Got P-EBT card with only $18 - is this the full amount or should I keep the card for future deposits?

dont throw away the card!! they load more $ later depending on how many days ur kid missed school or if school closed. the $18 is probably just for a few days they calculated so far. my son got $24 at first then next month they added $365 more

The P-EBT card is different from regular CalFresh EBT. The P-EBT program provides benefits to families with children who would have received free or reduced-price meals if schools weren't closed or operating with reduced hours or attendance. The $18 is likely just the initial deposit, and more funds should be added based on your child's school's specific situation. Definitely keep the card! Benefits are typically loaded automatically without any action needed from you. You can check the balance by calling the number on the back of the card or visiting the P-EBT portal online. The total benefit amount varies based on school closures, virtual learning days, and other factors specific to your child's school during the benefit period.

they always give diffrent amounts to diffrent people its so confusing!! my sisters kid got $300 but my kid only got $42 then later got more. i think it depends on what school they go to and how many days they missed. definitly KEEP THE CARD!!!

The P-EBT program for 2024-2025 is being distributed in phases. The $18 is just your first payment. The program calculates benefits based on: 1. Your child's school schedule 2. Days of virtual learning or absences due to COVID-related issues 3. Whether your school participated in certain federal meal programs Benefits are typically loaded automatically every 1-2 months as they process more data from schools. Keep checking your balance periodically. You can call the P-EBT hotline at 877-328-9677 for status updates, but be prepared for long wait times. If you're having trouble getting through to anyone about your P-EBT benefits, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that holds your place in phone queues and calls you back when a representative is available. Saved me hours of waiting on hold! They have a quick video demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 that shows how it works. Super helpful for these overwhelmed benefit systems.

KEEP THE CARD!!! The government is so ridiculous with how they handle these benefits! They don't explain ANYTHING clearly and just expect us to figure it out. I got a P-EBT card last year with only $26 on it initially and was about to throw it away thinking it was a joke. Then TWO MONTHS LATER with NO NOTIFICATION they added $378 more! The system is designed to confuse people so they don't use their benefits. And good luck calling anyone for help - you'll be on hold until your kids graduate college!

i got my pebt card last week too but mine had $86 on it for my 3 kids. talked to another mom at school and she got $120 for 2 kids. makes no sense how they calculate this stuff but definitely save the card!!!

Just to clarify some confusion I'm seeing in the comments - P-EBT is calculated based on very specific criteria that varies by school. The formula generally looks at: - Number of days your specific school had COVID-related closures or reduced attendance - Whether your child was approved for free/reduced lunch - Your child's actual attendance record during qualifying periods This is why neighbors or even siblings can receive different amounts. It's not random, though the calculation methods aren't clearly communicated to families. For the 2024-2025 program, most families will receive multiple deposits as the school year progresses and more data is processed.

Quick tip - if you need to check your P-EBT balance, don't use the regular EBT app! It won't show up there. You need to either call the number on the back of the P-EBT card specifically or use the P-EBT portal website. I made that mistake and thought my card was empty when it actually had benefits on it.

Hey Adrian! I just went through the exact same thing last month. Got my P-EBT card with only $31 on it and was so frustrated thinking that was it. But everyone here is right - definitely keep that card! They've been adding money every few weeks. I'm up to $247 total now across 3 separate deposits. The timing seems random but it keeps coming. Also pro tip - sign up for text alerts if your card company offers it. Mine sends me a text whenever new funds are added so I don't have to keep checking the balance manually. The whole system is confusing but the money does keep coming!

I'm so glad you asked this question! I just got my P-EBT card too and had the exact same panic when I saw only $22 on it. Reading everyone's responses here has been super helpful. It sounds like they really need to do a better job explaining how this program works when they send out the cards. Maybe include a simple flyer that says "This is your first payment, more will be added automatically" or something? Would save so many families from the stress and confusion we're all going through. Definitely keeping my card now and will check the balance every few weeks. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!