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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
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!
Just to clarify some confusion I'm seeing in the comments: P-EBT is separate from CalFresh, though many families qualify for both. P-EBT cards are mailed based on data from schools, while CalFresh is county-administered. For P-EBT issues, you need to contact the P-EBT hotline at 877-328-9677, not your regular CalFresh worker. The second card will almost certainly arrive within 2 weeks, but if not, be ready with both children's names, dates of birth, school information, and your mailing address when you call.
Based on the 2025 P-EBT distribution schedule, they're sending cards out by age groups and school districts in phases. Children ages 5-8 were in the first distribution group, which explains why your 7-year-old received a card first. Children 9-13 are in the second phase, scheduled to receive cards approximately 10-14 days later. This is intentional to avoid overwhelming the system. Unless there's a specific issue with your 10-year-old's eligibility, the card should arrive by next week. If it doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, you can request a replacement through the P-EBT portal or by calling the hotline.
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.
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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