The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued information regarding Pandemic EBT (P-EBT). P-EBT provided a temporary emergency nutrition benefit to children who otherwise would have received free or reduced school meals if not for school closures because of COVID-19. CDSS operated the program.
Effective August 31, 2020, counties have responsibility to assist with PIN set-up for P-EBT cards and requests for replacement P-EBT cards.
Counties cannot assist with eligibility issues because the deadline for applications for and appeal of denials of P-EBT has passed. Counties cannot determine P-EBT eligibility or issue P-EBT benefits. CDSS is processing appeals and anticipates that all appeals will be processed by September 17. Clients who submitted an appeal and are found to be eligible will receive a confirmation when their P-EBT card is mailed. Clients who appeal and are found to be ineligible will get a confirmation email with information about the outcome of the appeal. (ACWDL, September 1, 2020.)