How long to receive P-EBT card? Mailed Nov 22 but still nothing
My daughter's P-EBT card was supposedly mailed out on November 22 (according to the automated system when I called the P-EBT hotline), but we still haven't received anything in the mail yet. It's been over 2 weeks now and I'm getting worried. Does anyone know how long these cards typically take to arrive? We're in Sacramento County if that makes a difference. I've tried calling the hotline again but can never get through to a real person. My daughter qualifies for free school lunch and we really need this extra food assistance before the winter break starts. Has anyone else experienced delays with P-EBT cards recently?
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Joshua Hellan
P-EBT cards are taking longer than usual to arrive this distribution cycle. For 2025 benefits, most cards are taking 14-21 business days to arrive after the mailed date (not counting weekends/holidays). Since Nov 22 was right before Thanksgiving, you're probably just hitting that window now. If you don't receive it by the end of this week, I'd recommend calling the P-EBT hotline again at 877-328-9677 to report a lost card and request a replacement. Just be aware they might tell you to wait the full 21 business days before they'll process a replacement.
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Olivia Kay
•Thanks for the info! That's helpful to know it might take up to 21 business days. With Thanksgiving and weekends, I guess that means it could still arrive next week. I'll give it until next Friday before calling again.
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Jibriel Kohn
my kids p-ebt took almost a month to come!!! the system is sooooo slow rn and they told me it was mailed but took forever. hang in there
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Olivia Kay
•A month?! That's ridiculous but good to know I'm not alone. Did you have to keep calling or did it just eventually show up?
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Edison Estevez
The P-EBT cards are definitely running behind schedule this winter. I work with several families who are experiencing the same issue. A few things to know: 1. The "mailed on" date in the system is often when it was processed, not physically mailed 2. Current P-EBT cards are taking 3-4 weeks to arrive in most counties 3. Sacramento County in particular has had mail delivery issues with benefit cards If you need immediate food assistance, remember you can also apply for regular CalFresh benefits while waiting for P-EBT. They're separate programs, and having P-EBT doesn't make you ineligible for CalFresh. You can apply online through BenefitsCal.com.
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Olivia Kay
•This is super helpful. I didn't realize the "mailed on" date might not be accurate. I actually do have regular CalFresh already, but it barely covers our food costs with inflation being so high. The P-EBT would really help supplement, especially during school breaks.
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Emily Nguyen-Smith
mine took 5 weeks!!! the system is broke. keep calling them every few days and eventually someone will help u. so frustrating when ur kids need food!!!!
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James Johnson
•Not to contradict you, but calling repeatedly won't make the card arrive faster and clogs up the phone lines for everyone. There's a specific waiting period before they'll even issue a replacement. Better to wait the full 21 business days, then call once to request a replacement if needed.
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Sophia Rodriguez
I've been dealing with P-EBT card issues for weeks now and found that using Claimyr actually helped me get through to a human at the P-EBT office. After trying for days, I used their service at claimyr.com and got through to someone who could tell me the actual status (turns out my card was returned to sender due to a typo in my address). They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Saved me hours of hold time and repeated calls. Just a suggestion if you keep hitting the automated system.
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Olivia Kay
•I've never heard of this service before. Did they really get you through to someone? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. So frustrating that there's no easy way to talk to an actual person.
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Sophia Rodriguez
•Yes, they actually did! I was skeptical too but after trying for over a week on my own, I gave in and tried it. They connected me directly to a rep who had access to see exactly what happened with my card. Worth it to avoid the endless hold music and disconnections.
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James Johnson
The official timeline for P-EBT cards is now up to 21 business days for delivery, according to the CDSS website. With the Thanksgiving holiday and weekends, you're looking at approximately December 23rd as the cutoff date before you should request a replacement. One important note: make sure your mailing address is current and matches exactly what's in the school system, as this is where they pull the address data from. Many cards get returned because of slight differences in how addresses are recorded. If you need to report a non-receipt after the waiting period, call 877-328-9677 and use option 4, then 1, then 2 to get to the right department for replacement cards.
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Olivia Kay
•Thank you for the specific menu options! That's really helpful. And good point about the address - we haven't moved but I'll double check with the school to make sure they have our correct information.
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Mia Green
maybe ur mailman stole it?? happened to my neighbor with her regular ebt card. these things have alot of $$$ on them now with inflation supplement. check with post office maybe???
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Edison Estevez
•This is extremely unlikely as P-EBT cards come in unmarked envelopes specifically to prevent theft. They don't indicate there's a benefit card inside. Mail theft of P-EBT cards is very rare - delivery delays are much more common.
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Mia Green
•u never know tho... some mail ppl can tell by the sender address! just sayin its possible. beter safe than sorry.
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Joshua Hellan
Just to update with the most current information: The P-EBT issuance for 2025 that went out in November is experiencing significant delays. The Department of Social Services announced last week that some cards mailed in November might not arrive until early January due to a processing backlog and postal service delays. If your child relies on these benefits for adequate nutrition, and you're facing immediate food insecurity while waiting, contact your local school district's nutrition services department. Many have emergency food resources available for families waiting on P-EBT benefits.
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Olivia Kay
•Thank you for this update! I had no idea there was an official announcement about delays. That helps explain things. I'll reach out to the school district tomorrow to see if they have any emergency resources. Really appreciate everyone's help!
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