Just received P-EBT for my kids - does it work the same as regular CalFresh EBT?
Hi everyone! I just checked my mail yesterday and found P-EBT cards for both of my children (ages 8 and 11). I've had regular CalFresh benefits before but this is my first time getting the P-EBT cards. Do these work exactly the same way as regular EBT cards? Can I use them at the same stores? And do they have the same restrictions on what I can buy? I tried calling the number on the back but got stuck in an automated system forever. Any help would be great - I'm heading to grocery shopping tomorrow and want to make sure I understand how to use these correctly!
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Lia Quinn
Yes, P-EBT works almost identically to regular CalFresh EBT! You can use it at any store that accepts EBT, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and many convenience stores. The same food restrictions apply - you can buy groceries, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, etc., but no hot prepared foods, alcohol, cigarettes, household items, or pet food. The main difference is that P-EBT is specifically for children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, whereas regular CalFresh is for your whole household's food needs.
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Jackie Martinez
•Thank you so much for the clear explanation! That's good to know they work at the same places. Do you happen to know if the balance on these cards expires? With my regular CalFresh, I know benefits carry over month to month, but I wasn't sure if P-EBT is different.
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Haley Stokes
My kids got there P-EBT cards last week 2!!! I was confused at first but yeah they work at Walmart and Safeway and all those places just like normal ebt. I bought cereal and milk and stuff yesterday with it no problem!!
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Asher Levin
•Did you have to activate the cards first? I just got some for my kids but there's all these instructions about calling to set a PIN and I don't want to mess it up.
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Serene Snow
To add to what others have said, P-EBT (Pandemic EBT) benefits function just like regular CalFresh EBT but there are a few key differences to be aware of: 1. P-EBT benefits do eventually expire (around 274 days from issuance in most cases) 2. P-EBT cards are issued in the child's name, not the parent's, though parents manage them 3. P-EBT is a separate program from CalFresh, so even if you lose CalFresh eligibility, your children's P-EBT benefits remain active 4. There's no reporting requirements for P-EBT like there are with regular CalFresh (no SAR7 forms) You do need to activate each card separately by calling the number on the back and setting up a PIN. Keep the cards even after using the benefits in case additional funds are added in the future.
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Jackie Martinez
•This is super helpful, thank you! I didn't realize the benefits expire after 274 days - that's good to know. And I'll definitely keep the cards even after using them. I'm going to activate them tonight so they're ready for shopping tomorrow.
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Issac Nightingale
Omg I HATE trying to get through on those EBT phone lines!!! I spent 3 hours trying to activate my kids' P-EBT cards and kept getting disconnected. The phone system is the WORST. I finally got through by calling at 6am when no one else was calling. The state really needs to fix their phone systems!!!
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Romeo Barrett
•If you're having trouble getting through on the P-EBT or regular CalFresh phone lines, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. It's a service that holds your place in line and calls you back when a human rep is available. Saved me hours of frustration when I had issues with my benefits. They have a demo video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 and the website is claimyr.com. I used it to get my missing P-EBT replacement sorted out after waiting on hold for 2+ hours with no luck.
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Marina Hendrix
Actually, I think P-EBT has different restrictions than regular CalFresh. When I tried to use my daughter's card at the farmers market, they said they couldn't accept it, but they take my regular EBT no problem. Anyone else have this issue? Maybe it varies by county?
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Serene Snow
•That's actually incorrect information from that farmers market. P-EBT cards are legally required to be accepted anywhere that accepts regular EBT/CalFresh. The benefits are identical from a merchant perspective. If this happens again, you might want to speak to the market manager and let them know that P-EBT cards function exactly like regular EBT cards for food purchases. Some vendors just aren't familiar with the P-EBT cards since they look different.
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Haley Stokes
does any1 know if the school still gives free lunch if u have the p-ebt card? my kids school sent home a letter but i lost it lol
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Lia Quinn
•Yes, your children can still receive free meals at school even if they get P-EBT benefits. P-EBT is a supplemental benefit that doesn't replace school meals. In fact, many schools in California are now providing free meals to all students regardless of income through the Universal Meals Program. Your kids should continue to eat at school if they want to, and you can use the P-EBT for additional groceries at home.
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Asher Levin
Does anyone know how much money is supposed to be on these cards? I got them for my three kids but they all have different amounts. My youngest has $632, middle child has $578, and oldest has $465. Is that normal or did someone make a mistake?
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Jackie Martinez
•That's interesting. Mine have different amounts too! I assumed it was based on their age or grade level maybe? My 8-year-old has about $120 less than my 11-year-old. It would be good to know if there's a specific formula they use.
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Serene Snow
•The P-EBT benefit amounts often vary based on several factors: the school your child attends, how many school days were eligible for reimbursement, whether your child's school was in remote/hybrid learning for any portion of the year, and sometimes their grade level. Different schools had different schedules and situations, which is why even siblings can receive different amounts. If you think there's a significant error, you can appeal, but small differences between children are usually due to these program variables.
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Romeo Barrett
Just a tip - make sure you keep track of your P-EBT balance separately from your regular CalFresh EBT. The easiest way is to download the Connect EBT app (it's free) which lets you check balances on all your cards. That way you can plan which card to use for different shopping trips. I like to use up my P-EBT first since regular CalFresh benefits last longer before expiring.
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Jackie Martinez
•Thanks for the app suggestion! I just downloaded it and it's really helpful - much easier than calling to check the balance. I'll definitely use my P-EBT first based on your advice about the expiration timeline.
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Issac Nightingale
I've had P-EBT for two years now and honestly they're WORSE than regular EBT cards. Last year they randomly deactivated my kids' cards without telling me and I was standing at the checkout with a cart full of groceries and no way to pay! So embarrassing! Then I had to wait 2 MONTHS for replacement cards. The whole system is a mess!
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Lia Quinn
•I'm sorry you had that experience! While the cards function the same at stores, you're right that the administration of P-EBT can sometimes be less seamless than regular CalFresh. For anyone reading this - always keep your original P-EBT card even if you use all the benefits, check your balance before shopping using the Connect EBT app or by calling, and if you do need a replacement, request it immediately as it can take several weeks to process.
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