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btw those two November deposits are probably for different things - like one might be the base benefit and the other could be a supplement. P-EBT is super confusing that way. My daughter's card had some weird split payments too.
totally true lol one of my kids deposits was split into 3 different amounts on different days but it was actually just one month's worth of benefits 🤦♀️
After seeing all these responses, I want to clarify something important: P-EBT is NOT the same program as CalFresh, although both use EBT cards. P-EBT is specifically for school-aged children to replace school meals during eligible periods. The current 2025-2026 P-EBT program issues benefits quarterly, not monthly. The payments you received are likely just the first installment, with more scheduled for February and May 2026. If you need definitive answers, I recommend: 1. Check the P-EBT portal at ca.p-ebt.org and create an account if you haven't 2. Contact your child's school nutrition services department 3. Call the P-EBT hotline at 877-328-9677 (though getting through can be difficult) You can also contact your county CalFresh office, but be aware that some county workers aren't fully trained on P-EBT details since it's administered separately from regular CalFresh benefits.
Thanks for the additional information. I'll try the P-EBT portal first and then contact the school. It sounds like I should expect more deposits based on what everyone's saying, which is a relief. I appreciate all the help!
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Does anyone know if homeschooled kids qualify for any of this? My children were homeschooled during 2021-2022 and we were on CalFresh, but I haven't received anything. Not sure if I should be expecting cards or not.
Unfortunately, homeschooled children generally don't qualify for the school-aged P-EBT benefits unless they were enrolled in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program. However, if any of your children were under 6 as of August 1, 2021, AND your household received CalFresh between August 2021-August 2022, those younger children would qualify for the under-6 benefit regardless of schooling status.
Update: Just wanted to share that I checked my son's P-EBT card balance today and there was an additional $147 added! Must be for his COVID absences in January. So it does look like they're automatically adding those funds if your school reported the absences correctly. Still nothing extra on my daughter's card, but that makes sense since she wasn't school-aged. Thanks everyone for your help understanding this complicated program!
nice!! i just checked mine and nothing extra yet. gonna call tomorrow
That's excellent news! Thanks for updating us. For everyone's information, the state is processing the COVID absence supplements in batches through July 2025, so some eligible families may not see those additional funds for several more weeks. If you don't see anything by August, that would be the time to pursue the appeals process.
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Has anyone had issues using their P-EBT cards once they got them? I finally received my kids' cards but when I tried to use one at Food Maxx yesterday, it kept getting declined even though I activated it and set the PIN. The balance tracker on the P-EBT website shows funds available but the cashier said it wasn't working... super embarrassing with a line of people behind me!
That's so stressful! I haven't received mine yet but now I'm worried about this too. Did you try calling the number on the back of the card?
Yes, I called and after 45 minutes on hold they told me sometimes it takes 24-48 hours after activation for the card to work properly at all stores. So I'm going to try again tomorrow. Just wanted to give everyone a heads up so you don't end up in the same embarrassing situation!
Just a reminder to everyone waiting for P-EBT cards: when they arrive, they're valid for one year from the issue date. Any unused benefits will remain on the card until the expiration date. Don't feel rushed to spend all benefits at once. Also, P-EBT benefits are completely separate from regular CalFresh benefits. Accepting and using P-EBT will not affect your CalFresh eligibility or benefit amounts in any way. Some clients worry about this, but they are entirely separate programs. If your address has changed since you provided information to your child's school, you should contact the P-EBT hotline to update your address to ensure the cards are sent to the correct location.
Thanks for this info! Quick question - can these P-EBT benefits be used anywhere regular EBT is accepted? Or are there different restrictions?
Yes, P-EBT cards work exactly like regular EBT cards in terms of where they can be used. They can be used at any store that accepts CalFresh/SNAP benefits, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and many online retailers that participate in the EBT program (like Amazon and Walmart). The same purchase restrictions apply - food items only, no hot prepared foods, alcohol, non-food items, etc.
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I'm sorry you're having trouble with your EBT card replacement. It can be so stressful when you're waiting for benefits and have children to feed. If you're in an emergency situation, please don't forget there are food banks that can help while you're sorting this out. Most don't require any documentation for emergency assistance. I've been in your shoes and understand how difficult this waiting period can be. As for your card, once you get through to customer service, ask them to check if the card was actually mailed and if they have tracking information. Sometimes there are delays with the vendor that prints the cards. Wishing you the best.
Thank you for the kind suggestion. I actually called 211 yesterday and they referred me to a local food bank, but I don't have transportation to get there. I'm hoping to resolve this EBT issue asap. Appreciate your understanding.
update??? did u get ur card?
UPDATE: I called the EBT customer service number that was shared here. After 20 minutes on hold, they told me my card was mailed 8 days ago but couldn't provide tracking. They offered to cancel that one and send a new one with expedited shipping that should arrive by Friday. They also gave me the option to go to the county office for same-day replacement, but I can't miss work. Thanks everyone for your help!
Ravi Choudhury
UPDATE: Called my county worker this morning and they confirmed there's been a bunch of reports about the EBT system showing phantom PIN changes from 11/30! Apparently it was a system update that incorrectly displayed as PIN changes to users. My benefits were deposited normally today and I can access them with my PIN. So relieved!!! Still glad I changed my PIN just to be safe though. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
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Chloe Harris
•Thanks for updating! This is really helpful information. I'm going to share this with other clients who might be seeing the same thing. Glad everything worked out with your benefits.
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Freya Andersen
•phew!!! glad ur money is safe!!
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CosmicCadet
Great news! For anyone reading this later - always better to be safe than sorry with EBT security! I always change my PIN every few months just to be extra careful with my foodstamps.
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