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I had a similar situation with my nephews visiting for summer. Make sure both cases are properly updated - yours AND your ex's. When my sister didn't report her kids leaving for summer, we both nearly got hit with overpayment notices (which are a nightmare to resolve). Also, in my experience, LA County workers often need multiple follow-ups to make sure changes actually get processed. With the current workload they're handling, things fall through the cracks constantly.
UPDATE: Based on the conversation so far, it sounds like you need to confirm a few things: 1. Verify the verification documents were received and processed 2. Confirm your case has been updated to include the children 3. Determine your issuance date based on your case number If the county didn't process your documentation, you might be eligible for retroactive benefits through a process called "restoration of lost benefits" once the situation is resolved. Make sure to mention this when you connect with your worker. For LA County specifically, call the Customer Service Center at (866) 613-3777, but be prepared for long wait times. Having your case number, the dates the children have been with you, and any reference numbers from documents you've submitted will help expedite the process.
For the 2024-2025 school year, P-EBT is automatic for eligible children. If your children receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program, or attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school where all students receive free meals, you should be automatically eligible. No application is needed. However, make sure your school has your current mailing address, as new P-EBT cards are mailed to the address on file with the school.
The whole P-EBT system is RIDICULOUS!! Every year they promise payments and then delay for months! Last year they said April and we didn't get it until JULY!! By then school was already out for summer so what was even the point?? And try calling that helpline - IMPOSSIBLE to get through. The whole thing is just set up to fail and make parents jump through hoops. And now they're sending different amounts to different kids?? Make it make sense!!!
I understand your frustration with the delays. The different amounts are actually based on the school's reported data about each student's attendance and school schedule. For example, if one child had multiple excused absences or a different number of instructional days than siblings, their benefit amount would be calculated differently. The system isn't perfect, but the varying amounts do follow a specific formula based on each child's individual data.
hey just wondering did ur cards come with instructions? my kids got theirs but i cant figure out how to check the balance... tried calling the number on back but its always busy
Quick follow-up: Did you get the rest of your children's P-EBT cards? The state announced they completed all initial card mailings last week, so if you're still missing any, you should definitely contact them directly now.
Mei Zhang
wait wait wait, if i get approved for calfresh next week will my 3 year old automatically be eligibl for the 3.0 thing once our county starts it? or did you have to be on calfresh before a certain date??
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Liam McGuire
•From what I understand, any child under 6 in an active CalFresh household qualifies when their county/age group comes up in the rollout schedule. So if you get approved next week, your 3-year-old should automatically be part of the program when your county implements it for that age group. There's no cutoff date for when you had to start receiving CalFresh. Just make sure your child is properly listed as part of your household on your application!
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QuantumQuest
Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I checked my BenefitsCal account again and noticed there's actually a new notice I missed that mentions the 3.0 rollout for my county (San Diego). Looks like my 2-year-old should start receiving benefits in July and my 4-year-old in August. At least now I have some clarity on the timeline. Does anyone know if they prorate benefits if your child turns 6 during a month?
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Jamal Anderson
•Yes, they do prorate the benefit. If your child turns 6 during a month, you'll receive the benefit for the days they were still 5. For example, if they turn 6 on the 15th, you'll get about half the monthly benefit amount for that final month. The system calculates this automatically based on the birth date you have on file, so just make sure that information is correct in your account.
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