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Just an update since I see others mentioning the P-EBT hotline issues - the state actually added more staff recently because of all the complaints about wait times. I called last week and only waited about 45 minutes, which is still ridiculous but better than before. They told me they're processing correction requests through June 2025, so if there is an issue with your amount, you have time to address it.
dont 4get this is totally seprate from regular calfresh!!! u should still get ur normal ebt amount on ur regular card even if the pebt seems low
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.
I'm a benefits navigator with a local nonprofit. Quick clarification - the Homeless CalFresh Transitional Program (HCTP) has specific rules about payment processing that differ from regular CalFresh. Your second payment should be issued within 5 business days of them processing your activity log and written statement. Since you submitted through BenefitsCal, I strongly recommend calling your county office immediately. Ask specifically for the "HCTP specialist" or "homeless services liaison" - most counties have dedicated staff for this program. Explain that you submitted documentation by the deadline but haven't received your payment. Also important: Take screenshots of your BenefitsCal submission confirmation page if you still have access to it. This proves you submitted on time if there's any dispute.
Thank you for this detailed information! I didn't know there were HCTP specialists. I'll definitely ask for that when I call tomorrow. I do have the confirmation email from BenefitsCal so I'll keep that handy as proof.
Just checking back - were you able to reach someone about your HCTP payment? What did they say?
Yes! Finally got through after being on hold for almost an hour. They confirmed they received my upload but it was sitting in the general queue. The worker processed it while I was on the phone and said my payment should hit my EBT card within 3 business days. Thanks everyone for the advice!
weird question but does ur last name start with letters in second half of alphabet? my worker once told me they sometimes process benefits in alphabetical order when doing big batches. maybe thats why ur friends got it first?
that would explain EVERYTHING!!! my last name starts with W and my neighbor who always gets everything first is an A!!! this system is SO UNFAIR!!! why should I have to wait just because of my last name???? they should go reverse alphabetical sometimes to make it fair!!!!
I'm glad you called the EBT line and got confirmation about your supplement! Just to clarify for everyone: the batching system for this particular supplement is based on case numbers, not alphabetical order (though some other processes may use alphabetical batching). The state announced this supplement rather suddenly, which is why many counties are struggling with communication about it. The total amount varies based on household size - single-person households get around $95, while larger households can receive up to $250. These supplements should all be distributed by March 31st, 2025 according to the latest CDSS guidance.
Thank you for the additional information! I'm just relieved to know it's coming. Every bit helps with grocery prices being so high lately.
This is correct information. The supplements are being distributed based on case number ranges, not alphabetical order. And the amount is determined by household size - exactly as described above. I'm glad the EBT line was able to confirm your upcoming deposit!
Malik Davis
guys i just checked and mine came thru!! last name starts with B so guess that alphabet thing is true
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GalacticGuru
•UGH of course... I have to wait because my last name starts with T. So unfair they're making some families wait longer than others!
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Isabella Santos
Btw my cousin had to call about her benefits last month and they told her the emrgency allotments are gonna stop in April 2025. Did anyone else hear this??
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Emma Wilson
•Yes, this is accurate information. The emergency allotments were originally tied to the public health emergency declaration, but California secured additional funding to extend them through April 2025. After that, benefits will return to the standard calculation based on household income, expenses, and deductions. It's important for all CalFresh recipients to prepare for this change. Make sure you're reporting all allowable deductions on your SAR7 and recertification forms (like childcare costs, medical expenses for elderly/disabled household members, and housing costs) to maximize your regular benefit amount.
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