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California

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 25, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in California, we recommend that you visit the Secretary of State's website or the California COVID-19 portal.

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Description of Program and Relief

Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Program For Families With Children Eligible for Free or Reduced-Price School Meals

Families with children eligible for free or reduced-price meals are eligible for expanded EBT benefits of up to an additional $365 per child to buy food while schools are closed using the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer Program (“P-EBT”). P-EBT eligible children who already receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits and will automatically receive a P-EBT card in the mail. Families with P-EBT cards are still eligible to receive grab-and-go meals or emergency food offered by schools and community locations at COVID-19 emergency feeding sites.

Other families receiving free or reduced-price lunches through sources other than CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits will need to complete a short online application, available here as of May 22, 2020.

Government or Lead Agency

California Department of Social Services; California Department of Education

Dates Available

Currently available during school closures

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

To be eligible for P-EBT benefits, children must otherwise be eligible for free or reduced-price meals. P-EBT eligible children that receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits do not need to apply separately for P-EBT benefits and will automatically receive a P-EBT card.

Families receiving free or reduced-price lunches through programs other than CalFresh will need to complete a short online application, available as of May 22, here.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A for families receiving free or reduced-price lunches through CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care.

June 30, 2020 for families receiving free or reduced-price lunches through sources other than CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care.

Contact for More Information

For more information, contact the EBT Customer Service Center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-877-328-9677.

List of Additional Information

For answers to frequently asked questions about the P-EBT program, please click here.

For the related announcement, please click here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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