Confused about P-EBT 3.0 cards - normal to get 2 separate cards for kids?

Oh thank you! That makes sense. I was worried something was wrong with our case. So each child is supposed to have their own separate card for P-EBT? Do you know if the benefit amounts are supposed to be the same for each kid?

wait so we're supposed to KEEP the cards after they're empty??? shoot i think i threw away my kids cards from the first round thinking they were done!! will they still get the new benefits or did i mess everything up??

Yes, you should always keep P-EBT cards even after the benefits are used. For children who lost their cards from previous issuances, you'll need to request replacement cards by calling the P-EBT helpline at 877-328-9677. New benefits for P-EBT 3.0 are loaded onto previous cards when possible, but if the system shows the card is no longer active, they may issue new ones. Call soon as replacements can take 2-3 weeks to arrive.

I had the same endless hold problem with the P-EBT hotline, but I finally got through using Claimyr. It basically holds your place in line and calls you back when a rep is available. Saved me hours of frustration. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check out their demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. About your specific situation - the reason your one child got two cards might be if they changed schools mid-year or if there was an error in their eligibility calculation that was later corrected. The hotline can explain the specific amounts.

Thanks for the tip about Claimyr! Will definitely try that because I'm going INSANE trying to reach anyone. That makes sense about the school change - my son did switch schools in January so maybe that's why he got two cards? So weird they can't just combine it.

Same! My oldest got way more than my youngest and they go to the same school. Makes no sense!

P-EBT benefit amounts vary based on several factors: whether the child was enrolled in virtual, hybrid, or in-person learning during the eligibility period; how many days their school was closed or operating with reduced attendance; and their individual free/reduced meal eligibility status. For the 2024-2025 school year covered by P-EBT 3.0, California is issuing approximately $8.80 per eligible school day for fully virtual students and about $5.25 per day for hybrid model students. If your children attended different schools or had different learning models even at the same school, this would explain the different benefit amounts.

I was confused about this too! From what I've learned, P-EBT works just like regular CalFresh/EBT. You can buy the same eligible food items. Maybe the cashier was confused because the card looks a bit different? I've used mine at Target and Safeway without issues.

Thank you for this detailed explanation! It makes so much more sense now. I'm going to activate both cards today. Do you know if there will be more phases of P-EBT 3.0 coming this year? I want to make sure I watch for any mail.

Yes, California has announced there will be at least one more issuance phase for P-EBT 3.0 coming in late summer 2025. The exact timing depends on when federal approval comes through, but they typically send cards automatically to eligible families without requiring new applications. Just make sure your children's schools have your current mailing address, as that's where new cards will be sent. And definitely keep those existing cards!

Hey CyberSiren! I had the exact same problem keeping track of which card belonged to which kid. What worked for me was using a small label maker to put each child's initials on the back of their cards. You could also use colored stickers or even just write their names on a small piece of tape. I keep all the cards in a small envelope in my wallet with a note listing which card goes with which kid and the remaining balance on each. The child's name is printed on the front of the card too, but it's in small print so the labels really help when you're in a hurry at the store!