Sun Bucks card arrived but child not in school - safe to use for CalFresh?

Sounds like u got a P-EBT card which is different than regular calfresh. Its confusing but I think those are still going out to some families with young kids? My neighbor got one 4 her 3yr old last month. They don't make it clear who qualifies!

This is a P-EBT benefit (Pandemic EBT), which is separate from your regular CalFresh benefits. These cards are being distributed to families with children who would have received free or reduced-price meals if they attended school or childcare. The current phase of P-EBT (for 2024-2025) includes some young children under 6 who are in CalFresh households, even if they don't attend school or daycare. This is likely why you received it. It's legitimate and won't affect your regular CalFresh benefits. You can find more information on the official CDSS website about the current P-EBT distribution. The card works like a regular EBT card at grocery stores but cannot be used for hot prepared foods.

I HATE how they send these things with ZERO clear explanation!!! I got one for my kid last year and threw it away thinking it was a scam because nowhere did it clearly explain who qualifies!!! Had to dig through tons of government websites to figure out I actually qualified. The whole system is DESIGNED to confuse people so they don't use benefits they're entitled to!!!

The Sun Bucks card is definitely legitimate. It's part of the P-EBT program which has been extended several times since the pandemic. The current phase (2024-2025) includes benefits for young children under 6 in CalFresh households. Some important points: - It's a one-time payment, not recurring monthly - The funds do expire (usually after 9-12 months) - It doesn't affect your regular CalFresh benefits at all - You can use it at any store that accepts EBT - You don't need to report this as income on your SAR7 or recertification If you're ever in doubt, you can call the P-EBT hotline (not your regular CalFresh worker) at the number on the back of the card to verify your eligibility.

My sister got one of those for her kid too they said it was bc even tho her son isnt in school yet hes still under 6 and they qualified for snap. Its some weird leftover covid thing but its totally legit. Just use it quick b4 they change there mind lol

To answer your follow-up question - the P-EBT benefit is usually a one-time payment for each eligibility period, not monthly like regular CalFresh. The funds stay on the card until you use them or until they expire (typically after about a year). As for recertification, you do NOT need to report this as income. P-EBT benefits are considered non-reportable and don't count toward your household income for CalFresh eligibility purposes. Just complete your recertification as normal, reporting only your actual income sources.

My friends were having trouble reaching anyone at the P-EBT helpline when they had questions about their card. They kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Someone recommended they try Claimyr to get through faster (claimyr.com). They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 I haven't tried it personally since I was able to get through eventually, but might be worth looking into if you need to speak with someone directly about your specific situation. The P-EBT benefits are legitimate but their customer service is just as overwhelmed as regular CalFresh.

i got a sun bucks card to its totally fine to use! enjoy the free money lol

One more important detail: You can check the exact expiration date of your P-EBT benefits by calling the number on the back of the card and following the automated prompts. You'll need the card number and the date of birth of the child the card was issued for. Alternatively, you can check the balance and expiration date online at the EBT cardholder portal (www.ebt.ca.gov). Just create an account using your card information if you haven't already. Most P-EBT benefits issued in the current phase expire 365 days after issuance, but it's always good to verify the exact date for your specific card.

just make sure u keep the pin number they sent!!! my friend lost hers and it was a HUGE hassle to get a new one sent out took like 3 weeks and she almost missed using some benefits

wait can i ask u guys something related? i got one of these cards 2 but my son just started kindergrten this year. Do i still qualify for this or should i not use it??

Just wanted to add my experience - I was in a similar situation last year with my 3-year-old. Got a P-EBT card out of nowhere and was super confused. Turns out it was totally legitimate! I called the number on the back of the card and they confirmed we qualified because we were already getting CalFresh benefits. Used it without any issues and it didn't affect our regular benefits at all. The customer service rep told me that lots of families don't realize they qualify for these additional benefits. Definitely use it - you earned it and it's there to help feed your family!

I'm so glad you asked this question! I was in the exact same boat a few months ago - got a P-EBT card for my 4-year-old who doesn't go to daycare and I was terrified it was some kind of mistake. After reading all the responses here and doing some research, I can confirm it's 100% legitimate. The P-EBT program has been extended to cover young children in CalFresh households even if they don't attend school or daycare. I've been using mine for groceries with zero issues and it hasn't affected my regular CalFresh benefits at all. The hardest part was getting past my anxiety about using it, but once I did, it was such a relief to have that extra help with food costs. Don't let that money go to waste - your family deserves that support!