P-EBT summer benefit reload confusion - conflicting info from rep vs website for December 2025

Unfortunately this is happening a lot with P-EBT information. The tier one and tier two reps often have different training materials than what's posted online. Based on the official CDSS guidance for the 2025-2026 P-EBT program, eligible children SHOULD receive two summer benefit issuances - one in August and a second in December. This is specifically for the Summer P-EBT program, which is different from the school year P-EBT benefits. I recommend taking screenshots of the website information showing the December reload, and if possible, any emails or communications from your school district mentioning it. That way if the December issuance doesn't happen automatically, you'll have documentation to support an appeal.

omg same thing happened 2 me yesterday!!! i called about my sons card and the 1st person told me december reload is happening but then they transferred me to tier 2 and THAT person said no december $$$. like wtf?? how do they not know there own program lol

The P-EBT program has been a DISASTER from day one! Every single time there's confusion, misinformation, and complete incompetence. My daughter qualified last year and we NEVER got the second issuance they promised. Then when I called, they claimed we needed to submit some form that NOBODY ever told us about!!! Now they're doing the same thing again with conflicting information. I swear they do this on purpose hoping people just give up so they don't have to pay out the benefits. KEEP YOUR CARDS no matter what they say!!!

I've had the best luck getting accurate P-EBT info through my kids' school nutrition department, not the state hotline. The school nutrition coordinators seem to get updated guidance documents before the phone reps do. Our school's nutrition director confirmed last week that there will definitely be a December reload for summer P-EBT (assuming your kids qualify, of course). The total summer benefit is supposed to be $490 per eligible child, with about half coming in August and half in December.

If you're having trouble getting consistent information about P-EBT benefits, I highly recommend using Claimyr to get through to a supervisor at the P-EBT hotline. Unlike the tier one and two representatives, supervisors usually have the most up-to-date policy information and can provide definitive answers. I was getting conflicting info about my daughter's eligibility for weeks until I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to skip the wait times and talk to someone who actually knew the program details. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 After using their service, I got connected to a supervisor who confirmed the December reload is part of the official Summer P-EBT program and showed me where to find the official policy document on the CDSS website.

Hate to say it but u might both be right lol. Sometimes they do "rolling issuances" where some ppl get it in december and others get it in january or february depending on your last name or county or something. The rep might be confused or just saying the offical date is the august one and the december one isn't guaranteed for everyone on the exact same day? idk the whole system is a mess

Just to follow up with some official information: I checked the California Department of Social Services P-EBT page this morning, and they've updated the FAQ section. It now explicitly states: "Summer P-EBT benefits for 2025 will be issued in two installments: the first in August 2025 and the second in December 2025. The total benefit amount is $490 per eligible child for the summer period." So you were right to question what the representative told you. This is dated information from today, so it's the most current guidance available.

My daughters teacher said we getting december money for sure!! But you know what my friend in LA county didnt get her august money yet so its all messed up anyways

Just a practical tip for everyone: If you're relying on the December reload for holiday food expenses, please have a backup plan just in case. While the official policy does include the December issuance, P-EBT has had delays in the past. I'd suggest setting aside a little money each month between now and December as a safety net, if possible. That way, if there are delays or issues with the December reload, you won't be caught without resources for holiday meals.