Confusing P-EBT benefit amount for my preschooler - second load happening?

theyre doing it in batches this year, my kids got the first payment in march and then another one came in may. the amount depends on what date they started school and if theyre full time or part time preschool

The P-EBT 2024-2025 benefits are being issued in multiple phases for different age groups. For preschoolers specifically, the total benefit amount depends on their enrollment status and program type. Full-time preschoolers typically receive between $800-$1000 total for the school year, but it's distributed in 2-3 payments throughout the year. The $391 sounds like just the first distribution. You don't need to do anything additional - the second payment should automatically load to the same card. If your child attends only part-time, the benefit is prorated accordingly, which explains why your neighbor with a school-age child received more initially.

I had the same issue with my daughter's P-EBT! The CalFresh worker I spoke with explained that preschoolers get different amounts based on attendance patterns. For 3-day preschool programs, they calculate about 60% of the full benefit amount. So if the full-time amount is around $950 for the year, your $391 is likely just the first installment, with 1-2 more payments coming later this year. I was also told that for the 2024-2025 school year, preschool P-EBT is being distributed in phases: first payment March-June, second payment July-September, and possible final payment in October. You should get a notice in the mail before each distribution.

When I tried calling the P-EBT hotline about this exact situation last month, I spent over 2 HOURS on hold only to get disconnected! I eventually used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they actually got me connected to a real person at the benefits office in less than 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 The worker confirmed that for preschoolers, payments are split into multiple distributions. She said my 4-year-old's second payment would come in August, not July like originally planned. Might be worth checking on your specific timeline!

Just to add some confusion to the mix lol - my sister's 3yo got $391 as a one-time payment for the whole year because he only qualified for partial benefits (started preschool late). But my 4yo got $391 as the FIRST payment with two more scheduled. So the amount itself doesn't tell you whether more is coming. The only way to know for sure is checking with your specific county office because the rules seem to be different everywhere in CA!

btw make sure ur using the p-ebt card not ur regular ebt. my sister thought she didnt get her kids payment but it was on the special p-ebt card not the regular calfresh card

Just to update everyone on this thread about 2024-2025 P-EBT for preschoolers: The benefit structure this year is: - Children in full-time preschool programs: $980 total for the year (distributed in 2-3 payments) - Children in part-time preschool (2-3 days/week): $588 total for the year (distributed in 2-3 payments) - Children who enrolled mid-year: Prorated amount based on enrollment date The first distribution of approximately 40% of the total benefit occurred March-June. The second payment of about 30-35% will happen July-September, and the final payment in October-November. This is different from the schedule for K-12 students, which causes some confusion when comparing with older children.

my sons pebt just loaded yestrday he got $412 and hes in kindergrten. the paper said something bout it being 1st payment of 3. check ur mail maybe there was a letter?

If you haven't received a notification letter explaining your P-EBT distribution schedule, you should be able to check your status through the P-EBT Parent Portal at ca.p-ebt.org. You'll need your child's P-EBT card number to log in. The portal should show your payment history and any pending payments. Alternatively, you can call your county CalFresh office directly rather than the main P-EBT hotline, as they often have more specific information about local distribution schedules. Just make sure to have your case information and child's details ready when you call.