How to check if my child is approved for P-EBT benefits in 2025?

I was in the same boat last year! The P-EBT system is completely separate from regular CalFresh, even though the benefits look similar. You should check the P-EBT portal at ca.p-ebt.org first - you can look up your child's status using their student ID and some other info. If your child qualifies, you should be able to see if a card has been issued yet. The 2025 P-EBT cards are rolling out in phases by county, so depending on where you live, it might not have been sent yet.

P-EBT isnt the same as CalFresh!!! Thats why ur confused. totally different program. My kid got it last month but my neighbors kid didnt even tho they both get free lunch. makes no sense.

did u try calling the P-EBT hotline? they helped me with my sons card

I work with the P-EBT program and can provide some accurate information. For 2025 P-EBT: 1. Check your eligibility: If your child receives free/reduced meals through the National School Lunch Program (application or Community Eligibility Provision), they may qualify 2. Check status: Visit ca.p-ebt.org and use your child's student ID and birthdate 3. Timeline: Cards are being mailed in waves by county from January through May 2025 4. Previous cardholders: If you received P-EBT in past years, benefits may be loaded to your existing card 5. Contact options: P-EBT Hotline (1-877-328-9677) but be aware wait times can be 1-2 hours The 2025 benefit amount is $48 per eligible month per student, and benefits are retroactive to August 2024 for eligible students.

I was trying to call that P-EBT hotline for THREE DAYS last month and kept getting disconnected after waiting for hours! So frustrating! Finally I used Claimyr to get through to a real person - it's a service that holds your place in line and calls you back when a rep is available. Saved me so much time! Just go to claimyr.com or check out how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 The P-EBT rep told me my kids' cards were approved but delayed due to address verification issues. They fixed it right away once I actually got to speak to someone.

MY KIDS NEVER GOT THEIR CARDS LAST YEAR AND I GAVE UP AFTER TRYING TO CALL FOR WEEKS!!! The system is BROKEN and they don't care about helping families who actually need it. Now I hear they're doing it again this year? Whatever. Not getting my hopes up.

My neighbor's kids get P-EBT but mine don't and we're in the same school? Make it make sense lol

UPDATE: I checked the portal and my daughter IS approved!! Thank you all for the help. Says the card should be mailed next month. Such a relief!

That's awesome news Ruby! So glad you were able to get it sorted out. The P-EBT portal is definitely the way to go - saved me so much stress when I was trying to figure out my son's benefits last year. Once you get the card, you'll be able to use it just like a regular EBT card at grocery stores. The $48 per month really does add up and helps a lot with the grocery budget. Hope your card arrives quickly!