Has anyone who already received their P-EBT 0.3 gotten the full amount? I'm worried they'll prorate it or something. My neighbor in Victorville (also San Bernardino County) said she only got half of what she expected last week.

One more important thing to note: If you've moved since your child's school last updated their records, or if your CalFresh address isn't current, you should call the P-EBT helpline at 877-328-9677 right away. The deadline to request address changes for this issuance is May 20th, 2025. After that, any misdirected cards or benefits might take significantly longer to resolve.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.