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Unfortunately, the emergency allotments were tied specifically to the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration, which has ended. It would take new federal legislation to implement something similar again. If you're struggling, I'd recommend: 1. Check with local food banks - many have really improved their offerings 2. Look into the CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) if you have seniors in your household 3. Ask about the restaurant meals program if you're in a county that offers it and are eligible (elderly, disabled, or homeless) 4. Make sure you're claiming all allowable deductions on your CalFresh case Also, when you complete your SAR7 in June, that's a perfect time to make sure all your expenses are updated to potentially increase your benefits.
Thank you so much for these suggestions! I had no idea about the restaurant meals program - we're not eligible but that's good information to pass along to my disabled neighbor. I appreciate everyone's help!
I'm new to CalFresh and this thread has been super helpful! I just applied last month and was wondering about the benefit amounts. One thing I wanted to add - if you're having trouble making your benefits stretch, check if your county has a CalFresh Healthy Living program. They offer free nutrition education classes that teach you how to meal plan and shop smart with your EBT benefits. I just started attending these classes in my county and learned some great tips for stretching my food budget. They even give you recipes and sometimes cooking demos. It's not extra money but it definitely helps make what you get go further!
That's such a great tip! I had no idea those nutrition classes existed. Do you know if they're available in all counties or just certain ones? I'm in LA County and would love to find something like that near me. The meal planning part especially sounds really helpful since I always seem to run out of food before the end of the month even though I try to budget carefully.
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You can find your local food banks by texting your zip code to 898-211 or by visiting www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank. Many don't have income requirements - they're open to anyone who needs food assistance. Also, after the emergency allotments end, you might see your benefit amount adjust slightly with the annual cost of living increase scheduled for October 2025. It won't make up for the emergency allotment loss, but every little bit helps.
Just texted my zip code and found 3 food banks near me! THANK YOU! And good to know about the October increase too.
I'm in the same boat as you @ElectricDreamer - single parent struggling with this news. One thing that helped me was requesting a copy of my benefit calculation from my worker so I could see exactly how they arrived at my regular amount. Turns out I was missing some deductions that could boost my base benefit by about $80/month. Also, if you're working, make sure they're using the correct earned income deduction (20% of gross earnings). Sometimes errors happen and it's worth double-checking. The WIC program might also help if your kids are under 5 - it provides specific foods like milk, eggs, and cereal that can free up some of your CalFresh budget for other items.
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My cousin got the same extra $120 but then got a letter saying it was for "supply chain disruptions" or something? Anyone else see that explanation? I'm confused if it's the summer program or something else entirely.
Those are actually two different things. The Supply Chain Supplemental Payment was a one-time payment sent out earlier this year (around February/March). This new $120 is definitely the Summer EBT program that runs June-August.
This is such a relief to read! I just discovered the extra $120 on my daughter's card this morning and was panicking that it was some kind of system error. I've been burned before by benefit overpayments that had to be paid back, so I'm always nervous about unexpected money showing up. It's great to know this is legitimate and part of the Summer EBT program. Really wish they'd communicate these changes better though - would save so many of us from the stress and confusion!
I totally understand that feeling! I had the same panic when I first saw unexpected money on benefits cards. It's so frustrating that they don't send clear notifications about these programs. Maybe we should all start following the CDSS website or their social media more closely to catch these announcements? Though honestly, they should be sending direct notifications to all P-EBT recipients when new programs start.
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The whole P-EBT system is SO BROKEN! My neighbor's kids all got cards with $750 each and they make over $100k a year (private school with scholarship)! Meanwhile my kids who ACTUALLY NEED THE HELP are still waiting! I've called that stupid hotline 27 TIMES and either get disconnected or told they "can't look up individual cases" - WHAT IS THE POINT OF A HOTLINE THEN?!?!
omg right?? i got hung up on 3 times yesterday!! so frustrating
Private schools can participate in the National School Lunch Program too, which would make students eligible regardless of household income if they're receiving free or reduced-price meals through a scholarship program. P-EBT eligibility is tied to the meal program participation, not family income directly. But I understand your frustration with the hotline - they're severely understaffed for the volume of calls they're receiving.
I'm going through the exact same thing! My youngest (2 years old) got her P-EBT card last Friday, but my 7-year-old who's in 2nd grade still hasn't received anything. It's so confusing because I assumed it would be the opposite. After reading through these comments, it sounds like the under-6 rule explains why the little ones are getting cards first. I'm also wondering if there might be some issue with the school data matching - my son's school uses a different spelling of his middle name than what's on our CalFresh case. Definitely going to check on that tomorrow. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least I know we're not alone in this chaos!
Zainab Ahmed
Update: Just wanted to let everyone know that my benefits showed up this morning! They did give me prorated benefits from my application date (Nov 5th) through the end of the month. The worker also told me that starting in December, my regular issuance date will be the 6th of each month. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Connor Byrne
•That's great news! Glad it worked out. Just a tip: make sure you know your Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) and recertification dates. Your first SAR7 will probably be due in about 5-6 months, and it's really important to submit it on time or your benefits could be delayed or stopped.
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Zainab Ahmed
•Thanks for the tip! The worker mentioned something about reports but I was so focused on when I'd get the benefits that I didn't really process it. I'll make sure to watch for those forms in the mail.
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Yara Assad
Congratulations on getting approved! That's such a relief after waiting 3 weeks. Just wanted to add that you should also keep an eye out for your CalFresh card in the mail if you haven't received it yet - sometimes people get so focused on when the benefits will load that they forget they need the physical card to actually use them. The card usually arrives within 7-10 business days of approval. You can also set up account alerts through your county's EBT website to get text notifications when your benefits are loaded each month. Really helps with planning your grocery trips!
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