CDSS has sent out a lot of updates on P-EBT in the upcoming months so please make sure to take not of all of the points below:
California was recently approved to issue P-EBT benefits to children who previously received P-EBT benefits over the summer of 2020. These new benefits are referred to as “P-EBT extension” benefits. Under the P-EBT extension, each eligible child will receive a new P-EBT card.
California began mailing new P-EBT cards on Monday, October 26, 2020. To reach all eligible children, the state will continue mailing new P-EBT cards through the end of December 2020.
The P-EBT Helpline is also available as of Monday, October 26, 2020. The P-EBT Helpline can be reached by calling the EBT Customer Service Center at 877-328-9677. This is the same EBT Customer Service Center phone number listed on the back of each P-EBT card. The P-EBT Helpline will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
o The P-EBT Helpline can assist with PIN set up, address changes, and replacement of lost/stolen P-EBT cards. The P-EBT Helpline cannot assist with inquiries related to P-EBT eligibility or timing of card delivery and cannot issue P-EBT benefits.
o To ensure a seamless transition of cardholder support from counties, there will be a two-week transition period during which both counties and the P-EBT Helpline will provide P-EBT cardholder support. On Monday, November 9, 2020, the P-EBT Helpline will assume full responsibility for providing P-EBT cardholder support. More instructions on this transition are provided via an All County Welfare Directors Letter.
P-EBT Extension Benefit Amounts
o As a reminder, there is no standard benefit amount under the P-EBT extension. An eligible family will get $5.86 per child per day for every eligible school day. The P-EBT extension benefit amount is based on each student’s learning situation and can vary from student to student, even within a family. The maximum amount of P-EBT extension benefits an eligible child can receive is $246.
P-EBT Extension Materials
o New P-EBT extension materials, including a flyer and FAQ in English, Spanish and Chinese will be posted to the CDSS P-EBT homepage at www.cdss.ca.gov/pandemic-ebt as available.