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UPDATE: I was able to get through to my worker using that Claimyr service and you were all right - the July 23 date was my recertification deadline, not a payment date. The worker let me complete the recertification over the phone and said my benefits should continue without interruption! She also explained that the emergency allotments ended in 2023 and told me about some local food banks I can use if needed. Thank you all so much for your help!
I see this happen ALL THE TIME. The notices can be confusing. For everyone reading, here's a quick guide: - Regular benefits: Issued between 1st-10th based on case number - SAR7: Due twice a year (6-month intervals) - Recertification: Once per year - Income changes: Must report within 10 days if you go over your Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) The COVID emergency allotments gave everyone the maximum benefit for their household size regardless of income, but that ended in February 2023. Many people are still adjusting to the lower benefit amounts.
I bet they messed up the semi annual report (SAR7)!!!! They ALWAYS do this!! Did you fill out a SAR7 recently? If anything is missing or unclear on that form they just SLASH your benefits without even trying to contact you first. Happened to my sister last month - they claimed she didn't report some income but she DID, they just lost the paper!!! The whole system is designed to cut people off I swear!
While frustrating, it's important to note that counties are required to attempt contact before reducing benefits for incomplete reporting. They should send a form requesting the missing information with at least 10 days to respond. If OP didn't receive such a notice, that's grounds for appealing the reduction and requesting restored benefits.
Update: I FINALLY got through to a caseworker today! Turns out there were TWO issues - 1) They were calculating my income based on a single high-earning week where I worked overtime rather than averaging my fluctuating income, and 2) They didn't record our rent increase at all because I reported it through the online portal instead of submitting the official 'Change of Address/Rent' form (even though our address didn't change, just the rent amount). The worker said they'll recalculate everything and I should see an increase in next month's benefits. They're also investigating whether we can get supplemental benefits for this month since the error wasn't our fault. Thanks everyone for the advice - especially about requesting the detailed calculation breakdown, that was what finally got them to look deeper into our case!
The $95 minimum emergency allotment ended last year BUT some counties are still doing adjustments and retroactive payments for periods when the allotments were active. My sister just got a retro payment last month for a period when she was underpaid during 2022. Maybe that's what your worker was referring to?
After reading through all the comments, it sounds like your caseworker might have been referring to a retroactive adjustment rather than a current emergency allotment. I'd suggest: 1. Using the Claimyr service mentioned to get through to a live person 2. Asking specifically about any "pending adjustments" or "benefit corrections" on your case 3. Request they check if there are any supplements scheduled to be issued 4. If there was a miscommunication, ask about emergency food resources in your area that could help this month Also, with your rent increase, you should report that change as it might qualify you for increased regular benefits going forward.
Thank you SO much for this detailed advice! I used Claimyr and finally got through to my county worker. You were right - she was referring to a retroactive correction for November-December when they calculated my benefits wrong after my job change. She said it's still being processed and should arrive within 10 days. I also reported my rent increase and they'll recalculate my regular benefits. What a relief to finally get answers!
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.
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.
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
•We 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
•Thank 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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