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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.
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.
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.
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.
Isabella Silva
Thank you!! Just signed up for the notifications. At least now I know it's not just us. Really appreciate you sharing the update.
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Omar Farouk
Of COURSE there's
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