When my calfresh got stolen they kept tellin me different things about when id get it back. one worker said 10 days another said 30 days. ended up bein like 3 weeks. now i just use my benefits as soon as they load and buy stuff that lasts all month so theres nuthin to steal lol

UPDATE: Used the Claimyr service someone suggested above and actually got through to a supervisor! They're processing my replacement as a hardship case and said I should have emergency benefits in 3 business days. Still going to try the food bank tomorrow but at least there's light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks everyone who shared advice - I'm keeping my card frozen between uses now and set up text alerts for any transactions.

Somewhat related but I tried to use my kids P-EBT card at Target last week and the cashier looked at me like I was trying to commit fraud! Had to explain what P-EBT was and she still seemed suspicious. Anyone else have issues using these cards at certain stores?? It was so embarrassing my teenager refuses to go shopping with me now.

Quick tip: Make sure you activate the card as soon as you get it, even if you don't plan to use it right away. There have been cases where unactivated cards were flagged as potentially lost/stolen after sitting dormant for too long. You can activate by calling the number on the back of the card or online at www.ebt.ca.gov. Also, if your 7th grader was eligible for free/reduced lunch during the 2023-2024 school year but you're just now receiving the card, you might be getting a retroactive payment for past months. Those typically come as a lump sum on the first load.

I called my kids school today and they said not all P-EBT cards are being sent at the same time. Apparently they're rolling them out over a 4-6 week period and prioritizing by school district. so if u haven't gotten yours yet, that might be why

Just a quick tip for everyone new to P-EBT: these benefits work a lot like CalFresh but have a few key differences: 1) P-EBT benefits last for 9 months from the issue date before they expire (CalFresh is 12 months) 2) You can use P-EBT at the same stores that accept CalFresh/EBT 3) P-EBT is specifically for households with children who would normally receive free/reduced school meals 4) Unlike regular CalFresh, you don't need to submit any SAR7 reports or recertification for P-EBT 5) P-EBT doesn't count against public charge rules for immigration Hope this helps!

sorry this happened to u! quick question - did u use ur card at any weird atms or small stores recently? my worker told me scammers put skimming devices on machines to steal card info. i only use mine at safeway now lol

make sure u get a new pin 2 they might have ur old 1

For anyone following this thread with similar questions: 1. Regular CalFresh benefits and P-EBT are completely separate programs with separate funding sources and eligibility requirements. 2. P-EBT cards must be activated by calling the number on the back of the card (not the regular EBT customer service line). 3. If you've been discontinued from CalFresh but still have a balance, those funds remain available to you until spent or until they expire (typically 365 days from issuance). 4. If your P-EBT card says it's "blocked," this almost always means it needs activation, not that you can't access the benefits. 5. For current P-EBT programs in 2025, eligibility is now determined through school meal eligibility data, not CalFresh participation. Hope this helps clear up confusion for others!

UPDATE: Both cards worked at the store! I'm so relieved. I was able to buy groceries with both my remaining CalFresh balance and the new P-EBT card after activating it. Thank you everyone for your help. This forum has been way more helpful than any of the official government websites or phone lines!