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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!
my kids school sent home a flyer about pebt but it was so confusingggg!!! said something about summer ebt being different? anyone know if thats the same card or different??
Summer EBT and P-EBT are related but distinct programs. Summer EBT is specifically for the summer months when school is out, while regular P-EBT covers the school year. In California for 2025, they're using the same card for both programs, so any Summer EBT benefits (usually distributed in June) will load onto the same P-EBT card your children already have. The Summer EBT amount is typically around $120 per eligible child for the summer period.
Thank you all so much for the helpful information! I've set up the online account at connectebt.com to track her benefits and marked the calendar for mid-May for the next potential deposit. It's a relief to understand how this works now. One last question - does she need to be enrolled in free/reduced lunch at school for this to continue, or is it automatic for all kids in California public schools this year?
For the 2024-2025 school year in California, P-EBT 3.0 eligibility is primarily based on free/reduced lunch status OR attending a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school where all students receive free meals. If your daughter's school provides universal free meals (many CA schools do now), she'll continue receiving P-EBT automatically. If not, she needs to be individually eligible for free/reduced lunch. You can check your school's status by calling the district office. The good news is that once approved, you don't need to reapply during the school year.
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!
Thank you so much for this information! I didn't know about the expedited benefits option. We definitely meet those income requirements right now since most of our food budget was stolen. And good to know about the appeal rights - I'll definitely fight for the full amount.
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.
I'm trying to remember... I did use it at a gas station mini-mart about 2 weeks ago that I don't normally go to. It was late and it was the only place open. That must be where it happened!
Caleb Stone
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.
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William Schwarz
•That's good to know, thank you! If I find out from the daycare that there might have been a reporting error, I'll try calling. At least there's no immediate deadline to worry about.
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Jade Santiago
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
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William Schwarz
•Yes! Thankfully our regular CalFresh benefits are still coming as usual on our EBT card. This P-EBT was just something extra I wasn't expecting, so I probably shouldn't complain about the amount! 😅
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