P-EBT card activation confusion - no PIN setup option when calling?
Just received my kids' P-EBT cards in the mail yesterday (finally!). When I called the number to activate them, something weird happened. The automated system only asked for the card number and then immediately told me the balance. It didn't ask me to set up a PIN or enter their birthdays or anything. Is this normal for P-EBT cards in 2025? I've had regular EBT before and remember having to set up a PIN during activation. Do P-EBT cards work differently? I'm worried someone could just steal the cards and use them without a PIN if I haven't set one up properly. Has anyone else activated P-EBT cards recently? What was your experience?
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Alfredo Lugo
The same EXACT thing happened to me last week with my daughter's P-EBT card!! I called 3 TIMES thinking I was doing something wrong! Each time it just asked for the card number and then told me the balance. I was like ??? where's the PIN setup part??? I ended up just trying to use it at the grocery store and it asked for a PIN and I panicked, but then I tried the last 4 digits of my daughter's social and IT WORKED! Apparently they pre-assign the PINs now for the 2025 P-EBT cards. Try that and see if it works for you.
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Gianna Scott
•Wow, really? That's so different from regular EBT! I'll try using the last 4 of their socials when we go shopping tomorrow. Thanks for the tip! Kind of weird they don't tell us this in the instructions that came with the card...
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Sydney Torres
This is normal for the new 2025 P-EBT cards. The default PIN is set to the last 4 digits of the child's Social Security Number. This is different from regular CalFresh EBT cards which do require PIN setup during activation. The P-EBT program uses this pre-assigned PIN system to streamline distribution to families with school-age children. You can still change the PIN if you want by calling the customer service number on the back of the card and selecting the PIN change option from the main menu. Just make sure to keep the cards in a secure location since they come with a pre-set PIN.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•thx for explaining! got my kids cards yesterday too and was confused
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Gianna Scott
•That makes sense, thank you! I'll definitely change the PINs to something more secure. I appreciate the clear explanation.
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Caleb Bell
my nephew got one but i dont think his has money on it yet the balance was $0 when his mom called. anyone know how long it takes for the funds to show up?
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Danielle Campbell
•For the 2025 P-EBT cards, funds should appear within 3-5 business days after receiving the card. If it's been longer than that, your sister should contact the P-EBT helpline at 877-328-9677. Sometimes there are delays based on which school district the child is in. They're rolling out the benefits in phases this year.
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Rhett Bowman
If you're having trouble reaching someone about your P-EBT cards, I was in the same boat last month. I needed to change the PIN but kept getting stuck in the automated system. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a real person in about 10 minutes. They have this service where they wait on hold for you and call you back when they reach someone. Saved me hours of frustration! There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8
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Abigail Patel
•does this actually work? ive been trying to get through to someone about my sons card for 2 weeks!
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Rhett Bowman
•Yes, it definitely worked for me! The P-EBT phone lines are completely overwhelmed right now with all the new cards being sent out. With Claimyr I got through to a specialist who helped me sort out PIN issues for both my kids' cards.
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Gianna Scott
UPDATE: I tried using the last 4 of my kids' socials as the PIN at the grocery store today and it worked! Thanks everyone for the help. I'm going to call and change the PINs to something more secure now that I know how it works.
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Alfredo Lugo
•Glad it worked! Yeah definitely change those PINs ASAP! I changed mine the day after I figured it out because I was worried about security too.
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Caleb Bell
wait is p-ebt the same as calfresh? im confused
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Sydney Torres
•No, they're different programs. P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer) was originally created during COVID to help families with children who would normally receive free/reduced school meals. The program was extended through 2025 but renamed as Permanent-EBT while keeping the same acronym. CalFresh is California's regular SNAP (food stamps) program. They use similar EBT cards but are separate benefits with different eligibility requirements and application processes.
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
i just got my kids cards 2 and was so confused by the activation too! thx everyone for clearing this up
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Abigail Patel
•same! i wish they would explain this better in the letter they send with the cards
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Danielle Campbell
Just to add some helpful information: if you're having trouble with your P-EBT cards and need to speak with someone, the best number to call is 877-328-9677. Unlike regular CalFresh, P-EBT is administered at the state level rather than county level. The customer service hours are 8am-8pm Monday-Friday. Be prepared with your case number (on your approval letter) and the card numbers when you call. They can help with activation issues, balance inquiries, PIN changes, and replacement cards.
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Gianna Scott
•Thank you for this info! I'm going to save that number in my phone right now.
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