CalFresh EBT 4.0 balance increase skipped my 7yo but my younger child got it - anyone else?
I just checked my EBT balance this morning and noticed something weird with the extra 4.0 benefits. My 2nd grader (age 7) didn't get any extra funds added, but my younger child (5yo) did receive theirs. Did anyone else experience this? I thought all school-age kids qualified for the 4.0 supplement in 2025. My 7yo is definitely enrolled in school and was included on my last SAR7 report from January. Both kids are on the same CalFresh case. Do I need to call the county office about this or will it eventually show up? Really counting on that money for summer grocery planning.
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Hazel Garcia
Yes, this happened to several families I know. The 4.0 supplements are being released in batches according to the county. Some children are receiving them in the first wave, while others will get them in the next 10-14 days. As long as your 7yo was properly listed on your case as a school-age dependent on your last SAR7, they should receive it in the next batch. The distribution schedule depends on your county and the last digit of your case number.
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Salim Nasir
•Thank you! That's a relief. I wasn't sure if there was some new requirement I missed. Do you know if I need to do anything special to make sure the second batch goes through correctly? Their school info hasn't changed since I submitted in January.
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Laila Fury
My kids r different ages (8, 11, 15) but ALL of em got their 4.0 yesterday. Maybe check ur caseworkers notes on ur BenefitsCal account? Sometimes they leave messages abt delays or verification needed. Mite be worth checkin that before u panic
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Salim Nasir
•Thanks for the suggestion! I just checked BenefitsCal and there's nothing there about needing verification. No messages from my worker at all since February. That's a good sign I guess?
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Geoff Richards
The 4.0 supplement distribution has been inconsistent this year. According to the most recent policy directive (ACL 25-42), the 4.0 benefits for school-aged children are being issued in three phases between May 15-June 10, 2025. Each county is handling the distribution differently. For your situation, I recommend waiting until June 1st. If the benefit hasn't appeared by then, you should contact your county office with the following information ready: 1. Your case number 2. Your 7-year-old's full name and DOB 3. The date you last reported school enrollment (from your SAR7) 4. Verification of current school enrollment Both children should receive the supplement as long as they were properly documented on your most recent report.
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Salim Nasir
•This is really helpful information, thank you! I'll wait until June 1st before taking any action. I have his school enrollment verification from this semester already, so I'll keep that handy just in case.
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Simon White
SAME EXACT THING!! My 2nd grader got NOTHING while my kindergartener got the full amount!!! I spent 3 HOURS trying to get through to my caseworker yesterday and kept getting disconnected. This is ridiculous! How are they deciding which kids deserve to eat?? I reported both my kids on my SAR7 in March and even included their school verification forms. The system is BROKEN!
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Hugo Kass
•i feel ur pain. the phone system is the worst. everytime i call i get put on hold for like an hour then it just hangs up on me. so frustrating
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Nasira Ibanez
•Have you tried using Claimyr to reach your CalFresh worker? It seriously saved me from the endless hold times. You put in your number and they call you back when they reach an actual person. Worked for me when I had a similar issue with my kids' benefits being uneven. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a demo video (https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8) that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold all day just to get disconnected.
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Khalil Urso
they prob just doing different ages at different times. my kids (9 and 12) both got it yesterday but my neighbors kid (5) hasn't gotten it yet. i think its just the system being slow like usual lol
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Hugo Kass
•same. my teenager got it right away but my elementary kid didnt. weird system they got
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Salim Nasir
Update: My 7yo's 4.0 supplement just posted to our EBT card this morning! So I guess they really are doing it in batches like everyone said. Thanks for the reassurance - I was getting worried for nothing.
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Geoff Richards
•Glad to hear it was resolved without you having to contact the county! This is consistent with what we're seeing across California - the distributions are happening in waves but most eligible children should receive their benefits by the second week of June. For anyone else checking this thread with similar concerns, I recommend waiting 14 days before contacting your county office.
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Simon White
•Lucky you!!! Still nothing for my 7yo. Been checking constantly. Might try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned because I STILL can't get through on the county line. So tired of this system.
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Laila Fury
speaking of the 4.0 benefits, does anyone know if summer school counts for getting the summer supplements? my oldest is doing summer school this year and im wondering if she'll get the extra EBT benefits for july/august too
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Hazel Garcia
•Yes, summer school participation does qualify for the Summer EBT program. Make sure you've indicated on your most recent SAR7 or recertification that your child is enrolled in summer educational programs. The summer benefits are separate from the 4.0 supplement and should be automatically added if your case information is current. The summer program provides approximately $125 per eligible child per summer month for 2025.
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