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Ethan Wilson

Do P-EBT 2.0 cards have an expiration date? Started using mine after CalFresh discontinuation

I just had my CalFresh benefits discontinued last month (missed my recertification appointment - totally my fault). Now I've remembered I still have my P-EBT 2.0 card from when my kids were doing hybrid school in 2022. There's about $850 left on it that I never used because we were getting regular CalFresh benefits. I tried using it yesterday at the grocery store and it worked! But now I'm worried the card or benefits might expire soon. Does anyone know if P-EBT 2.0 funds expire? I really need this to stretch until I can reapply for CalFresh next month. The county phone lines are impossible to get through.

Yuki Sato

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P-EBT benefits generally don't expire for 274 days (about 9 months) from the date they were issued. So if your P-EBT 2.0 benefits were issued in 2022, they should have expired already. Maybe what you're using is actually P-EBT 3.0 or 4.0 which were issued in late 2023 and early 2025? Check the date the benefits were issued by calling the P-EBT customer service number on the back of your card. Also, reapply for CalFresh ASAP - you don't have to wait until next month! You can submit a new application right away even after discontinuation.

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Ethan Wilson

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Thanks for the info! I'll call the P-EBT number to check. I'm guessing it must be a newer issuance since it worked yesterday. Do you happen to know if they keep reloading these cards? I honestly didn't pay much attention when we were getting regular CalFresh. And about reapplying - I tried but the worker said I have to wait 30 days from discontinuation because it was a missed recertification? Is that not right?

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Carmen Flores

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mine expierd after a year. i think. but they keep adding more money sometimes. my neighbors kid got more p-ebt in january i think?? its confusing cus they dont tell u when they add it you just gotta check the ballance

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Andre Dubois

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This is why the system is so frustrating!!! They keep changing the rules and never clearly communicate ANYTHING. I had $435 on a P-EBT card that disappeared with NO WARNING. Called for THREE WEEKS before getting someone who told me it expired. Why don't they send notifications?? The whole system is designed to make people lose benefits they're entitled to.

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CyberSamurai

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I work for a community resource center and can help clarify this. The P-EBT 2.0 benefits from 2022 would have expired by now (9 months from issuance). However, there have been several rounds of P-EBT issuances since then: - P-EBT 3.0 (2022-2023 school year) - P-EBT 4.0 (Summer 2023) - P-EBT 5.0 (2023-2024 school year) - P-EBT 6.0 (Summer 2024) If your card is working, you likely received one of the more recent issuances. Any new benefits are loaded onto the same original P-EBT card. You can check your balance and the date of issuance by calling the number on the back of your card. Regarding your CalFresh discontinuation - you actually CAN reapply immediately after discontinuation. The 30-day wait only applies in very specific circumstances. I'd recommend trying to reach a different eligibility worker.

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Ethan Wilson

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This is SUPER helpful, thank you! I had no idea they were still issuing P-EBT benefits. I'll definitely call to check which round of benefits I'm using. And thanks for confirming about the CalFresh reapplication - I'm going to try calling again tomorrow. I get so nervous talking to the workers sometimes.

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my p-ebt worked then suddenly stopped working even tho i had money on it. turns out the CARD expired (not the benefits). had to request a new card and then the benefits transferred over. check the expiration date printed on the front of ur card!

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Ethan Wilson

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Oh that's a good point! I didn't even think about the card itself expiring. I'll check that tonight when I get home. If the card is expired, do you know how to request a new one?

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Jamal Carter

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If you're having trouble getting through to someone at the county office about your CalFresh discontinuation or P-EBT questions, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. It's a service that helps you skip the phone queues and get connected directly to a CalFresh worker. It worked really well for me when I had issues with my benefits suddenly stopping. You can check them out at claimyr.com and there's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Seriously saved me hours of waiting and getting disconnected.

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Ethan Wilson

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Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to try calling one more time tomorrow, but if I can't get through I'll definitely look into this. The hold times are ridiculous lately - last time I waited 2 hours and then got disconnected!

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Mei Liu

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To clarify about the CalFresh reapplication after discontinuation for missed recertification: technically you CAN apply right away, but your benefits won't start until the first of the month following application. Maybe that's what the worker meant? Also, when you reapply, make sure to ask them to expedite if you're in an emergency situation. They can issue benefits in 3 days if you qualify.

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Ethan Wilson

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That makes so much more sense! I think I misunderstood what the worker told me. I'm going to reapply tomorrow online and then follow up with a call. We're definitely in an emergency situation - I have three kids and our food budget is stretched super thin right now. Thank you!

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Carmen Flores

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btw did u no u can use ebt to buy seeds and plants?? i just found out last week! u can grow ur own food with the benefits!

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Ethan Wilson

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I actually didn't know that! That's a great tip - I have a small patio where I could grow some vegetables. Thanks for sharing!

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CyberSamurai

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Just to follow up on the P-EBT balance question - you can also check your balance online at www.ebt.ca.gov or via the ConnectEBT mobile app. It's often faster than calling the number. The online portal will show you exactly which issuance you're using and when those benefits were added to your account. This might help you determine which round of P-EBT you currently have active.

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Ethan Wilson

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I had no idea there was an app! Just downloaded it and checked - looks like I have P-EBT 5.0 benefits that were issued in March 2025. The app says they expire in December 2025. Thank you so much for this tip!

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NeonNova

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That's great news that you found out which P-EBT benefits you're using! Just wanted to add that if you're struggling with food costs while waiting to get your CalFresh reinstated, many food banks don't have income restrictions and can help bridge the gap. You can find local food pantries at 211.org or by calling 2-1-1. Also, some churches and community centers have weekend food programs specifically for families with kids. Don't be afraid to ask for help - that's what these programs are there for!

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