


Ask the community...
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.
I want to add some clarification: While CalFresh 4.0 benefits are limited to children under 6, there are other programs that might help with your teenager. Your 16-year-old may qualify for free school meals, and some districts have expanded after-school meal programs. Also, when calculating your regular CalFresh benefits, teenagers are actually factored in at a higher rate than younger children because of their increased nutritional needs. So while there's no special supplement labeled specifically for teens, their higher food requirements are considered in your total household benefit calculation.
Wait I'm confused are these 4.0 benefits automatic? I have a 4 year old and didn't notice any extra on my EBT this month...should I be calling somebody? How much extra is it supposed to be?
Yes, the CalFresh 4.0 supplement should be automatic - it's approximately $43 per eligible child under 6 per month. If you're not seeing it on your EBT, it's worth calling your county office. Sometimes there are implementation delays or system issues that need to be addressed. Make sure to check your balance detail rather than just the total, as it might not be clearly labeled as a separate line item.
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
a friend told me u can also try calling ur kids school district office sometimes they have a pebt coordinator who can check on card status. worked for her but not me lol worth a try tho
UPDATE: I finally got through to P-EBT this morning using the Claimyr service that was mentioned earlier. Confirmed that cards for my 3 kids were mailed on March 12th as I thought, but the representative said there have been massive mail delays with this batch. She's sending replacement cards and canceling the old ones just in case. Should arrive within 10-15 business days. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions! Will update when the new cards arrive.
Kaiya Rivera
did they actually confirm the theft claim??? cuz i had benefits stolen too and they kept saying they were investigating but nothing happened for like 2 months and i had to keep calling
0 coins
Noah Irving
Update from my earlier comment - if she's also missing her CalWORKs benefits, this is even more serious. The county is required to process expedited CalWORKs benefits in emergency situations. She should specifically ask about "immediate need CalWORKs" which can be issued within 3 business days when there are children in the household with no resources for basic necessities. Make sure she uses these exact terms when she gets through to someone.
0 coins
KhalilStar
•Thank you again! She's making notes of all these specific terms to use. Really appreciate everyone's help. I'll update once she gets this resolved.
0 coins