading all these comments im confused now too lol. seems like everyone's county is doing something different?? typical government mess tbh