Sorry, didn't mean to ask something that gets asked all the time! I'm new to all this and my worker didn't really explain much when I got approved - just sent a letter with my benefit amount.

Not your fault. I'm just frustrated with the system. They should give clear information to new applicants instead of leaving everyone confused.

Always keep ALL your notices!!! I learned this the hard way. And write the date on them when you get them because sometimes they don't print the date clearly. I organize mine by month in a folder now because you never know when you'll need to reference something. Also take pictures of important notices with your phone as backup.

UPDATE: Found the notice! You all were right - it's about a system correction. They're giving me an extra $175 on May 12th because they miscalculated my utility allowance from February-April. Not quite the emergency allotment I thought, but still helpful! Thanks everyone for helping me figure this out.

The whole program is a scam to make us dependent on government handouts. They deliberately make it confusing so people give up applying. My sister works in a school and says half the cards never even reach families because they get lost in the mail or sent to old addresses. They should just increase regular CalFresh benefits instead of creating these complicated new programs every year that barely work.

Update: I finally got through to someone helpful! Called the P-EBT specific number (877-328-9677) that was suggested here and after waiting about 45 minutes, I spoke with someone who actually knew what they were talking about. She confirmed my kids ARE in the system and eligible. The cards for our county are being mailed out next week! The three categories thing was just about how they're prioritizing card distribution. She also said to make sure our address is updated in both the school system AND on the ca.p-ebt.org portal. For anyone else dealing with this confusion, definitely use the P-EBT specific number instead of the regular CalFresh line. The regular CalFresh workers don't seem to have accurate info about P-EBT at all!

my sister got hers yesterday and she said it was $250 for her two kids. someone told her its gonna happen every summer now not just this year which would be really helpful

UPDATE: You guys were right! Just checked my EBT card balance this morning and the Summer Nutrition money was added yesterday evening. Exactly $250 for my two kids. What a relief! Thanks everyone for your help explaining this - the official website was so confusing compared to the clear info you all provided here.

I work with a local assistance organization, and we're seeing tons of these cases right now. That June 3rd skimming operation hit hundreds of people across multiple counties. Here's what you need to know: 1. Yes, it can take up to 30 days by law (actually, up to 90 days if they need to investigate further). 2. The state has been overwhelmed with fraud claims, which is causing delays. 3. While waiting, you can: - Apply for emergency replacement benefits (separate from your claim) - Contact your county supervisor's office for help expediting - Reach out to local food banks (every county has emergency food assistance) - File a complaint with CDSS if it exceeds 30 days Also, make sure you've changed your PIN and are checking your balance daily. These skimmer groups often hit the same cards multiple times.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone helpful at the county office! They told me my claim was approved yesterday and the funds should be on my card within 24-48 hours. They also said they're prioritizing households with children under the expedited process. For anyone else waiting - keep calling and specifically ask for your claim to be reviewed for expedited processing if you have children or vulnerable household members. Will update again when the money actually appears on my card.