Got first P-EBT 3.0 payment but missed previous ones - can I still get old benefits?

Same thing happened to me! Got P-EBT 3.0 last week but never got 1.0 or 2.0 benefits. Called the P-EBT hotline (877-328-9677) after waiting for 2 hours and they said older benefits periods are closed now. Something about 'issuance windows' being over. So frustrating since my kids were eligible the whole time! 😡

The P-EBT program has had several phases, each with specific eligibility periods and issuance dates. P-EBT 1.0 covered Spring 2024, P-EBT 2.0 covered Fall 2024, and P-EBT 3.0 is covering the current period. Unfortunately, the issuance windows for the earlier phases have closed, as the previous commenter mentioned. However, if you believe your children were eligible during those earlier periods but never received benefits, you can still try to contact the P-EBT assistance line at 877-328-9677 to see if they can help. You should have your children's school information and student ID numbers ready when you call. Be prepared for long wait times though.

i got a p-ebt card 2 months ago! different amounts loaded on different days. check if more money appears next month maybe?

When I called about missing my previous P-EBT payments, I got nowhere with the regular P-EBT hotline. Just endless waiting and then disconnects. I was about to give up when someone told me about Claimyr. It's this service that gets you through to a real person without the crazy wait. I used it at claimyr.com and finally got through to someone who could actually check my kids' eligibility for the past benefits. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 They couldn't give me the old benefits, but at least I got a clear answer about why and made sure my address was updated for any future benefits. Saved me days of redial hell.

The whole P-EBT system is DELIBERATELY DESIGNED to be confusing and prevent people from getting benefits!!!! I've been fighting with them for months. They sent my card to an old address even though my kids' school had my current info. Then when I called they said I missed the "issuance window" whatever that means. The government WANTS US TO FAIL at getting these benefits - less money they have to pay out!!!! They're probably counting on people not knowing how to navigate their ridiculous system!

Quick update - I called again using the number someone else posted and asked specifically about retroactive benefits. The worker told me that while the regular issuance window is closed, they do have an "exception process" for families who can prove their children were eligible during earlier P-EBT phases but never received benefits due to administrative errors. You need to provide: 1. Proof your kids were enrolled in free/reduced lunch during the relevant time periods 2. Confirmation from the school that you were on their eligibility list that was sent to CDSS 3. Current address verification It's not guaranteed but worth trying if you're missing substantial benefits!

btw pebt is different from calfresh. pebt is only for kids in school. if u need regular food assistance u should apply for calfresh separately. a lot of people qualify for both.

I work at a community resource center, and we've been helping families with this exact issue. Here's what you need to know: 1. P-EBT 3.0 benefits are currently being issued, which explains your recent card. 2. Previous P-EBT phases (1.0 and 2.0) had specific issuance windows that have officially closed. 3. However, there IS an exception process for families who can demonstrate they were eligible but never received benefits due to administrative errors (wrong address, school reporting issues, etc.) 4. The best approach is to gather documentation showing your children's eligibility during those periods (free/reduced lunch verification from their school) and contact the P-EBT hotline. 5. Be persistent and specific about requesting the "exception review process" - not all call center workers mention this option unless directly asked. The P-EBT hotline (877-328-9677) is notoriously difficult to reach. Try calling right when they open or in the last hour before they close for slightly better chances of getting through.

Thanks everyone for all this info! I'm going to try calling about the exception process that @Josef Tearle mentioned. I've got all my kids' school paperwork showing they were on free lunch since the beginning of 2024, so hopefully that'll be enough documentation. For anyone else in the same boat - sounds like the key is to specifically ask about "exception review process" and have your school records ready. I'll update this thread if I have any luck getting through to someone who can actually help! Also @Laila Fury - really appreciate the tip about calling right when they open. I was planning to call during lunch but sounds like timing matters a lot with that hotline.