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Just went through this headache last week! First, P-EBT and regular EBT are totally different systems even though the cards look similar. Update your address with: 1. Your child's school (most important) 2. P-EBT hotline (877-328-9677) When calling, I selected option 4 then option 2. Waited about 35 minutes. Definitely use the P-EBT card number when they ask, not your regular EBT. Also discovered that if you also have regular CalFresh, you need to update that address separately through your county office or BenefitsCal. The systems don't talk to each other which is so frustrating!
wat if u lost the pebt card? my kids got them last year but i think i threw them out cuz i didnt know wat they were lol
BE CAREFUL using ATMs!! Skimming is everywhere now. I recommend checking your EBT balance EVERY DAY through the app or website. That way you catch fraud immediately. As for your question, did you get a new card number after the skimming? If not, YOU NEED TO! Otherwise they can just steal your replacement benefits too.
can i ask how long it took u to get ur money back after filing the claim??? im on day 9 of waiting and customer service keeps saying "10-15 business days" but i cant pay my rent without that money!!
My county worker told me that u need to have submitted ur SAR7 on time to get the emergency allotment!!!!! I was late with mine last month and she said im not eligible. Has anyone else heard this??
That's not accurate information. The emergency allotment due to the flooding disaster declaration is available to all active CalFresh recipients regardless of reporting status. The only requirement is that you have an active case for the month of May 2025. Your worker might be confusing this with the regular CalFresh rules. If your case is active (even if you submitted your SAR7 late but it was processed), you should still receive the emergency allotment.
I wanted to follow up about the immediate need payment I mentioned. When you call, specifically say: "I'm requesting an immediate need payment due to an emergency food situation. I'm 39 weeks pregnant with less than 3 days worth of food in my home." They should take your information and escalate it. If they try to brush you off, mention California MPP Section 63-804 which covers immediate need procedures. Also, write down the name of everyone you speak with, along with date and time. This creates accountability.
Update from my earlier comment - I just realized you may also qualify for the CalFresh Pregnancy Special Situation. In California, pregnant women who meet income guidelines can receive benefits as a household of 2 even before the baby is born. Make sure your worker knows you're pregnant (medical verification may be required). This should increase your benefit amount once approved.
Thank you! The worker did ask about my pregnancy during the interview, and I provided my medical verification from my OB. She did mention something about calculating benefits differently because I'm pregnant, but honestly I was so stressed during the interview I don't remember all the details. Just need to get APPROVED first before worrying about the amount!
Carmella Popescu
Important information for everyone concerned about this change: Your regular CalFresh benefit amount is based on your household size, income, and expenses. If your circumstances have changed since your last certification or SAR7 report, you should contact your county office immediately. Specifically, make sure they have accurate information about: - Your current rent/mortgage amount - Utility costs (you may qualify for the Standard Utility Allowance) - Childcare or dependent care expenses - Medical expenses over $35/month for elderly or disabled household members - Child support payments Each of these deductions can significantly increase your base benefit amount. Don't wait until your next SAR7 or recertification to report these changes if they'll help your benefit calculation.
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Lorenzo McCormick
•Thank you for this detailed information! I just checked my last approval letter and I don't think they included our childcare expenses in the calculation. I need to call them ASAP to get this fixed before the emergency allotments end.
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Noah huntAce420
Has anyone received an official letter from CalFresh about the exact date in March when the emergency allotments will be issued? Some counties seem to be doing it early March, others late March. I need to plan my budget very carefully with this change.
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Dananyl Lear
•I got a letter last week that said mine would be issued on March 18th in Riverside County. But my sister in LA County was told March 25th. I think it depends on your case number and county. You should check your BenefitsCal account - sometimes they post notifications there before sending letters.
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