Confused about 2025 P-EBT cards arriving at different times for my children - normal?

Yes, totally normal for P-EBT cards to arrive at different times! The state processes them in batches based on school district, grade level, and sometimes alphabetically by last name. That's why you see different letters on the envelopes - they're batch identifiers. Your other kids' cards should arrive within the next 2-3 weeks. The amount differences make sense too - children in full-day programs (like elementary school) typically receive higher benefit amounts than those in half-day programs (like some kindergarten/TK programs). The 2025 benefit amounts are calculated based on school attendance and meal eligibility.

we goet ours all mixed up too!!! my middle schooler got hers 3 weeks b4 my elementary kid. then my high schooler was LAST even tho same last name?? makes no sense but evntually all came. check ur address is right on benefitscal website tho just in case. some ppl in my building had mail problems

My neighbor just told me she waited 2 months between her first and last P-EBT card for her kids last year! System is so inefficient. 🙄 But at least they all eventually arrived. BTW, make sure you activate each card right away - they expire if not activated within 60 days!

If you're concerned about your other children's P-EBT cards, you should contact the P-EBT helpline directly instead of the county office. The county CalFresh workers actually don't handle P-EBT issues - it's a separate state program even though it uses the same EBT system. I've been helping families with this exact situation. The official P-EBT helpline often has 3+ hour wait times and frequently disconnects people. I started using Claimyr.com to get through to representatives faster - it holds your place in line and calls you back when a real person is available. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 When you do get through, be sure to have your children's student ID numbers and dates of birth ready - they'll need that info to look up their card status.

The state is ALWAYS a mess with these cards!!! My kids got their P-EBT like 3 months apart last year even though they're at THE SAME SCHOOL!!! And then when I finally called after waiting 4 HOURS they told me my youngest wasn't even in their system even though he ABSOLUTELY qualifies! I had to file an appeal and it took ANOTHER 2 months to get resolved. Don't wait around hoping they'll show up - be proactive and call now!!!

P-EBT is actually separate from CalFresh, even though they both come on EBT cards that look similar. P-EBT is specifically for children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, while CalFresh is the regular food assistance program. They have different eligibility rules, different benefit amounts, and completely different administration systems. For P-EBT timing, this is what I know from working with many families: - Cards are typically issued in alphabetical batches by last name - Cards for children in the same household should arrive within 4-6 weeks of each other - The new 2025 P-EBT issuance schedule has cards arriving from October through December - Benefit amounts vary based on age and school attendance pattern If you don't receive all cards by mid-December, then you should definitely follow up. For your twins, their cards will likely arrive together since they're in the same grade and (I assume) have the same last name.

hey just wondering did ur cards come with instructions? my kids got theirs but i cant figure out how to check the balance... tried calling the number on back but its always busy

Quick follow-up: Did you get the rest of your children's P-EBT cards? The state announced they completed all initial card mailings last week, so if you're still missing any, you should definitely contact them directly now.