CalFresh P-EBT December 2025 summer benefits payment date?

Thanks! I'm in Sacramento county, wonder if that means early or late in that window. Did they say anything about how much the benefit is supposed to be this time?

ya my cousin in LA already got hers yesterday but im in riverside and nothing yet so def by county

This is SO helpful, thank you! I haven't moved but I'm going to double check the P-EBT portal just to make sure my address is correct. $488 is more than I expected, that will really help with groceries this month.

Is that service legit? I tried calling the P-EBT line for THREE DAYS last time and kept getting disconnected after waiting an hour each time. Never actually got to talk to anyone. So frustrating!!!!

Yes, it's legitimate. I was skeptical at first too, but it saved me from having to redial constantly. They basically hold your place in the queue and then connect you when a representative is available. The P-EBT line is particularly bad during benefit issuance weeks, so it's worth considering if you're having trouble getting through.

P-EBT and CalFresh are different programs, though both provide food benefits on EBT cards. P-EBT is specifically for families with children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. You can receive P-EBT even if your household income is too high for regular CalFresh benefits. If your children receive free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program, they should qualify for P-EBT regardless of your household's CalFresh eligibility. The funds would come on a separate P-EBT card, not your regular EBT card (if you have one).

Thank you! That makes sense. My kids definitely get free lunch through their school. I'll watch the mail for a P-EBT card then. I had no idea we could get this benefit!

You don't have to activate the P-EBT card immediately. The benefits will remain on the card for at least 274 days (about 9 months) from the date of issuance. However, I would recommend activating it within the first month just to ensure everything is working correctly with the card. If you're concerned about mail security while you're away, you might want to have a trusted neighbor check your mail or consider setting up a temporary mail hold with USPS for the dates you'll be gone.

Right??!!! The whole system is so frustrating. I'm in Alameda county and we were literally the LAST to get benefits last time. Meanwhile my sister in San Diego got hers two weeks earlier. It's so unfair. They should just pick a date and stick to it!

The county-by-county rollout is actually designed to prevent system overloads. When they tried to release all benefits on the same day in 2023, the EBT system became overwhelmed with transactions, causing widespread outages and card failures. While it can feel unfair if your county is later in the schedule, this staggered approach helps ensure everyone can access and use their benefits without technical problems. The December 14-27 window is more precise than previous years, which is an improvement.

lucky!! still waiting in riverside. hope mine comes tomorrow!!

Thanks for updating! Nothing here in Alameda yet but at least they're actually sending them out now!