Need to update address for CA P-EBT card before it's mailed - just moved!

For P-EBT specifically, you need to update your address with your child's school first. The P-EBT program gets address information from school records, not from regular CalFresh/EBT systems. Make sure you update your address with the school district office AND your child's specific school. After that, you should call the P-EBT hotline at 877-328-9677 to confirm they have your new address on file for the upcoming card delivery.

omg same boat!! moved last month and was stressing about this exact thing. updating w/ the school wasnt enough in my case had to call that p-ebt number several times before someone answered

THE WHOLE P-EBT SYSTEM IS A MESS!!! I moved twice during the pandemic and NEVER got my kids' cards. Called that stupid hotline like 50 times and just got recordings. When I finally got through they said I needed to request replacement cards but then those ALSO went to my old address!!! Now they're saying those benefits expired and there's NOTHING they can do. $1,750 in food benefits LOST because their system is garbage!!!

I had this exact problem last summer. Here's what actually works: 1. Update your address with the school (which it sounds like you did) 2. Call the P-EBT hotline at 877-328-9677, but here's the trick - don't call on Mondays or right when they open. Call on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons between 2-4pm. I've had much better luck getting through during those times. 3. When you do connect, specifically ask them to "add a case note about your address change" and confirm they see your new address in the system. 4. If you have trouble getting through after multiple attempts, I used Claimyr.com to help me connect with the P-EBT office. Their service called and waited on hold for me, then called my phone when a representative answered. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 that shows how it works.

my kids got pebt last year and we moved and i didnt update anything and the card just forwarded to my new address with usps mail forwarding. might work for you too if you set up mail forwarding

I'm dealing with this right now for my sister who just moved. Something else important - the P-EBT cards for 2024-2025 are being issued in phases depending on your county and school district. So make sure you know when your county is scheduled to receive cards. Some counties won't get them until April 2025. That might give you more time to sort out the address change.

One more thing that hasn't been mentioned - if your child gets free/reduced lunch through CalFresh direct certification (meaning you receive CalFresh benefits which automatically qualify your child for school meals), then you should also update your address in your CalFresh account through BenefitsCal.com or your county office. The P-EBT program sometimes cross-references this data, especially for younger children.

Also, if your P-EBT card does end up going to your old address despite your best efforts, you can request a replacement card once you know it's been issued. The replacement process takes about 7-10 business days. Just call that same P-EBT hotline (877-328-9677) and follow the prompts for lost/stolen/never received card.

Just went through this same situation two months ago when I moved from San Diego to Sacramento! Here's what worked for me: I called the P-EBT hotline multiple times (like others mentioned, avoid Monday mornings), and when I finally got through, the rep told me something important that wasn't mentioned here yet - they can put a "temporary hold" on your card mailing if you call within 2 weeks of when your county's cards are supposed to be issued. This gives you extra time to sort out the address situation without losing the card to your old address. For LA County since you're in the November-December window, I'd call ASAP and ask about this hold option. Also, definitely set up informed delivery with USPS so you can track when government mail is coming to your address - it's been a lifesaver for knowing when benefit cards are actually being delivered.

One more thing that might help - if you're having trouble getting through to the P-EBT hotline, you can also try contacting your local county social services office directly. They often have a dedicated P-EBT coordinator who can help with address changes. In LA County, you can call 866-613-3777 and ask to speak with someone about P-EBT address updates. Sometimes the county offices have better availability than the state hotline, and they can make the same updates in the system. Also, keep a record of when you called and who you spoke with - if there are any issues later, having that documentation can really help with getting things resolved faster.