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The fruit and vegetable benefit amounts vary by county and implementation phase. The full program rollout with $67/person isn't complete statewide yet. Some counties are still in phase one with lower amounts. The amount also depends on whether you're in the control or test group for the pilot program. It's supposed to be fully implemented by July 2025.
Just to give you some hope - I had benefits stolen last month ($875) and although it took almost 10 days to get the claim processed, they did eventually restore the full amount. The key was persistent follow-up and getting my county worker involved directly when the EBT customer service wasn't helping. The EBT card system really needs better security. Until then, remember to: 1. Change your PIN regularly 2. Check your balance frequently 3. Consider transferring benefits to your bank account if possible (though this has its own risks) 4. Never respond to texts/emails about your EBT benefits - they're all scams
YES! Finally got through this morning. You guys were right - I called my county office directly instead of the EBT line and spoke to a real person after about 45 minutes on hold. They took my claim and said they're processing an emergency replacement that should be available within 3 days. They also said they've never heard of being "out of claim numbers" so that first rep was definitely giving me incorrect info. Thanks everyone for your help!
Just to clarify some confusion in this thread: 1. P-EBT 4.0 is being distributed August-October 2025 for eligible children who received free or reduced-price school meals during the 2024-2025 school year 2. Distribution is happening in batches based on multiple factors (not strictly alphabetical): - First letter of child's first name - School district/county - Previous P-EBT card issuance - Type of eligibility (direct certification vs. application) 3. Children in the same household may receive cards at different times 4. Benefit amounts can vary based on: - Number of school days the child was enrolled - Type of meal program eligibility (free vs. reduced-price) - Absences exceeding 15 consecutive days If you need specific information about your child's P-EBT status, call the hotline at 877-328-9677 (but be prepared for long wait times
has anyone had issues with activating the p-ebt cards once u get them? we got one for my grandson last week but the pin setup isn't working when we call the number on the back of the card
This happened to me with my kid's card last year. You need to make sure you're entering their exact birth date as it appears in the school system. If that doesn't work, there's a special P-EBT PIN helpline at 877-328-9677 - select the option for PIN issues. Sometimes there's a delay between when cards are received and when they're actually activated in their system.
anyone else kids get different amounts? my 2yr old got $580 but my 5yr old only got $412?? both on same calfresh case
The P-EBT benefit amounts can vary by child based on several factors, including their exact age category and when they became eligible for CalFresh. Children who were eligible for the entire benefit period receive the maximum amount, while those who became eligible partway through receive prorated benefits. That's why your children received different amounts despite being on the same case.
Malik Jackson
I work with a nonprofit that helps families access benefits. P-EBT 4.0 distribution for middle school students is scheduled April 20-May 15. If nothing arrives by May 20th, I'd recommend reaching out to your school district's nutrition services office first, as they can confirm if your child's eligibility information was correctly submitted. The state hotline is overwhelmed right now with so many families calling about the new distribution.
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Natasha Petrova
•This is super helpful! I'll wait until May 20th before really worrying. Good tip about contacting the school district's nutrition services instead of the general P-EBT line.
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Isabella Oliveira
I just checked the P-EBT website and they posted an update yesterday - there's apparently a processing delay specifically affecting 7th and 8th graders in some districts due to a data transfer issue. They say benefits will still be issued but may be delayed until late May for affected students. Might explain what's happening with your kid's benefits.
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Natasha Petrova
•Thank you so much for sharing this! I couldn't find this update on the website. Really appreciate you letting us know about the data transfer issue. That makes me feel much better knowing it's a known problem they're working on.
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