Do 11-year-old school children qualify for their own CalFresh EBT benefits?

Children don't get their own separate CalFresh benefits - they're counted as part of the household. What the school probably mentioned is the P-EBT program (Pandemic EBT), which was available during COVID when schools were closed, but that program has ended for most states including California. What IS available now is free school meals. California implemented universal free school meals for all K-12 students regardless of income, so your nephew should already be receiving breakfast and lunch at no cost at his school. This isn't the same as getting a separate EBT card though.

your sister should include him on HER calfresh application!!! kids dont get thier own ebt cards but they DEFINITELY count towards getting more benefits for the household. each person in the house = more $$ on the ebt card!!

There seems to be some confusion here about different benefit programs. Let me clarify: 1. CalFresh (SNAP/food stamps) - This is for the whole household. Children are included as household members and increase the benefit amount, but don't get separate cards. The child must be included on the parent's application. 2. P-EBT - This was a temporary program during the pandemic. Most states, including California, have ended this program as of 2023-2024. 3. School Meal Programs - All California students can receive free breakfast and lunch at school regardless of income status. 4. Summer EBT - This is a NEW program starting in Summer 2025 that will provide food benefits to eligible children during summer break when school meals aren't available. Your sister should verify her household size is correctly reported on her SAR7 and recertification forms. An 11-year-old would definitely increase her benefit amount if properly included in the household.

My kids are on my CalFresh and I still struggle with food costs. They eat SO MUCH!! Has she checked if she's getting the maximum benefit amount for her household size? Sometimes they make mistakes calculating. Also tell her to check with the school about weekend food backpack programs some schools do that too

is the child getting free school meals?? that should help alot with food costs since its breakfast AND lunch for free in california schools now. my daughters school even does a supper program for kids who stay late for afterschool programs. worth asking about!!

I went through this exact situation with my nephew! The most important thing is to check that your sister reported her household size correctly on her CalFresh application. For a household of 2 (her + son), the maximum monthly benefit in 2025 is around $520. If she's getting less than that and her income is very low, she should call her caseworker to review her case. Honestly, reaching the county office can be a nightmare though. Wait times are ridiculous. I had to try for WEEKS to get through when we had an issue with our household calculation. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that kept my place in line and called me back when an actual person was available. Saved me hours of waiting on hold. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 - totally worth it to get the benefits sorted out correctly.

Regarding the Summer EBT program - the California Department of Social Services should send out information automatically to eligible families before Summer 2025. The program will provide approximately $120 per eligible child for the summer months to help with food costs when school is out. Eligibility is generally tied to free/reduced school meal eligibility, but since California now offers universal free meals, they'll likely use income guidelines similar to other benefit programs. Another option that might help now: check if your sister's income would qualify for WIC if she has any younger children. WIC provides additional food benefits for children up to age 5, and for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

I'm sorry but this INFURIATES me!!! These benefit programs are SO CONFUSING and they keep changing names and rules!!! First it's food stamps, then EBT, then CalFresh, then P-EBT, now Summer EBT?! How are regular people supposed to keep track?! And the income limits are ridiculous - if you make even a little bit over, you lose EVERYTHING! I make $50 too much for CalFresh and now my kids are suffering. The whole system needs to be fixed!!

have u checked food banks in ur area? my church runs one every satruday and another on wednesday nights. helps ALOT when the ebt runs low b4 the month ends

also tell ur sister to report ANY changze in expenses like if rent went up or if she pays childcare!!! those can help get more benefits sometimes!!

Just wanted to add that if your sister is still struggling with food costs even with CalFresh, she should definitely look into local food pantries and community programs. Many areas have monthly food distributions that don't require any paperwork - just show up. Also, some churches and community centers offer free dinner programs during the week that could help stretch the grocery budget. The 211 hotline (dial 2-1-1) can help locate food resources in her specific area. Every little bit helps when you're trying to feed a growing kid!

Another thing that might help - if your sister's son has any after school activities or sports, check if the school district has a "supper program" or evening meal service. Some California districts expanded their meal programs to include dinner for kids who stay late for activities or tutoring. It's usually free just like breakfast and lunch now. Also, during school breaks (winter, spring break), some districts continue offering grab-and-go meals even when regular classes aren't in session. Worth calling the school's main office or nutrition services to ask what's available - these programs aren't always well advertised but can really help bridge those gaps when kids are home more and eating more meals at home.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that helped us when we were in a similar situation. Besides all the great advice already given, I'd suggest your sister also check if her local library has any food assistance programs. Our library partners with local food banks to distribute boxes of groceries once a month - no questions asked, just show up. They also sometimes have cooking classes that include take-home ingredients. Libraries are becoming real community hubs for all kinds of support services, not just books! Also, if she's on social media, many neighborhoods have "Buy Nothing" groups where people share extra groceries, especially bulk items from Costco that families can't use up. It's a great way to get fresh produce and pantry staples without any paperwork or waiting in lines.