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Just to clarify some confusion I'm seeing in this thread - the P-EBT 2025 program has three distribution phases in California. Each county has their own schedule, and Yolo County is indeed using alphabetical distribution by last name. However, there have been some processing delays affecting the A-H group specifically, which is why some people with last names in that range haven't received their benefits yet despite being in the first scheduled batch. Important note: P-EBT benefits are loaded onto a separate card from your regular CalFresh EBT card unless you specifically requested consolidation during the last open enrollment period. So some people might be checking the wrong card. If you lost your P-EBT card, you'll need to request a replacement by calling the P-EBT Helpline at 877-328-9677, not your regular EBT customer service number. Also, for the 2025 cycle, benefit amounts increased by about 30% compared to last year, so you'll receive more per eligible child than previous cycles.
UPDATE: Our P-EBT benefits just posted! Checked the separate P-EBT card this morning and the funds are there. Thank you everyone for your help and information. For those still waiting - definitely check the actual P-EBT card if you have one, not your regular CalFresh EBT card (I was checking the wrong one at first too).
I tried calling the county office to ask about this yesterday and was on hold for 45 minutes before I had to hang up because my break at work ended. So frustrating! I wish they would just send clear information about all these programs instead of making us hunt everything down ourselves.
I've been there with those frustrating hold times. A friend recommended using Claimyr to get through to CalFresh workers faster - it holds your place in line and calls you back when a representative is available. Saved me hours of waiting! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. I used it last month to sort out my recertification issues and got through in about 10 minutes instead of waiting on hold all day.
Just updating in case anyone else is confused like I was - I found a flyer in my kid's backpack yesterday that explained more about Summer EBT. It IS different from P-EBT, which was just a COVID thing. This new Summer EBT is $120 per kid for the whole summer to help with food when school meals aren't available. The flyer said if you already get CalFresh, you don't need to apply separately - they'll automatically check eligibility through the school meal data. But they still recommended making sure your contact info is updated in the school system so you get the card. Hope this helps someone else!
might be late to this but when my benefits got stolened they sent me a letter in mail telling me when they'd be replaced. took about 2 weeks total. the letter came like 4 days before the money showed up. also did they give u new card? cuz if ur using same card the scammers might just steal it again when u get new benefits
Just checking back - any updates? Were you able to get through to Yolo County with the ADA accommodation request? Hope you were able to get some emergency food assistance in the meantime.
Yes! Finally some progress. I called using that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through in about 10 minutes instead of waiting forever. Asked specifically for an ADA accommodation and mentioned having "no food resources" as you suggested. The supervisor approved an emergency replacement of my benefits! They're being loaded tomorrow. Thank you so much for your advice - it really made the difference. I also found a local diabetic support group through 211 that delivered some emergency supplies yesterday. Really appreciate everyone's help here.
ACTUALLY I just remembered!!! There IS a way to get extra food help for Easter break specifically! Many school districts run a Spring Break meal program where kids can pick up free breakfast and lunch even when school is closed. Check your school district website or call your kids' school office and ask about spring break meals! Might not be money on your EBT card but it does help with food costs when kids are home.
I think the biggest confusion is that there are several different food programs with similar names. Just to clarify: 1. P-EBT (Pandemic EBT) - This was specifically for COVID and is gone 2. Summer EBT - This is newer and some states have it 3. Regular CalFresh/SNAP - Your normal monthly food benefits 4. School Meal Programs - Free/reduced lunch at school It gets confusing because they all help with food but work differently. The holiday extras were technically called "Emergency Allotments" and those are definitely discontinued nationwide.
Amina Sow
You know they got those new EBT cards with the chips now that are supposed to be more secure but idk if that really helps with skimmers. my cousin still got her CalWorks money stolen even with the chip card.
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Zainab Khalil
•The chip cards are definitely more secure than the magnetic stripe alone, but they aren't foolproof. Skimmers can still capture data from the magnetic stripe if you swipe instead of using the chip. Always try to use the chip insertion method when possible - it creates a unique code for each transaction that can't be reused by scammers. And remember, CalWorks funds and CalFresh benefits are on the same EBT card but are separate programs with different rules for replacement if theft occurs.
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Miguel Ortiz
Update: I called the EBT customer service line and they said my balance looks normal with no suspicious transactions. I'm still going to change my PIN just to be safe, and I set up those text alerts that someone mentioned! Thanks everyone for the advice - I'm going to be WAY more careful about where I use my EBT card from now on. The county worker also said they're seeing more skimming cases lately and recommended only using the card at major grocery stores if possible.
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Paolo Conti
•Smart move changing your PIN! I change mine every few months now just as a precaution. Also another tip - if you shop at the same stores regularly, try to use the same checkout lanes with cashiers you recognize. My local grocery store has a cashier who actually watches for people who might be tampering with their machines.
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