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Wait im confused. Is P-EBT the same as CalFresh? I get CalFresh for my family but havent heard anything about P-EBT for 2025. Should I be applying for something separate?
P-EBT is separate from CalFresh, though both use EBT cards. P-EBT specifically provides food benefits to children who would have received free or reduced-price meals at school. You don't apply separately - eligibility is determined automatically based on school meal program participation. If your children are enrolled in free/reduced school meals, you should receive a notification if they qualify. You can check status at ca.p-ebt.org or call the P-EBT helpline at 877-328-9677 to see if your children are in the system.
UPDATE: My kids' P-EBT cards finally arrived today! Took exactly 52 days from the notification letter. Each child got their own card with their name on it, but they all came in the same envelope. The total benefits are higher than I expected - $195 per child for the first quarter. Just wanted to share since I know several people were asking about timeline.
UPDATE: My sister just went through this process last month and said there's now an online option to report theft through BenefitsCal.com too. You still need the police report, but you can upload everything through the portal instead of going in person if that's easier for you. Just make sure you follow up with a phone call to confirm they received everything.
I work at a community legal aid office, and we've seen dozens of these cases recently. While waiting for your claim to be processed, you might qualify for emergency CalFresh benefits. If you have less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in resources, you can receive expedited benefits within 3 days. Ask specifically about this when you go to the county office. Also, if they deny your claim or only reimburse part of the stolen amount, you have the right to appeal the decision within 90 days. Don't just accept a partial reimbursement!
Just a thought but did u use ur card at a sketchy gas station or ATM recently? my cousin got her benefits stolen and they found out that gas station had a skimming device.
btw ur tax refund and the stiumulus are different things too. the stimulus comes from the government direct not through hr block unless u set that up special
Oh wow I'm really confused about everything! So I need to check on my stimulus separately from my tax refund too?? This is all so complicated.
Yes, they're different payments. Your tax refund is from your tax filing, while stimulus payments are separate government payments. For CalFresh purposes though, neither should affect your ongoing eligibility as they're considered one-time payments, not countable monthly income. Make sure to explain this when you talk to your worker.
Update us after you talk to your county worker! This information could help others who might face the same issue. Remember to: 1. Submit the verification documents they're asking for right away 2. Explain that your tax refund is a one-time payment 3. Ask them to restore your March benefits retroactively 4. Update your income information if anything has changed Good luck!
Anna Kerber
Update on P-EBT fraud for 2025: The CDSS has actually implemented a new process for handling P-EBT theft cases specifically because of the increase in these incidents. When you contact them, ask about the "P-EBT Benefit Replacement Protocol" that was implemented in February 2025. Under this protocol, they can replace benefits if you file both a police report and a signed affidavit (which they will provide) attesting that you never received or used the card. The new process requires two forms of identity verification and proof of address, but can result in full benefit replacement within 30 days if approved. This is fairly new so some representatives might not be familiar with it - ask to speak with a supervisor if needed.
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Danielle Mays
•Thank you SO MUCH for this update! This is exactly the kind of specific information I needed. I'll definitely ask about the "P-EBT Benefit Replacement Protocol" and be prepared with identity verification and proof of address. Really appreciate you sharing this!
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Jabari-Jo
Did you eventually get this resolved? I'd be interested to know which approach worked for you, as I'm currently helping several families with similar P-EBT theft issues.
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Danielle Mays
•Yes! It took persistence but following the advice here really helped. Filed police report first, then got through to the county office (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned when I couldn't get through after 5 attempts). Asked specifically for the P-EBT Benefit Replacement Protocol and mentioned Administrative Remedy. Had to submit the police report, proof of address, and sign an affidavit. They replaced about 90% of the benefits after 6 weeks. The key was definitely the police report and being specific about the replacement protocol when talking to the county workers.
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