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.

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! 😅

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.

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.

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.

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!

No, I never got any alert! That's part of what makes me so angry. I thought they were supposed to notify us about suspicious activity, but I didn't find out until I tried to buy groceries and my card was declined. Then I checked the balance on the app and saw all these weird transactions from the other side of town.

This is good advice. Additionally, when you get your new EBT card: 1. Register it immediately on the EBT portal to monitor transactions 2. Opt-in for text/email alerts for all transactions 3. Consider changing your PIN monthly as a precaution 4. Never use your card at ATMs in non-bank locations 5. Check your balance frequently to catch unauthorized use early These steps significantly reduce your risk of repeat theft.

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!

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.