Just wanted to add - if your benefits were approved but just not issued yet, once they do process it, you'll get the full amount you're entitled to for January. CalFresh benefits are always retroactive to the date of eligibility. So even with the delay, you shouldn't lose any benefit amount.

Update - just checked my EBT and my benefits loaded today!! Check yours!

have u checked wit local churches?? my cousin got rent help from catholic charities when she was facing eviction. they paid 2 months rent for her when county was being slow. also did u apply for calworks online through BenefitsCal or in person?? going in person can make things go faster sometime.

I see from your comments that you're getting some good advice and making calls tomorrow. One more suggestion - when you go to your CalWORKs appointment, bring ALL your documentation: ID for everyone, birth certificates, social security cards, lease agreement, eviction notice or communications from landlord, utility bills, bank statements, and proof of any income or resources. Being fully prepared can sometimes get you immediate emergency assistance versus having to come back multiple times. Also ask specifically about "Immediate Need" payments through CalWORKs, which can provide up to $200 while your regular application is processing. And regarding the lock changing - this actually gives you significant legal leverage. In many California counties, a landlord who performs an illegal self-help eviction (like changing locks) can be liable for damages up to $100 per day plus actual damages. Document everything and mention this when you speak to legal aid.

One more thing to check - make sure you look at your BenefitsCal account online if you have access. Sometimes there are electronic notices or requests for verification that don't get mailed. The system has been moving more toward digital communication.

UPDATE: I FINALLY got through to my caseworker! Turns out there was a glitch in their system during their monthly issuance batch processing. Several households in my county were affected. They're doing an emergency issuance tonight and I should have my benefits by tomorrow morning. Thank you everyone for your advice and support during this stressful situation!

maybe ur mailman stole it?? happened to my neighbor with her regular ebt card. these things have alot of $$$ on them now with inflation supplement. check with post office maybe???

Just to update with the most current information: The P-EBT issuance for 2025 that went out in November is experiencing significant delays. The Department of Social Services announced last week that some cards mailed in November might not arrive until early January due to a processing backlog and postal service delays. If your child relies on these benefits for adequate nutrition, and you're facing immediate food insecurity while waiting, contact your local school district's nutrition services department. Many have emergency food resources available for families waiting on P-EBT benefits.

if u got regular calfresh too maybe the ppl answering here are confused what ur asking about lol... p-ebt is different

For anyone else landing on this thread: There's been a scheduled system update for P-EBT in February 2025 that's caused some benefit loading delays. According to the CDSS website, benefits that were scheduled for the first week of February may be delayed by 3-5 business days. This might explain why the text notification went out but the benefits aren't showing up yet. Once you do get the P-EBT card, remember to activate it immediately by calling the number on the back and setting a PIN. The benefits should be available immediately after activation. For online shopping, you'll need the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and security code, just like a regular debit card.