CalFresh P-EBT pin issues & different payment amounts between children - anyone else?

The P-EBT pin system has been completely overwhelmed since they rolled out the latest batch of cards. I work with families on CalFresh issues, and about 70% of my clients are experiencing the exact same error message. It's likely NOT a problem with your specific account, but rather the entire system being unable to handle the volume. Regarding the different benefit amounts - this is actually normal for P-EBT 6.0. The calculation depends on: 1) How many qualifying school days each child had 2) Whether they had any excused absences during qualifying periods 3) If they changed schools mid-year Did your children attend the same exact school days? Was one perhaps absent more often or enrolled in different programs? The $391 amount is within normal range for children who qualified for partial periods.

OMG SAME EXACT ISSUE!! Been calling for THREE DAYS and when I finally get thru it says that error message about not accessing account. SO FRUSTRATING!!! My kids got different amounts too - one got $498 and other got $684. Makes NO SENSE!!!!

This is unfortunately a widespread issue with the P-EBT system right now. The benefit amounts varying between children is completely normal - the P-EBT 6.0 issuance is calculated based on each child's individual school attendance record, qualifying days, and enrollment status during specific periods. For the PIN issue, there are a few things you can try: 1. Call during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) 2. Try the online PIN setup if you haven't already at ca.p-ebt.us 3. Wait 48-72 hours between attempts as sometimes the system flags accounts for too many attempts If you're still struggling to get through after multiple attempts, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that helps you get through to a live representative at government offices. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Several families I know have used it when facing these exact P-EBT connection issues and were able to get their PINs set up with a live representative instead of the automated system.

i had the same issue with the pin but i kept calling back and eventually it worked. took like 30 tries tho. the system is garbage tbh for the money difference its probably cause of days enrolled. my daughter got less than my son cause she was sick a lot this year and missed school

Wait are you talking about CalFresh or P-EBT? Those are totally different programs. CalFresh is the food stamps program where you have to do the SAR7 reports and recertification. P-EBT is for kids in school. I'm confused by your post because you mentioned CalFresh but then talked about P-EBT amounts.

The whole P-EBT system is a disaster this year. I spent TWO WEEKS trying to set up pins for my 3 kids' cards. The error message you're getting means their system is overloaded. Keep trying different times of day. As for the benefit amounts - yes, it's normal to get different amounts. My kids got $684, $391, and $528. When I finally got through to a person, they explained that it's based on how many qualifying days each kid had during specific periods. It also matters if they changed schools or had any gaps in attendance. If you think there's an actual error though, document everything and be prepared to file an appeal. The deadline to contest benefit amounts is 20 days after you receive the card.

Has anyone had any luck with the P-EBT customer service email? I gave up on calling and emailed them about my PIN issues 4 days ago but still no response... 😕

I used that Claimyr service that someone mentioned above after spending days trying to get through. It actually worked! Got connected to a real person in about 20 minutes who set up the PIN for both my kids' cards. Worth checking out if you're desperate like I was.

Just an update for everyone struggling with P-EBT PIN issues - the Department of Social Services just posted that they're aware of the system problems and are working to increase capacity. They recommend trying during off-peak hours (before 8am or after 7pm) and say the online portal at ca.p-ebt.us should be working more consistently than the phone line. They've also extended the activation period by 60 days, so cards won't be deactivated if you can't set up the PIN right away. Hope this helps reduce some stress for parents trying to access these benefits.