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wait is EBT Edge the one with the blue icon or the green icon?? i think i downloaded the wrong one before lol
The legitimate EBT Edge app has a blue icon with white letters and a little shopping cart symbol. If you saw one with a green icon, that might be a different app or possibly not legitimate. Always download directly from the app store and check the developer name (should be FIS Global).
Just to clarify some information I'm seeing in the comments: 1. The EBT Edge app is officially approved for use with CalFresh benefits 2. Even if the app crashes or has technical issues, it cannot "take" your benefits - it's just displaying information 3. The only way benefits can be stolen is if someone has both your physical card AND your PIN 4. Not all county workers mention the app during recertification because it's not required for managing benefits, just a convenience option 5. If you're concerned about app legitimacy, you can always call the official EBT customer service number (877-328-9677) to verify Hope this helps clear up some confusion!
Thank you for clarifying! I went ahead and set up the app and it's working great. Much easier than calling that number every time. I appreciate everyone's help!
Just wanted to add - make sure you're ready for the interview part. They'll call you (sometimes from a blocked/unknown number) after you submit your application. If you miss the call, it can delay your benefits by WEEKS. Keep your phone with you at all times after applying.
They're required to schedule the interview with you in advance. If they didn't and just called randomly, you should file a complaint. I've gone through this three times and they always send me a letter or text with the interview date/time. But yes, absolutely answer that call when it comes!
Thank you everyone for the helpful info! Going to apply today through BenefitsCal. Sounds like we'll probably get around $600-750 which would be life-changing for our grocery budget honestly. Will make sure to document everything clearly and answer when they call for the interview!
Great decision! One last tip: after you're approved, you'll get a plastic EBT card that works like a debit card. Many farmers markets in San Diego County offer "Market Match" which doubles your CalFresh dollars (usually up to $10 per visit) when buying fresh fruits and vegetables. It's an amazing way to stretch your benefits and get healthy food.
This whole P-EBT thing is SO CONFUSING!!! My kids got cards last year, then nothing this year, then randomly new cards showed up last month with no explanation. The amounts were all different too. And good luck trying to get ANYONE on the phone who understands how it works. The regular EBT people say to call P-EBT line, the P-EBT line says talk to your school, the school has no idea what's going on. ARGHHHH!
You're absolutely right about the confusion. P-EBT 3.0 has been especially confusing because it has both a school-based component and a child care component for younger children. Each has different eligibility requirements and benefit calculations. For children under 6 in CalFresh households, the benefits should be more straightforward - they qualify for each month they're in an active CalFresh household during the benefit period. But the school-based component depends on school attendance records, free/reduced meal status, and whether schools were closed or had remote days. If you're still having issues, you can request a benefit review through the P-EBT Portal at ca.p-ebt.org.
I just wanted to update everyone who responded. I called the P-EBT helpline (took forever to get through!) and they confirmed my daughter will get the May benefit since that's when we were approved for CalFresh. They said the card probably won't arrive until July or August though. Thanks everyone for your help!
thats good! make sure u activate it right away when it comes, i think they expire the funds if u dont use them after a certain time
Just to clarify something - P-EBT distributions for 2024-2025 have had some delays in certain counties. The November issuance should have been deposited by January 15th at the latest. If you haven't received it yet, that's definitely an error. One thing to try: if your children also get regular school meals, check with the school to make sure they properly reported your children's eligibility status to the state. Sometimes the issue is that the school's reporting system didn't correctly mark eligible students. If all else fails, your county supervisor's office can sometimes help navigate these bureaucratic issues - they have connections that regular citizens don't.
That's really helpful context, thank you. I'll double check with the school that they properly reported eligibility. I hadn't thought of contacting my county supervisor - that's a great idea if nothing else works.
Yes! Finally got through using the double zero trick you suggested, but had to try 3 mornings in a row. Turns out there was a name mismatch between the school records and what they had in their system. They're sending a replacement card that should arrive in 7-10 business days. Thank you for your help!
Fiona Gallagher
Lol my kids card had $300 on it right from the start but we're in Clovis district not Fresno maybe that's why?? Different areas get different amounts i think
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Xan Dae
•ur so lucky!! fresno always gets the short end of the stick fr 😒 typical
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Isaiah Sanders
•The difference isn't about Clovis vs Fresno - it's about when your child's card was issued and which benefit periods it included. Some cards issued earlier in the cycle included retroactive benefits, which is why the initial amount was higher. The monthly ongoing amount should be similar for qualifying students regardless of district.
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Isaiah Sanders
To summarize what others have said: - The $120 is just your first partial payment - Monthly reloads will happen automatically (typically $195-210 for Fresno elementary students) - No action needed except having activated the card initially - Benefit amounts are based on school participation in National School Lunch Program - Payment dates vary by the first letter of the student's name (I is usually around the 11th-13th of each month) You can call the P-EBT hotline at 877-328-9677 to confirm your specific details, but be prepared for long wait times. The information should also be in the material that came with the card.
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Noah huntAce420
•Thank you! This is really helpful. I'll hang onto the card and watch for the reload around the 11th. Really appreciate everyone's help here!
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