P-EBT card declined - no PIN setup option? Need urgent help accessing benefits

You definitely need to set up a PIN before you can use the P-EBT card. Unlike regular CalFresh EBT cards, the P-EBT cards come with a default PIN that you need to change. Call the EBT customer service number on the back of the card (1-877-328-9677) and follow the automated instructions to set up your PIN. You'll need the card number, your child's date of birth, and the mailing zip code. The system should walk you through creating a new 4-digit PIN.\n\nOne important thing to note - P-EBT cards are separate from regular CalFresh benefits. They're specifically for families with children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. The benefits can be used at any store that accepts EBT, but you MUST set up the PIN first.

Thank you so much for explaining! I didn't realize I needed to call that specific number to set up a PIN. I've been trying the wrong number this whole time (was calling the general CalFresh number). I'll try the one you mentioned. Do you know if there's a time limit on when I need to use these benefits? I'm worried since I've had the card for a few days already without being able to use it.

had the same issue!!! the p-ebt cards r confusing af. u gotta call and make a pin before u can use it. took me like 2 hours of waiting to get thru last month but was worth it. btw u can use it anywhere that takes ebt not just grocery stores. i use mine at the 7-11 by my house sometimes too

P-EBT is NOT the same as CalFresh EBT. The state has been sending these out to families with kids who qualify for free/reduced lunch. They're meant for groceries, not convenience stores. This is pandemic aid being extended into 2025 for eligible families.

um actually u CAN use p-ebt at convenience stores if they take ebt. i literally used mine at 7-11 yesterday lol. same as regular ebt just different eligibility

For P-EBT cards issued in 2025, there's a specific process to activate and set up your PIN. Here's what you need to do:\n\n1. Call 1-877-328-9677 (the number on the back of your card)\n2. You'll need your full 16-digit card number\n3. Enter your child's date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY format)\n4. Enter the ZIP code where the card was mailed\n5. Create a 4-digit PIN when prompted\n\nAfter this, wait at least 2 hours before trying to use the card. Sometimes the system needs time to process the activation.\n\nOne common issue with P-EBT cards is the call volume can be extremely high, leading to disconnections. If you're having trouble getting through, try calling during off-hours (early morning or late evening). \n\nYou can check your balance at any time by visiting www.ebt.ca.gov or by calling the number on the back of your card.\n\nP-EBT benefits don't expire for 9 months from the issue date, so you don't need to worry about using them immediately.

This is so helpful! I didn't know about the 2-hour waiting period after activation - that might be why it was declined even if I had set up the PIN correctly. I'm going to try calling again right now. And it's good to know we have 9 months to use the benefits. Thanks for the detailed instructions!

I had nothing but problems trying to reach someone about my daughter's P-EBT card last month. Kept getting disconnected or stuck on hold FOREVER. Tried for 3 days straight!!! Finally I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a real person in under 30 minutes. They have this system where they wait on hold for you and call you back when a real person answers. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video demo here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8\n\nAfter I got through, the representative walked me through the whole PIN setup process. Turns out there was an issue with my mailing ZIP code not matching what they had on file. They fixed it and I was able to use the card that same day.

does that service cost money tho?? seems sketch to pay just to talk to ebt ppl

Yeah it's not free but honestly it was worth every penny to me after wasting 3 days trying to get through. They don't charge until they actually get someone on the line for you. I was desperate to get those benefits working for my kids.

The P-EBT program is so confusing and the instructions they send are terrible. When my kids got theirs, the letter just said

Thank you! I only have the one P-EBT card for my son, but the tip about selecting \

has anyone else noticed that the p-ebt benefits are higher this year? my daughter's card came with $1458 which is way more than last year. not complaining of course lol but wondering if they increased the amount for 2025? does it vary by county maybe? we're in alameda county

Yes, P-EBT benefit amounts were increased for the 2024-2025 school year to account for inflation. The baseline is now $8.50 per school day (up from $7.10 last year). California uses a standard amount for all counties, but the total on each card varies based on how many months of benefits were loaded. Some cards include retroactive benefits for previous months, which might explain the higher amount.

oh that makes sense! I think we might have some retroactive benefits then. pretty sure we were approved back in november but the card just came now in 2025

Update: I FINALLY got through to the EBT customer service line after trying all day! For anyone else having this issue - make sure you're entering the ZIP code that's on file with your child's school, not necessarily your current ZIP if you've moved. That was my problem! \n\nAfter setting up the PIN, the representative said I need to wait until tomorrow before trying to use it (24 hour activation period). She also confirmed my balance is $1,265 and said these benefits are good until November 2025.\n\nThank you everyone for your help! This community is amazing.

So glad you got it sorted out! That's a great tip about using the ZIP code on file with the school - I'm sure that will help others too. The 24-hour activation period can vary - sometimes it's just a couple hours, other times it's the full day. Hope you're able to use your benefits tomorrow without any issues!

That's awesome! And really smart to post an update - I always wonder what happened with these things. Enjoy those benefits! The P-EBT program has been a lifesaver for so many families.