P-EBT card didn't arrive in mail despite USPS Informed Delivery notification - possible theft?

This happened to me last year! You need to call the EBT Customer Service line at 1-877-328-9677 right away to report it. They can deactivate the card before anyone uses it. For P-EBT specifically, there's also the P-EBT helpline at 1-877-328-9677 (same number, but different menu options). Make sure to explain it was never received, not just lost after you got it. They should be able to issue a replacement, but it might take 7-10 business days to arrive.

omg this is my biggest fear!! i'd also report to usps that something was shown in informed delivery but never arrived, they take mail theft serious

When you call to report the missing P-EBT card, make sure you have your child's information ready - their full name, date of birth, and school information. Unlike regular CalFresh EBT cards, P-EBT cards are tied to the child's information rather than a case number. Also important: take a screenshot of your Informed Delivery email showing the P-EBT envelope was supposed to be delivered. This will help if there's any question about whether it was actually mailed. The P-EBT cards are being distributed in phases throughout 2025, so having proof it was actually en route to you will speed up the replacement process.

they might make you wait like 10 days before reporting it stolen jsut in case its delayed in mail. happened to my sister and they wouldnt do anything for like 2 weeks its so dumb

I've had to deal with getting a replacement P-EBT card twice now (once lost, once damaged). The hold times when calling that customer service line are INSANE - I was on hold for over 3 hours last time! I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person in like 15 minutes. They basically call and wait on hold for you, then call you when they get someone on the line. Saved me so much stress when dealing with my daughter's P-EBT card issue. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

Ugh, I'm so sorry this happened to you. I had someone steal my regular EBT card from the mail last year and it was a NIGHTMARE to deal with. If someone uses the benefits before you report it, you might not get those benefits back. The system is so unfair!! I'd call RIGHT NOW even if it's after hours - at least you can get it reported in their system as stolen. Don't wait until tomorrow!

just FYI sometimes informed delivery shows stuff that comes the next day too. i've had that happen where something shows up in the email but doesn't actually come till the next day's mail. might be worth waiting one more day before panicking

One more important thing: when they issue you a replacement P-EBT card, make sure to ask them if the benefits from the original card will transfer automatically or if they need to manually transfer them. In some counties, this happens automatically, but in others, you need to specifically request it. You don't want to get a new card with zero balance if your benefits were already loaded to the original card.

I work for a local food bank and we see this P-EBT mail theft issue way too often unfortunately. One thing that might help prevent this in the future - you can request to have your replacement card sent to a different address like a trusted family member or friend's house, or even have it held at the post office for pickup. Just mention this option when you call! Also, some post offices will let you put a temporary hold on mail delivery if you're going out of town, which can help prevent theft during vulnerable times. Hope you get this resolved quickly!

This is such a stressful situation! I had something similar happen with my regular CalFresh card last year. One thing I learned is that you should also file a report with your local police department for mail theft - having that police report number can actually help speed up the replacement process when you call EBT customer service. The police might not be able to do much about it, but at least it creates an official record. Also, if you have any security cameras or neighbors with cameras that might have caught someone taking mail from your box, mention that to the police too. Mail theft is a federal crime so they do take it seriously even if it doesn't always lead to arrests. I hope you get this sorted out quickly - it's so unfair that people steal from families who need these benefits!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! As someone new to navigating P-EBT, this is exactly the kind of situation I worry about. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening - I had no idea there were so many steps you could take beyond just calling the customer service line. The tip about taking a screenshot of your Informed Delivery email is brilliant, and I never would have thought to file a police report for mail theft. It's really unfortunate that this seems to be such a common problem. I'm definitely going to be extra vigilant when my family's P-EBT card is supposed to arrive. Thank you for sharing your experience and I hope you get everything sorted out quickly!