


Ask the community...
Just a tip - make sure you keep track of your P-EBT balance separately from your regular CalFresh EBT. The easiest way is to download the Connect EBT app (it's free) which lets you check balances on all your cards. That way you can plan which card to use for different shopping trips. I like to use up my P-EBT first since regular CalFresh benefits last longer before expiring.
I've had P-EBT for two years now and honestly they're WORSE than regular EBT cards. Last year they randomly deactivated my kids' cards without telling me and I was standing at the checkout with a cart full of groceries and no way to pay! So embarrassing! Then I had to wait 2 MONTHS for replacement cards. The whole system is a mess!
I'm sorry you had that experience! While the cards function the same at stores, you're right that the administration of P-EBT can sometimes be less seamless than regular CalFresh. For anyone reading this - always keep your original P-EBT card even if you use all the benefits, check your balance before shopping using the Connect EBT app or by calling, and if you do need a replacement, request it immediately as it can take several weeks to process.
my mom got some kinda extra payment last month but it was from social security not calfresh i think theres some confusion abt different programs maybe??
Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I'm going to call tomorrow and report both my rent increase and childcare expenses - had no idea those could help increase my benefits! I appreciate all the advice and clarification about the emergency allotments no longer being available. At least now I can budget accurately knowing exactly what to expect.
Good plan! Those two expenses can make a significant difference in your benefit calculation. Be sure to have documentation ready - a lease showing the rent increase and receipts or a statement from your childcare provider. Good luck!
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.
That's really good to know! I'll text my ex to make sure they reported it on their end too. The kids have been here 3 weeks already and I'm stretching my food budget thin.
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.
Thanks for all this info! I found my case number and the last digit is 4, so I think benefits should load on the 4th of the month? I'll definitely ask about restoration of benefits since the kids have been here since June 10th.
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.
Fatima Al-Mansour
congrats! how did u finally get through to them?? im still trying😫
0 coins
Giovanni Rossi
I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Didn't want to spend the money but after trying for 3 days on my own, it was worth it to finally get an answer.
0 coins