dont forget the extra payment wont count toward your income limit or IRT! my cousin panicked thinking she had to report it on her SAR7 but its a one-time benefit so it doesnt count as income

Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I checked my EBT account this morning (June 18th) and the extra $250 was loaded! The transaction shows as "CA INFLATION RELIEF PYMT" just like someone mentioned. This will help so much with my grocery budget this month. Really appreciate all the clarification about when to expect it and how it works!

I thought P-EBT was done after the pandemic?? We haven't received anything on my kids cards for months and I assumed the program ended. Now I'm confused about whether we should be getting something or not. They're at a school where everyone gets free lunch.

UPDATE: I called the P-EBT hotline (took forever to get through) and they confirmed what you all said. The $175 is a combined payment for the first quarter of the school year, and the next payment won't come until December. The representative said they sent notices about this change in July but many people didn't receive them due to a mailing error. Thanks everyone for your help!

This system is DESIGNED to fail us. They make everything so complicated that people give up. I had benefits stolen TWICE last year and the second time they accused ME of fraud for a while! Meanwhile my kids were hungry and we almost got evicted too. The whole "wait patiently" thing is BS when rent is due and kids need to eat. The county workers sit comfortably in their offices while we struggle. I'm so angry for you.

Following up on my earlier comment - I want to add a critical detail about eviction prevention. When you go to request the Homeless Assistance payment, make sure to specifically ask for the "Permanent Housing Assistance" option, not just temporary. This can provide: - Up to two months of back rent ($3,000 maximum) - Security deposit coverage for new housing if needed - Utility deposit assistance You need to bring: - Your eviction notice - Rental agreement - Proof of the CalWORKs theft report - Statement from landlord of exact amount owed One final tip: If the county office is slow-walking your theft claim, immediately ask to speak with a supervisor and use the phrase "expedited fair hearing request" - this triggers a faster review process under California Department of Social Services regulations.

ANOTHER THING - after you get this resolved, CHANGE YOUR PIN immediately!!! And change it regularly!!! These scammers are getting more sophisticated. My sister had her benefits stolen TWICE in 6 months. The second time she got NOTHING back because they said she should have been more careful after the first time. THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST US!!!

Just following up - were you able to get through to anyone yet? If you're still struggling, call the County CalFresh office and tell them this is an "immediate need" situation. Use those exact words. By regulation, they have to address immediate need cases within 3 days. Also, did you check with 211? They can refer you to emergency food resources in your area while you're waiting for the benefits replacement.

why doesn't anyone talk about how the county workers NEVER answer their phones???? the whole system is broken!!!

UPDATE: I went to the county office in person today instead of calling. Had to wait almost 3 hours but finally spoke with someone. They said my CalWORKs payment had already been processed to my old bank account yesterday but will bounce back. They've noted my file to issue a paper check once that happens, AND I completed a form to get future payments on my EBT card instead of direct deposit. They said the paper check should come in about 10 days. Thanks everyone for your help!