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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.
When I called about this last week they told me the cards were delayed because of a "printing issue" whatever that means. The whole system is so frustrating! Last year my daughter got a card but my son didn't even though they're at the same school with the same lunch program. Make it make sense!!!
Thanks everyone for the helpful information. I called my kids' school this morning and they confirmed all student information was submitted to the P-EBT program in February. They said cards for our district should start arriving mid-April through May based on alphabetical order. I'll watch for the white envelope and make sure not to throw it out! Really appreciate all your help figuring this out.
Great to hear you got some clarity! One more tip: when the cards arrive, activate them immediately. The P-EBT phone system can get overwhelmed when many cards arrive at once, and some people report waiting days to get through. Also, write down the card numbers and PINs somewhere safe after activation in case you need to report a lost card later.
For everyone in this thread, here's important information about protecting your remaining and future benefits: 1. Change your PIN immediately and use a non-obvious number (not birthdays, sequential numbers, etc.) 2. Check your EBT account regularly for suspicious activity 3. Never share your PIN or card information with anyone 4. Be careful about where you use your card - avoid sketchy ATMs or card readers that look unusual 5. Consider checking for skimmers before using your card (wiggle the card reader) 6. If possible, use your EBT card at major retailers rather than smaller stores Also, there's a bill currently in committee (AB-508) that would enhance fraud protections for EBT users. Consider contacting your representatives to support stronger protections.
Based on what I've heard, this appears to affect both CalFresh food benefits and CalWORKs cash benefits on EBT cards. The policies for both programs regarding electronic theft are generally aligned. I recommend taking extra precautions with your cash benefits - perhaps withdrawing them as soon as they're deposited rather than keeping them on the card.
My sister in Riverside County just told me her household got an extra $200 this month because of something called the "Family Stabilization Benefit" - has anyone else heard of this? She said it was because her income dropped recently. I'm in Sacramento County and haven't seen anything like that...
The Family Stabilization Benefit isn't a standard CalFresh program - it's actually part of CalWORKs (cash aid), not CalFresh. Your sister is likely receiving both programs and may have confused which program provided the additional funds. CalWORKs has several supplemental payments that CalFresh doesn't offer. You should check your eligibility for CalWORKs if your income has decreased significantly.
WHY do they make everything so confusing?? I've been on CalFresh for 3 years and I STILL don't understand half the notices they send. One month I get $375, the next it's $341, then back to $375 with ZERO explanation. Called FOUR TIMES last month and couldn't get past the automated system. It's like they WANT us to give up!!
The fluctuations might be due to the way your income is calculated month-to-month. If you're paid biweekly, some months have 5 weeks instead of 4, which can cause your benefit amount to change. Also, utility allowance adjustments happen seasonally. I agree they should explain changes better in the notices though.
Abigail Patel
i dont get why they make u wait so long when its obvious fraud??? like how would u buy food in nevada and california in the same hour lol. the whole system is messed up and they dont care about us. my friend had her benefits stolen twice and second time they accused HER of fraud and cut off her benefits for 6 months!!! be carful what u say to them
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•This is misinformation that could scare people from reporting legitimate theft. EBT theft investigations don't result in fraud accusations against the victim unless there's evidence they participated in the fraud. While the system has many problems, reporting theft won't get your benefits cut off. The second theft may have triggered additional security questions, but a 6-month disqualification only happens after an administrative hearing with evidence of intentional program violation. Please don't discourage people from reporting theft - it's the only way to get replacement benefits.
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Gianna Scott
UPDATE: Called using that Claimyr service someone recommended below and FINALLY got through to a supervisor after trying for days! She said I qualify for emergency replacement benefits under AB 1168 and they can issue provisional benefits while investigating. Should have them within 3 business days! Also filed police report which will help the investigation. Going to food bank tomorrow to get through until replacement comes. THANK YOU all for advice - might have gone hungry for weeks without your help! Will update when benefits actually arrive.
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Alfredo Lugo
•So glad you got through! This is exactly why it's important to know your rights and keep advocating. Many caseworkers aren't fully trained on the newer EBT theft provisions. Make sure to document everything - names of who you spoke with, reference numbers, and follow up if the provisional benefits don't arrive as promised. And definitely change your PIN regularly going forward as a precaution.
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