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Just to clarify something - P-EBT distributions for 2024-2025 have had some delays in certain counties. The November issuance should have been deposited by January 15th at the latest. If you haven't received it yet, that's definitely an error. One thing to try: if your children also get regular school meals, check with the school to make sure they properly reported your children's eligibility status to the state. Sometimes the issue is that the school's reporting system didn't correctly mark eligible students. If all else fails, your county supervisor's office can sometimes help navigate these bureaucratic issues - they have connections that regular citizens don't.
Yes! Finally got through using the double zero trick you suggested, but had to try 3 mornings in a row. Turns out there was a name mismatch between the school records and what they had in their system. They're sending a replacement card that should arrive in 7-10 business days. Thank you for your help!
so happy 4 u!! my friend had same thing happen but she waited like a month to report it n they denied her claim. its so messed up how many ppl r stealing from folks who just need food..
Y'all be careful tho the bank tellers sometimes dont know wat theyre doing! My sister tried to do this and they made her wait 2 hours and then told her to go to a different branch and THAT one said they couldnt help either!! Some real bs
This is a good point. If a bank branch gives you trouble, ask them to call the EBT Customer Service number while you're there. The EBT representative can explain the process to the bank employee. Also, bringing the official claim approval letter helps significantly. Banks are still getting used to this process since it's relatively new.
Fresh culinary herbs (like basil, cilantro, mint, etc.) typically qualify as they're considered produce. But dried herbs, herbal teas, and medicinal herbs usually don't qualify for the matching funds. Each market might have slightly different rules though, so it's best to ask at the info booth when you get your tokens.
One thing nobody mentioned - there are different restaurant OPTIONS in different counties. Like San Francisco has some higher-end places that participate compared to LA County. Each county negotiates with different restaurant chains. When I visited my sister in Santa Clara County they had a couple local burger places that accepted RMP that we don't have down here.
As others have said, your RMP benefits will work in any participating county. However, remember that your regular CalFresh food benefits and RMP benefits are different. Regular CalFresh can be used at any grocery store statewide that accepts EBT, but RMP is only for those who qualify (seniors, disabled, homeless) and only at participating restaurants. Also, make sure your RMP eligibility is current. Sometimes it can drop off during recertification if the worker doesn't code your case correctly. You can check by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
Emma Anderson
This whole P-EBT thing is SO CONFUSING!!! My kids got cards last year, then nothing this year, then randomly new cards showed up last month with no explanation. The amounts were all different too. And good luck trying to get ANYONE on the phone who understands how it works. The regular EBT people say to call P-EBT line, the P-EBT line says talk to your school, the school has no idea what's going on. ARGHHHH!
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Paolo Esposito
•You're absolutely right about the confusion. P-EBT 3.0 has been especially confusing because it has both a school-based component and a child care component for younger children. Each has different eligibility requirements and benefit calculations. For children under 6 in CalFresh households, the benefits should be more straightforward - they qualify for each month they're in an active CalFresh household during the benefit period. But the school-based component depends on school attendance records, free/reduced meal status, and whether schools were closed or had remote days. If you're still having issues, you can request a benefit review through the P-EBT Portal at ca.p-ebt.org.
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Keisha Brown
I just wanted to update everyone who responded. I called the P-EBT helpline (took forever to get through!) and they confirmed my daughter will get the May benefit since that's when we were approved for CalFresh. They said the card probably won't arrive until July or August though. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Amina Toure
•thats good! make sure u activate it right away when it comes, i think they expire the funds if u dont use them after a certain time
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