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!

The EBT 4.0 rollout has been a mess. My household received our cards weeks apart despite having the same last name and address. The worst part is that the notification letters arrived AFTER the cards for half my family. For anyone still waiting, make sure your address is updated on BenefitsCal and check if you've completed your latest SAR7 or recertification. Sometimes they hold new cards if your case has any pending issues.

One more thing to add - I've seen a few cases where the EBT 4.0 cards were sent to old addresses even though people had updated their info on BenefitsCal. If you've moved in the past year, it might be worth confirming your address directly with the county office. The EBT vendor and county systems don't always sync properly.

Update us on what happens! Also, make sure to document everything - write down who you speak with, case numbers for any service requests, and confirmation numbers. This will help if you need to escalate the issue. In my experience, payment issues are usually resolved within 3-10 business days once you get in touch with the right person.

just for future reference CalFresh and CalWorks are different programs... CalFresh is SNAP (food stamps) that goes on EBT card only, CalWorks is cash aid that can go direct deposit. glad u got it figured out tho

i bet its about ur upcoming recert. Mine was due in march but they started calling in JANUARY!!!! so annoying. they like to start bugging u way ahead of time so they can blame u if anything goes wrong lol

Since you've confirmed there's nothing in your BenefitsCal account and your recertification/SAR7 aren't due, my professional guess is that it's one of two things: 1. There's been income reported to the system (through quarterly wage matching) that doesn't match what they have on file 2. They're doing a random quality control review (yes, these happen) Either way, you need to call them back. And definitely take care of that lost EBT card immediately. Those are two separate issues with two different phone numbers: - EBT Card: 1-877-328-9677 - CalFresh Case: Your county office

Update: I went to the police station today and filed a report. The officer actually said they've had several similar reports recently and they think there's an organized group targeting EBT cards in our county! He said to definitely appeal with the county and gave me a copy of the police report to bring with me. I also called EBT customer service and enabled the card lockdown feature that someone suggested here. The representative also helped me check for any authorized users (there weren't any) and set up text alerts for all transactions. I have an appointment with a supervisor at the county office tomorrow. Feeling a little more hopeful but still stressed about feeding my kids this month. Thanks everyone for the support and advice!

One other suggestion - when you get your next replacement card, immediately set up the BenefitsCal mobile app if you haven't already. The newest version has a feature where you can temporarily "freeze" your card between uses. It's not perfect protection, but it's another layer of security. You just unfreeze it right before shopping and freeze it again right after. Also, only use the card inside major grocery stores at the register, not at outdoor terminals or ATMs. And if you do social media, make sure you're not accidentally posting photos that show your card or shopping receipts (which sometimes have partial card numbers).