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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.
happens all the time. best to use self checkout or grocery stores where they see ebt more often
Axel Bourke
•That's awful! I've been using mine at FoodMaxx and they never give me any trouble. Maybe stick to grocery stores instead of places like Target?
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.
Axel Bourke
•Thanks! I activated it immediately, and you're right - it looks like we got some retroactive benefits. I was surprised by how much was on there.
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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.
So glad you're getting help! The same supervisor probably handles hundreds of these cases but you'd never know because they make it so hard to reach anyone. Don't forget to file a police report too - it won't help get your benefits back faster but it helps create a paper trail for future cases.
CosmicCadet
•good news! try 211 for emergency food 2day while u wait
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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
Caleb Bell
•This is correct. The California Department of Social Services has stated they're distributing the 2025 P-EBT cards in phases. If you had P-EBT previously, the new benefits should be loaded onto your existing card. If this is your first time, new cards are being mailed on a rolling basis. You can check your status at the BenefitsCal portal or by calling the P-EBT helpline at 877-328-9677, though wait times are extremely long right now.
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!
Alfredo Lugo
•This is so helpful! I had no idea the benefits expired after 9 months - definitely good to know. And I was worried we might need to do some kind of reporting like with other benefits. Huge relief that we don't have to deal with that paperwork!
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Ryder Greene
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
OMG I did use it at this random convenience store last week because it was the only place open late. That must be where they got my info! I had no idea about skimmers on EBT machines 😫
Liv Park
make sure u get a new pin 2 they might have ur old 1
Good point! I'll definitely change my PIN when I get the new card. I can't believe I didn't think of that.
Amara Nnamani
This is EXACTLY why I hate CalFresh! They put random letters and codes on our accounts without explaining what they mean and expect us to just figure it out. Then if we miss something we get our benefits cut and have to fight for months to get them back. I've been on and off CalFresh for 5 years and they NEVER make things clear. The whole system is designed to confuse people so they can kick us off.
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Yuki Ito
•It is frustrating not knowing what these codes mean. I wish they'd send a notification explaining changes to our accounts instead of just having mysterious letters appear.
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Mei Lin
UPDATE: I just checked with a colleague who works for CalFresh administration. The 'P' status is indeed part of the new 2025 EBT system update. It appears when: 1. A change has been reported and is being processed 2. Verification documents are under review 3. There's an upcoming reporting deadline (SAR7 or recertification) Your benefits remain usable during this time. The P will automatically clear once processing is complete or when required documents are received. If it doesn't disappear within 10 business days, then it would be worth contacting your worker.
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Yuki Ito
•Thank you so much for checking! This is really helpful. I'll wait the 10 business days and see if it clears on its own. I appreciate everyone's help with this!
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