P-EBT 4.0 application timeline for school eligibility - how long until benefits arrive?

I applied for P-EBT 4.0 about 6 weeks ago for my three kids. The whole process took FOREVER. Got the same message about 2-4 weeks, but it was actually closer to 5 weeks before I got an approval notification. Then another 2 weeks before the actual card came in the mail. So all together it was like 7 weeks from application to benefits in hand. They don't tell you this upfront but different counties process at different speeds. I'm in San Bernardino County.

Ugh, 7 weeks is so long! Did they backdate the benefits at least? And did they give you any status updates during those 5 weeks of waiting or was it just radio silence?

im still waiting on mine too applied like 3 wks ago nothing yet but my neighbor got hers in like 4 weeks total she said they just showed up in the mail no warning

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like I should just expect to wait a full month at minimum. Did your neighbor say if the benefits were backdated to when she applied?

The P-EBT 4.0 processing timeframes can be frustrating, but they're actually faster than the previous rounds. For Alameda County specifically, applications are currently taking about 30-35 days from submission to approval, then approximately 7-10 business days for card delivery. Your benefits should be backdated to your eligibility date though, so you won't lose any benefits due to processing delays.\n\nIf your application has been pending for more than 5 weeks, I would recommend contacting your county office. The P-EBT helpline (877-328-9677) is technically available, but wait times can exceed 2 hours.

This is super helpful, thank you! So roughly 40-45 days total is what I should expect. At least knowing there's a timeframe helps with planning. Good to know about the backdating too.

The wait is definitely frustrating! I waited almost 6 weeks for my P-EBT to come through last month. When I called that P-EBT number they just kept me on hold forever and then disconnected me TWICE. So annoying when you're trying to feed your kids and every day of waiting matters. The whole system feels designed to make people give up.

I had the exact same experience with those endless holds and disconnects! I finally managed to get through to a real person at the county office about my P-EBT application by using Claimyr. It's this service that holds your place in line and calls you back when a worker is available. Saved me hours of holding! The video demo explains it better than I can: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 and their website is claimyr.com. Especially helpful for P-EBT questions since those wait times are ridiculous right now.

I've never heard of this service but I might check it out if I don't hear anything by week 4. Those hold times are brutal when you're also trying to work and watch kids.

Is P-EBT the same as CalFresh? I'm confused because I applied for regular CalFresh but now I'm wondering if I should have applied for this P-EBT thing instead for my kids? I have 3 kids and we definitely need the help but I want to make sure I'm applying for the right program.

They're actually two different programs. CalFresh (formerly called food stamps) is ongoing food assistance for eligible low-income households. P-EBT is specifically designed to help families with school-age children who would normally receive free or reduced-price school meals when schools were closed or operating with reduced hours. \n\nYou can (and should!) receive both if you qualify. P-EBT 4.0 is for the 2022-2023 school year, and your children's school must have been eligible. It doesn't affect your regular CalFresh benefits at all - you get both.

I'm in Alameda County too! My P-EBT 4.0 application from January took exactly 32 days from submission to approval notice, then the card arrived 8 days later. The benefits were loaded the same day I got the card. One tip: make sure you've verified your address is correct in the system. My neighbor had her application delayed by weeks because her unit number was missing. \n\nAlso, I've found that Alameda County's processing times for P-EBT have improved significantly since last year. They've added more staff to handle the volume of applications, especially since the eligibility criteria expanded this year.

That's really helpful to know, especially since you're in the same county! So roughly 40 days total seems to be the consensus. I double-checked my address and everything looks good there. Did they backdate your benefits or just start them from when you were approved?

Yes, they backdated the benefits to cover the eligible period, so you won't lose out on any benefits you're entitled to. The card came loaded with the full amount I was eligible for. Each eligible child in my household received $870 for the academic year (that's $123.85 per month for 7 months).

does anybody know if u can check ur status online sumwhere? been waiting 3 weeks already smh

Unfortunately there's no online status checker for P-EBT applications like there is for regular CalFresh. It's super annoying! The only way to check is to call that P-EBT hotline (877-328-9677) but good luck getting through. I had to call like 8 times before I didn't get disconnected.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE!!! They expect families to just wait MONTHS while our kids need to eat TODAY. I applied in December for P-EBT 4.0 and didn't get approved until mid-February! Then they sent my card to my OLD address even though I updated it on the application. Had to request a replacement and that took ANOTHER 3 weeks. Meanwhile they act like we can just magically feed our kids air while we wait!!

I understand your frustration. For anyone facing extreme delays (8+ weeks) or issues with address changes, there is an escalation process. You can request your case be marked as

My sister just got hers last week and said it took about 5 weeks total. She said they never sent her any updates until suddenly the card just showed up in her mailbox. Good luck!