I went thru this same confusion last year! Called my worker and they explained P-EBT was only for specific timeframes during the pandemic. Frustrating because the info online isn't always clear. But on the bright side, when I called, my worker reviewed my case and found I wasn't getting credit for my full rent payment which actually increased my regular CalFresh amount by $67/month! So sometimes these questions lead to finding other benefits you're missing out on.

ACTUALLY my kids just got P-EBT cards in the mail like 2 weeks ago!!! But its money from like 2021-2022 that was super delayed. The worker told me they're still sending out old benefits but not approving new ones. So confusing!!!

To answer your question about the specific form - it's called the "EBT-2259 - Statement of Facts for EBT Theft Claim." You can download it from the CDSS website or get it from your county office. Make sure to include as much detail as possible about where you last used your card and when you noticed the benefits were missing. Regarding store safety, there are a few things to watch for: - Inspect card readers for any loose components or anything that looks like it was attached - Cover the keypad when entering your PIN - Avoid stores that have had multiple reports of skimming (you can actually check this on the CDSS website) - Use the EBT Mobile app to freeze/unfreeze your card when not in use (new feature added in 2024) And yes, the new cards will be a standard blue design similar to bank debit cards, without the obvious California imagery or "EBT" displayed prominently. They'll still identify as "California SNAP" on the back in small print as required by federal regulations.

Thanks everyone for all this helpful information! I've learned so much from this thread. I downloaded the EBT Mobile app mentioned above and found the freeze feature - super easy to use. I'm going to start freezing my card between shopping trips. Also bookmarked the EBT-2259 form just in case. Still think it's ridiculous we have to wait until 2026 for basic security features that regular bank cards have had for years, but at least it's finally happening. Fingers crossed none of us have to deal with theft again before then!

Does anyone remember how much the sun bucks actually were? I feel like my family got like an extra $400/month during covid but my friend says it was more like $200. I'm not good at keeping track of that stuff lol

my neighbor works for the calfresh office and she said theres nothing coming back like the covid bonuses. i think your cousin might have heard about the regular cola increase thats always in october. my benefits went up $12 last october whoop-de-doo lol

has anyone got october benefits on p-ebt yet?? still waiting for mine

Important notice for everyone: If your address has changed since you first got the P-EBT cards, you NEED to update it through the P-EBT portal or by calling. They won't forward these cards even if you have mail forwarding set up with USPS. I learned this the hard way when we moved last year and nearly missed out on $500+ in benefits that were sitting on cards mailed to our old address!

I actually work at a grocery store and we've had lots of confusion with these P-EBT cards lately. Just FYI they work exactly like regular EBT cards but they're separate accounts. You can only use them for food items not prepared hot foods just like regular CalFresh. Lots of parents don't realize that and get upset at checkout.

I'm still waiting for my son Owen's card!!! Everyone else seems to be getting theirs but nothing for us yet. This is so FRUSTRATING. Has anyone in Riverside County received cards for kids with O names yet??!!