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also make sure ur actually at a store that accepts ebt!! not all grocery stores do and some only accept it for certain items. my first time i tried using it at this small market and they didnt take ebt at all and i was so confused
It was at Safeway, and they definitely take EBT. The cashier actually ran it as EBT and the machine said insufficient funds, so I know the store accepts it.
UPDATE: I just wanted to follow up because I noticed there was a system-wide delay reported for CalFresh benefits deposited on September 5th due to a processing error. Several counties were affected. Benefits should be loaded by midnight tonight according to the CalFresh status page. Here's the direct number for the California EBT Customer Service if you need to check your balance again: 1-877-328-9677. You can also check status updates at www.ebt.ca.gov.
Thank you so much for this update! I just checked again and my benefits still aren't there, but at least I know there's a system-wide issue and not something wrong with my specific case. I'll check again in the morning. Really appreciate everyone's help!
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Just to clarify some information in this thread: 1. The program changed names from P-EBT (pandemic-related) to Summer EBT (federal name) to Summer Food Benefits (California's implementation name) 2. Each county follows the same state distribution schedule, but some counties may be processing faster than others 3. Children in the same household may receive cards on different days even with the same last name - this is normal 4. The benefit amount is $43.50 per child per month (June, July, August) totaling $130.50 per child for summer 2025 5. Once activated, benefits remain available for 274 days If you're having trouble reaching someone, you can also check status at calfresh.dss.ca.gov/summer or text SUMMEREBT to 877-877.
Thank you for these additional details! I'll try texting that number to check our status. Just curious - do these Summer Food Benefits get loaded onto our regular CalFresh EBT card or is it a completely separate card? Trying to know exactly what I'm looking for in the mail.
It's a completely separate white card that looks different from your regular Golden State Advantage EBT card. It will come in a white envelope addressed to your child (not to you), which is why these sometimes get overlooked in the mail. The card itself will say "California Summer Food Benefits" on it.
omg this explains why i almost threw mine away!!! it was addressed to my 3 year old son not me lol. who sends mail to toddlers?? so weird
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I made this EXACT mistake last year and it was so embarrassing!!! Was at Denny's with my kids, tried to use my P-EBT card since my regular CalFresh was low, and it got declined. The waitress told me "you can't use WELFARE here" really loud and everyone stared at us. I wanted to tell her actually my REGULAR EBT would work just fine there but I was too mortified. Now I keep the cards in separate wallet sections so I don't mix them up. But yeah, P-EBT = groceries only, regular CalFresh = both groceries AND restaurants (if you qualify for RMP).
Ugh, I'm so sorry that happened to you! That's exactly what I was worried about - the embarrassment factor. Thanks for the tip about keeping the cards separate. I'm going to do that too.
stupid question maybe but why cant they just make the rules the same for both cards?? its confusing when they work different
It's actually because they're funded by different federal programs with different purposes. Regular CalFresh (SNAP) has the Restaurant Meals Program exception that was created specifically for vulnerable populations who might struggle to prepare meals. P-EBT was created under pandemic legislation specifically to replace school meals children would have received, so it follows the standard SNAP rules without exceptions. I agree it would be less confusing if they worked the same way!
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My daughters teacher said we getting december money for sure!! But you know what my friend in LA county didnt get her august money yet so its all messed up anyways
ya my sister in san diego still waiting 4 august payment too... the whole system is broken
Just a practical tip for everyone: If you're relying on the December reload for holiday food expenses, please have a backup plan just in case. While the official policy does include the December issuance, P-EBT has had delays in the past. I'd suggest setting aside a little money each month between now and December as a safety net, if possible. That way, if there are delays or issues with the December reload, you won't be caught without resources for holiday meals.
That's excellent advice, thank you. I was planning on using some of the December reload for our holiday meal shopping, but I'll definitely start setting aside a little each month just in case there are delays.
Sophia Nguyen
As someone who's helped several clients with this issue, I want to clarify some information: 1. Yes, California now has a limited EBT theft reimbursement program as of October 2024 2. You must report the theft within 10 days of discovery 3. You need to submit form CF 303 along with a police report 4. The county can replace benefits stolen via skimming/electronic theft (not PIN-based transactions) 5. There's a maximum of two months of replacements per federal fiscal year 6. Processing time is typically 15-30 days The most critical factor is documenting everything and following up persistently. Many county workers aren't fully trained on the new replacement program yet, so you might need to specifically mention "Administrative Notice 24-12 regarding EBT benefit theft replacement" to get to the right person. Also, request a PIN change and new card immediately to prevent further theft.
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Carmen Diaz
•Thank you for this detailed information! I've been trying to reach my county office all day without success. I'll definitely mention that Administrative Notice when I finally get through. Do you happen to know if there's an online way to submit the CF 303 form? Or does it have to be done over the phone or in person?
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Sophia Nguyen
•Unfortunately, the CF 303 still requires a signature, so it can't be submitted entirely online. However, you can download the form from the CDSS website, fill it out, and then either: 1. Upload the signed form through your BenefitsCal account under "Submit Verification" 2. Email it to your county office (if they accept emails) 3. Fax it 4. Bring it in person I recommend option #1 or #4 for fastest processing. And make sure to follow up by phone after submitting to confirm they received it!
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Andre Laurent
Update on this issue: The state recently announced additional EBT security measures rolling out in 2025. They're finally adding chip technology to new cards and implementing transaction alerts via text message. But that doesn't help right now, unfortunately. One thing I didn't see mentioned - if you're approved for replacement benefits, make sure you request a new card with a different card number before those replacement benefits are loaded. Otherwise, if your card information was compromised through skimming, thieves could potentially access the replacement benefits too.
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Carmen Diaz
•I had no idea they were finally adding chip technology - that's long overdue! And thank you for the tip about getting a new card before replacement benefits are loaded. I wouldn't have thought of that. I was able to reach my county worker today (after many tries) and they're sending me the CF 303 form. Fingers crossed this works out!
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