Missing CalFresh P-EBT 3 card for 9-year-old - how to get a replacement?

the p-ebt 3 cards were sent out in batches... some kids got em way later than others. but by now everyone shoulda got theirs for sure. there's a specific P-EBT replacement number thats different from regular calfresh, did u try that one?? i think its 877-328-9677

P-EBT and regular CalFresh benefits are handled by different systems, so going to the county office won't help with P-EBT issues. You need to specifically request a replacement through the P-EBT hotline. Since you're having trouble reaching them by phone, you can also email PEBTinfo@dss.ca.gov with your child's name, date of birth, school, and explanation that you never received the card. Include your current mailing address to ensure it's sent to the right place. They typically respond within 7-10 business days.

I had a similar issue with my nephew's card. Tried calling for WEEKS!! Finally got through using Claimyr.com - it keeps your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Saved me hours of waiting on hold. Once I finally got through, they were able to confirm my nephew's card had been returned to them due to address issues, and they resent it right away.

u sure ur kid even qualifies?? not ALL kids get p-ebt cards only ones in certain schools that r part of the free lunch program... also some schools didnt submit paperwork right so kids who shoulda got it didnt... my neighbors kid never got 1 but turns out their school messed up the whole thing

To answer your follow-up question - yes, including your child's student ID number in the email would be very helpful. Also, if you have any documentation showing your child's enrollment in the free lunch program, attach that as well. These additional details will help them locate your child's record faster. If you don't receive a response to your email within 10 business days, I would then try the Claimyr service mentioned above, as it does seem effective for getting through to representatives.

This happenedd to my daughter last year and turned out the card was sent to my OLD ADDRESS eventhough I updated it with the school!!! The P-EBT system doesnt always sync with school records right away. Did you move in the last year? if you did thats probly what happened

I had to specifically tell them about the move when I finally got someone on the phone. They confirmed the card went to old address & was returned to them. They sent a new one after I verified current address. Took about 3 weeks to arrive after that convo.

P-EBT is such a headache! The regular CalFresh program is SO much more organized. My kids' P-EBT cards came with wrong names printed on them last year and it took MONTHS to fix. Make sure when you do email them you keep a copy and follow up weekly. They're overwhelmed with requests but squeaky wheel gets the grease.

did u check if maybe the card came but looked like junk mail?? my nephews p-ebt came in a really plain white envelope that looked like spam... almost threw it away!! no markings saying it was important or anything

Quick update on P-EBT 3 timeline: If you're still missing a card at this point in 2025, it's definitely not coming without intervention. The final batch of initial P-EBT 3 cards was mailed in November 2024. At this stage, you'll need to specifically request a replacement through the hotline or email. When contacting them, ask them to verify if a card was ever issued for your child - sometimes there are system errors where eligible children are missed in the initial distribution. Based on your situation with siblings receiving benefits, your 9-year-old was likely eligible but either the card was sent to an old address or there was a system error in the issuance.