Just to clarify some confusing information in this thread, P-EBT has specific eligibility criteria and timeframes. For the current 2024-2025 school year program: 1. Children must qualify for free or reduced-price meals at a school participating in the National School Lunch Program 2. Regular benefits run through the end of the school year (typically June 2025) 3. Summer P-EBT typically covers June-August 2025 4. Benefit amounts are currently $120 per eligible child per month during the school year 5. Summer benefits are typically a one-time payment of $395 per eligible child The state should send you a notice before the program ends. If your situation changes, you should contact your county office.

I wanted to add something that might help with your planning - keep an eye on your EBT card balance regularly because P-EBT deposits don't always happen on the same date each month. I've noticed they can vary by a few days, which threw off my grocery shopping schedule when I was budgeting really tight. Also, if you haven't already, consider looking into local food banks and pantries as a backup plan for when P-EBT ends. Many don't have income requirements and can help bridge the gap. Our local pantry at the community center has been a lifesaver during tight months. You can usually find locations through 211 (just dial 2-1-1) or the California Association of Food Banks website.

Just wanted to add my experience - I was in a similar situation last year with my 3-year-old. Got a P-EBT card out of nowhere and was super confused. Turns out it was totally legitimate! I called the number on the back of the card and they confirmed we qualified because we were already getting CalFresh benefits. Used it without any issues and it didn't affect our regular benefits at all. The customer service rep told me that lots of families don't realize they qualify for these additional benefits. Definitely use it - you earned it and it's there to help feed your family!

I'm so glad you asked this question! I was in the exact same boat a few months ago - got a P-EBT card for my 4-year-old who doesn't go to daycare and I was terrified it was some kind of mistake. After reading all the responses here and doing some research, I can confirm it's 100% legitimate. The P-EBT program has been extended to cover young children in CalFresh households even if they don't attend school or daycare. I've been using mine for groceries with zero issues and it hasn't affected my regular CalFresh benefits at all. The hardest part was getting past my anxiety about using it, but once I did, it was such a relief to have that extra help with food costs. Don't let that money go to waste - your family deserves that support!

I've been helping people navigate CalFresh for years, and one thing I want to emphasize is that the Restaurant Meals Program approval can sometimes take a few weeks to process even after you submit everything. Don't get discouraged if it's not immediate! Also, once you do get approved, make sure to call ahead to restaurants before going - even participating locations sometimes have issues with their EBT systems or staff who aren't familiar with the program. I always recommend having a backup plan like keeping some easy-to-prepare foods at home (crackers, peanut butter, etc.) for days when your disability flares up but you can't get to a participating restaurant. The program is a lifesaver when it works, but having multiple options helps ensure you don't go hungry during any gaps or technical issues.

I went through this process in San Diego County last year and want to share a few additional tips that helped me. First, when you get your doctor's note, ask them to include specific examples of kitchen tasks you can't do safely - mine mentioned I can't lift pots with water, can't stand at the stove for more than a few minutes, and can't grip knives safely. Second, if you're denied initially, you can appeal! I was denied first time because my doctor's note wasn't specific enough, but I appealed with a more detailed letter and got approved. Also, once you're approved, download the "Fresh EBT" app - it shows you exactly which restaurants near you accept EBT for the program. Some unexpected places participate, like certain gas station delis. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me from submitting the doctor's note to getting my card updated. It's been a game changer for my quality of life, especially on bad pain days.

One more option that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you have an ATM card from your bank, many ATMs (especially at grocery stores) will let you check your EBT balance for free even if you're not making a withdrawal. Just insert your EBT card instead of your bank card and select "balance inquiry." I discovered this by accident at a Vons ATM and it's been super convenient when I'm already at the store. Works at most major grocery chain ATMs like Ralph's, Albertsons, etc. Just make sure it says "EBT accepted" on the ATM first!

Just wanted to share one more method that's been a lifesaver for me - if you shop at stores with self-checkout, you can actually check your EBT balance there too! At most self-checkout machines (Walmart, Target, CVS, etc.), you can select "EBT" as your payment method and then choose "Check Balance" instead of completing a purchase. It gives you your balance right on the screen and you don't have to interact with anyone or wait in line at customer service. Super quick and private! I use this all the time when I'm out running errands and want to see if I can afford to grab something extra.

This is such great news to hear! Your story gives me hope that there are still ways to navigate these complex systems when you know what to ask for. It's really frustrating that caseworkers don't automatically inform seniors about medical expense deductions during the application process - it should be standard practice to explain all available deductions, especially for older adults who are more likely to have significant medical costs. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation, Rami's experience shows how important it is to advocate for yourself and seek out all the deductions you're entitled to. The difference between $49 and $130-150 per month is literally the difference between being able to afford basic nutrition or not. I'm curious - did the worker mention anything about whether you might be eligible for any other programs or if there are any upcoming changes to CalFresh that might affect seniors? Thanks for sharing your update and helping others in the community!

This whole thread has been incredibly informative! As someone who works with seniors in my community, I see this situation constantly - people getting their benefits slashed when emergency allotments ended, not knowing about medical deductions they're entitled to, and struggling to get through to overwhelmed county offices. Rami, I'm so glad you were able to get your benefits increased! Your experience highlights a huge gap in the system - caseworkers should be proactively helping seniors identify all available deductions during initial applications and recertifications, not waiting for people to stumble across this information online or through word of mouth. For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation, here are a few additional resources to consider: - Contact your local Area Agency on Aging - they often have benefits counselors who specialize in helping seniors navigate CalFresh, Medicare Savings Programs, and other assistance - Check if your county has a Senior Legal Aid program that can help advocate for proper benefit calculations - Document everything - keep copies of medical receipts, utility bills, and any correspondence with your caseworker The difference between $49 and $150 per month is life-changing when you're on a fixed income. Thanks for sharing your story and helping other community members learn about options they might not have known existed!