California CalFresh
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When will P-EBT 3.0 cards for toddlers get reloaded in 2025? Help needed!
Just got P-EBT 3.0 cards for my little ones (1 and 2 years old) in the mail last week! I activated them both and they each had about $120 loaded. First time getting these for the kids and I'm not sure when they're supposed to get more benefits added. Tried checking the P-EBT website but it's super confusing and doesn't have clear dates for toddlers. Does anyone know the reload schedule for 2025? Or where I can find this info? Their daycare participates in some food program which is why we qualified, I think. Not sure if that affects the payment schedule. Any help would be appreciated!
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Missing CalFresh benefits after EBT card replacement - funds loaded before new 4.0 card arrived
I'm really frustrated with this EBT card situation. I got the new 4.0 card last month, but I can't see any of my July or August CalFresh deposits that I KNOW were loaded on my old card. When I activated the new card, those benefits should have transferred over, right? I called the EBT customer service line yesterday and the rep confirmed I had deposits in both July and August (totaling about $450), but they're nowhere to be found on this new card. Has anyone else had this issue with the card replacement? The customer service person just kept telling me to 'check my transaction history' but there's nothing there before September. I have three kids to feed and can't afford to lose those benefits!
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btw did u ever get a letter saying ur benefits were being reduced or anything? sometimes they adjust ur amount and dont tell u clearly
No, no letters at all. My benefit amount should be the same ($587/month) based on my last recertification in April.
Good news - I just checked the latest CalFresh policy bulletin, and there's actually a special process for the 4.0 card transition issues. Since this was a statewide card replacement program, they're supposed to have special protocols for handling benefit transfer problems. When you call, specifically mention it's related to the "EBT 4.0 Card Migration" and ask if there's a specialized team handling those issues. This might get you to the right person faster.
Thank you so much! I'll definitely mention the "EBT 4.0 Card Migration" specifically. Hopefully that will help them understand exactly what's going on.
CalFresh income limits for family of 5 in 2025? Urgent help needed!
Hi everyone, recently lost my part-time job but just got offered a new position starting next month. The pay is better ($3,800/month before taxes) but I'm worried we might not qualify for CalFresh anymore. We're a family of 5 (me, husband, and 3 kids ages 8, 10, and 14). My husband works part-time making about $1,600/month. We still struggle with bills and groceries even with both incomes. Does anyone know the current income limits for a household of 5 to qualify for CalFresh in 2025? Also, do they count all gross income or are there deductions they consider? Our rent is $2,400/month and we have childcare expenses for our youngest. Any help would be super appreciated!
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my cousin has 6 kids and they get like $1,900 in calfresh every month! is that normal?? seems like so much but i guess with 8 people total maybe its right?
Yes, that's within the normal range for a household of 8. Maximum monthly benefit for a household of 8 in 2025 is around $1,950. Benefits are calculated based on household size and income after all eligible deductions. Larger families with lower incomes receive more because they have more people to feed.
Just wanted to update everyone - I called my county office today (took forever to get through) and they confirmed we should still qualify with our new combined income. They said to make sure I submit our updated income info through the SAR7 form when I get it, and to include documentation of our childcare expenses and rent to maximize our deductions. Thanks everyone for your helpful advice!
When is CA CalFresh adding the last emergency allotment for June 2025?
I'm confused about the CalFresh extra money this month. My caseworker mentioned something about 'final emergency allotments' coming to California EBT accounts, but I can't remember the exact date. My regular benefits loaded on the 10th like always, but I thought we were supposed to get something extra one last time? Has anyone else heard about this or already received theirs? I've got 3 kids and every bit helps with these crazy grocery prices lately.
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dont forget the extra payment wont count toward your income limit or IRT! my cousin panicked thinking she had to report it on her SAR7 but its a one-time benefit so it doesnt count as income
Oh that's good to know! My SAR7 is due next month and I was wondering about that too. So I don't need to include this on the income section at all? That's a relief.
Correct, one-time assistance payments like this Grocery Inflation Relief supplement don't count as income for CalFresh eligibility or reporting purposes. You don't need to report it on your SAR7 or at recertification. The same applies to tax refunds, economic impact payments, and other one-time government assistance payments. Regular income from jobs, unemployment, disability, etc. still needs to be reported as usual if it exceeds your Income Reporting Threshold (IRT).
Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I checked my EBT account this morning (June 18th) and the extra $250 was loaded! The transaction shows as "CA INFLATION RELIEF PYMT" just like someone mentioned. This will help so much with my grocery budget this month. Really appreciate all the clarification about when to expect it and how it works!
lucky you!!! mine still isnt there and my case # ends in 72 so i guess i gotta wait till tomorrow 😭
glad u got it!!! use it quick before prices go up again lol 🤣
CalFresh benefits not enough after CalWORKs theft - facing eviction with no emergency help!
I'm at my wit's end with the benefits system right now. My CalWORKs cash benefits were stolen from my EBT card almost 2 months ago ($1150 total), and I still haven't gotten reimbursed despite filing a theft report immediately. I've called the county office 23 times in the last two weeks - either I get disconnected or told 'it's processing.' Meanwhile, my CalFresh benefits only cover food, and I have NO WAY to pay February's rent which was due 6 days ago. Landlord already gave us a 3-day notice. My two kids and I are literally facing eviction. I've tried emergency assistance programs but they're all out of funds for the quarter. Has anyone successfully gotten CalWORKs theft reimbursed faster? Or know any emergency funds that actually help? The county worker just keeps saying 'be patient' but my landlord isn't patient. I can't believe the system is THIS broken.
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This system is DESIGNED to fail us. They make everything so complicated that people give up. I had benefits stolen TWICE last year and the second time they accused ME of fraud for a while! Meanwhile my kids were hungry and we almost got evicted too. The whole "wait patiently" thing is BS when rent is due and kids need to eat. The county workers sit comfortably in their offices while we struggle. I'm so angry for you.
Exactly. And the most frustrating part is that different workers tell you different things! One says "file this form" then the next says "that's the wrong form." It's like they make it confusing on purpose.
Following up on my earlier comment - I want to add a critical detail about eviction prevention. When you go to request the Homeless Assistance payment, make sure to specifically ask for the "Permanent Housing Assistance" option, not just temporary. This can provide: - Up to two months of back rent ($3,000 maximum) - Security deposit coverage for new housing if needed - Utility deposit assistance You need to bring: - Your eviction notice - Rental agreement - Proof of the CalWORKs theft report - Statement from landlord of exact amount owed One final tip: If the county office is slow-walking your theft claim, immediately ask to speak with a supervisor and use the phrase "expedited fair hearing request" - this triggers a faster review process under California Department of Social Services regulations.
This is gold!! Thank you so much. No one at the county office mentioned ANY of these options to me. I'm going first thing tomorrow with all these documents. I really appreciate everyone's help - I was feeling so alone in this fight.
Malik Thomas
Just to clarify something I've seen causing confusion: P-EBT benefits and regular CalFresh (SNAP) are completely separate programs with different eligibility requirements and issuance schedules. P-EBT 3.0 for children under 6 is specifically for kids in CACFP-participating daycares or preschools. If you need additional food assistance for your family beyond these quarterly P-EBT benefits, you should consider applying for regular CalFresh through BenefitsCal.com, which provides monthly benefits based on household size and income.
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Javier Gomez
AuthorWe actually do have regular CalFresh too! The P-EBT was just unexpected extra help. Do you know if I need to report these P-EBT cards on my next SAR7 for CalFresh? Or are they considered separate?
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Ravi Kapoor
just fyi i did try that under-6 hotline number someone posted earlier today and actually got through! they said the next load for P-EBT 3.0 will be April 16-22 depending on your county. hope that helps!
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Javier Gomez
AuthorThank you so much for sharing this! That's great news and gives me a specific timeframe to watch for. I appreciate you coming back to update us after you called! 🙏
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