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i had to call like 37 times before i got thru to ftb... they disconnect u after 2hrs on hold its CRIMINAL
so can u use the p-ebt at the same stores as regular ebt?? my sister got one for her kid but was told some places dont take it?? is that true??
P-EBT cards work at the same retailers that accept regular EBT/CalFresh. Any grocery store, supermarket, or convenience store that has the EBT sign or logo should accept P-EBT. However, some smaller stores might not be familiar with P-EBT cards specifically and might incorrectly tell you they don't accept them. If that happens, you can explain that it works exactly like a regular EBT card because it uses the same system. Also, remember that P-EBT benefits, like regular CalFresh, can only be used for food items - not for hot prepared foods, alcohol, non-food items, etc.
Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I called the county office this morning (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - it really worked!) and got some answers. The worker confirmed that my other three kids should be getting P-EBT cards too, they're just sending them in batches over the next few weeks. She verified all my kids are properly listed with their current schools. She also explained that this benefit is completely separate from our regular CalFresh, so I'll continue getting our usual amount on our regular EBT card. The P-EBT cards are just additional help specifically for the kids because they qualify for free school meals. I'm going to activate my 6-year-old's card today and start using it. And I'll keep an eye out for the other cards in the mail. Thanks again for clearing up my confusion!
That's great news! Just remember to keep each P-EBT card separate and remember which PIN goes with which card. It can get confusing managing multiple cards. Also, it's a good idea to check the balance on each card before shopping. You can do this by calling the number on the back of the card or checking online at www.ebt.ca.gov. Glad you got everything sorted out!
I had my benefits stolen last year and it was a NIGHTMARE getting them back. Took almost 2 months! And they interrogated me like I was the criminal. So unfair when we're just trying to feed our families. The system is rigged against us poor folks who need help. Why don't they make EBT cards with chips like regular credit cards?? So frustrating!
California is actually in the process of transitioning to more secure EBT cards with chips, but it's taking time to implement statewide. In the meantime, the state passed AB 1270 in 2022 which mandates replacement of benefits stolen through skimming, so the process should be easier now than it was for you last year. If anyone has benefits stolen now, they should be replaced within 10 days of completing the required paperwork.
UPDATE: Finally got through to EBT customer service! They're sending me a new card that should arrive in 3-5 business days and put a note on my account about the skimmer situation. The rep said if any benefits do get stolen before my new card arrives, I'll need to submit a 'Stolen Benefits Request Form' through my county office. Thanks everyone for your help!
Update: I finally got through to the county office today! For anyone else dealing with this issue, here's what I learned: 1. They ARE extending the deadline to 30 days for Hills Canyon Fire victims 2. I need to submit the CF 303 form WITH some proof of the power outage 3. I'm eligible for replacement up to my full June benefit amount ($425) 4. They recommended I submit everything through BenefitsCal for faster processing Thank you all for your help! I'll post again when I find out if my request is approved.
ANOTHER UPDATE: I got approved!! They replaced the full amount I requested ($350). The benefits were added to my EBT card today, just 5 days after I submitted everything. The worker I spoke with said they're processing Hills Canyon claims quickly because so many people were affected. Don't give up if you're in the same situation!
Liam O'Donnell
Just to clarify a few things about Summer EBT since there seems to be some confusion: 1. It's a new permanent program, not the same as P-EBT 2. California has opted in, but implementation is still in progress 3. Eligible children will likely receive about $120 total for summer 2024 4. Most CalFresh households with school-age children should qualify automatically 5. The state must develop an implementation plan, so timing and details are still being finalized The best thing to do is stay informed through official channels and prepare alternative food budgeting plans just in case the benefits are delayed or eligibility requirements change.
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Mei Liu
•Thanks for breaking it down so clearly! I'll definitely be making a backup plan for our summer food budget. Really hoping this comes through though - $120 per kid would make a huge difference for us.
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AstroExplorer
Has anyone actually CONFIRMED with their county worker that this Summer EBT is happening FOR SURE? I don't want to get my hopes up again. Last time I called my county about a benefits question, they gave me completely WRONG information and I ended up with a gap in coverage!!
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Dylan Cooper
•I called San Bernardino County last week about something else but asked about Summer EBT while I had them on the phone. The worker confirmed California is participating but said they're still waiting on guidance from the state about implementation. She couldn't give specifics on dates or amounts yet.
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