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One more thing to check - make sure your address is correct in the county system. I've seen cases where the card was sent to an old address because the school records and county CalFresh records had different information. When you call, ask them to verify your mailing address as well.
Just a quick update for everyone in this thread - the California DSS released a statement yesterday acknowledging delays with the Summer EBT card distribution. They're prioritizing replacements for families who were approved in April and May. When calling, mention reference code "SE-DELAY-2025" which they're using to flag these cases. This should help streamline the replacement process.
This whole system is BROKEN!!! I called my county and the worker told me THREE different things in the same conversation about when we'll get the emergency benefits. First she said it was automatic, then she said I needed to apply, then she put me on hold and came back saying I needed to upload documents to prove the losses but couldn't tell me WHICH DOCUMENTS!! I've completely given up hope that we'll ever see this money. The CalFresh system is an absolute JOKE!!
I understand your frustration. Unfortunately, the county workers are sometimes confused about disaster protocols themselves because these emergency programs aren't implemented often. For documenting losses, typically you'd need receipts for replacement food, hotel stays if you evacuated, or repair bills if your home was damaged. If you don't have receipts, a written self-declaration of losses is usually accepted. You might have better luck going in person to your county office with whatever documentation you do have, rather than calling. The in-person workers often have more training on disaster procedures.
UPDATE for everyone: Just saw on the CDSS website that they've extended the application period for Disaster CalFresh through the end of the month. If you're in an affected area and haven't applied yet, you now have until February 28th, 2025. Also, they've posted a list of all eligible zip codes on the BenefitsCal home page under emergency alerts. The supplemental payments for existing CalFresh recipients should all be issued by the 22nd according to the latest update.
has anyone been told they need to update their kids' immigration status or something? the person i talked to mentioned something about needing citizenship verification now but my kids were born here?? so confused
No, that's incorrect information. P-EBT eligibility has nothing to do with immigration or citizenship status. It's based solely on the child's enrollment in a school that participates in free/reduced lunch programs and household income eligibility. Whoever told you that was mistaken. I'd suggest calling again and speaking with a different representative.
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to resolve this issue? I'm curious what eventually worked since several families in my community are facing the same problem with the P-EBT system not recognizing children who received previous benefits.
Yes! It took about 3 weeks, but we finally got it resolved. The issue was exactly what you suggested - her name was spelled slightly differently in the school system vs. CalFresh records. I had to submit a Case Review Request through our county worker, and I provided copies of her previous P-EBT cards as proof she had received benefits before. Her new card arrived yesterday with all the backpay included. So relieved! Thanks again for your help.
BTW any1 know if p-ebt counts as income for calfresh??? i got a letter saying i have to report all these new cards as income on my SAR7 and im freaking out that ill lose my regular ebt!!
UPDATE: I received both cards today (they came earlier than expected). My daughter's card (virtual school all year) has $480 on it, and my son's card (only missed school in November) has $210. So the rep on the phone was definitely wrong! Seems like the system is working correctly after all - my daughter got benefits for multiple months of virtual learning, not just the same amount as my son. Thanks everyone for your help!
Thanks for updating us! This makes much more sense with the benefit calculation guidelines. Your daughter likely received the $120 summer benefit plus approximately $40-45 for each month of virtual learning (depending on your state's specific calculation). Your son received the $120 summer benefit plus one month of COVID-absence benefits at around $90. I'm glad it worked out correctly without you having to go through the appeal process!
Megan D'Acosta
mine finally came thru this morning did urs?
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Hassan Khoury
YES! Just checked after seeing your comment - the benefits finally loaded! Such a relief. Thanks everyone for the help and information.
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