Where to call for P-EBT issues? CalFresh rep couldn't help with missing card

The P-EBT customer service number is definitely 877-328-9677, but you're right about it being nearly impossible to get through. They're completely separate from regular CalFresh benefits, so county workers usually can't help. P-EBT is actually managed at the state level through CDSS and CDE jointly. A few things that might help: 1. Make sure your mailing address is current with your children's schools 2. Check if the cards were possibly sent to a previous address 3. Try calling very early - like right when they open at 8am 4. You can also email them at PEBTsupport@dss.ca.gov (response times vary wildly though

omg same issue!!!!! been waiting since FEBRUARY for my daughters card!!!! called that number like 20 times and it just hangs up after 45 mins. this is ridiculous. my neighbor got hers no problem but we got nothing. does anyone know if theres a way to check online if they even sent it??

I had EXACTLY this problem last distribution period. Turns out my card was sent but never arrived (probably stolen from mailbox). After trying for weeks to reach someone, I finally got through by calling that 877 number at EXACTLY 8:00 am on a Tuesday. Not 8:01, literally right when they open. When I finally talked to someone, they verified my identity and issued a replacement card which came about 10 days later. They can see in their system if a card was issued to your children and when it was supposedly mailed. Whatever you do, DON'T bother calling the regular CalFresh/EBT customer service - they have zero access to the P-EBT system and can't help at all!

This is a VERY common problem with P-EBT unfortunately. The program is administered completely separately from regular CalFresh benefits, which is why the county workers can't help. I work as a benefits counselor, and I've had multiple clients struggling with this exact issue. One thing that's been consistently working for my clients is using Claimyr to reach the P-EBT hotline. It basically waits on hold for you and calls you back when a real person is available. Saves hours of frustration and disconnections. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or just go to claimyr.com. Also important to know: if you eventually need a replacement card, make sure to ask them to CANCEL THE OLD ONE when they send a new one. Otherwise, if someone did steal the first card, they could use the benefits before you get your replacement.

The whole P-EBT system is a JOKE!!!! I've called that number 50+ times since January trying to get my son's benefits restored after they suddenly stopped working. NEVER ONCE got through to a human!!! Yet they keep sending out notices saying "just call this number if you have problems" like it's so easy. And you're right - regular CalFresh workers act like you're speaking a foreign language if you mention P-EBT. HOW is a program this big this dysfunctional?!? It's like they WANT families to give up trying.

Just wanted to add some additional info that might help others with P-EBT issues: 1. The current phase of P-EBT (2024-2025) cards should be arriving through June for most eligible families 2. Students must be enrolled in free/reduced meals through their school to qualify 3. If your school participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), all students automatically qualify 4. Benefits are loaded retroactively, so even if your card arrives late, you should receive all benefits you're entitled to 5. Each child in the household gets their own separate P-EBT card (unlike regular CalFresh) 6. The P-EBT website (pebt.dss.ca.gov) sometimes has more updated information than what workers tell you on the phone Hope this helps someone! The system is definitely frustrating but the benefits are significant - about $125 per eligible child per month for the school year.

a friend told me u can also try calling ur kids school district office sometimes they have a pebt coordinator who can check on card status. worked for her but not me lol worth a try tho

UPDATE: I finally got through to P-EBT this morning using the Claimyr service that was mentioned earlier. Confirmed that cards for my 3 kids were mailed on March 12th as I thought, but the representative said there have been massive mail delays with this batch. She's sending replacement cards and canceling the old ones just in case. Should arrive within 10-15 business days. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions! Will update when the new cards arrive.