CalFresh benefits increase for 2025 - already effective this month?

i got same amount too was wondering the same thing

The annual COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for CalFresh benefits usually takes effect in October, not April. What you might be thinking of is the SSI/SSP increase that went into effect in January. CalFresh benefit amounts are adjusted once per year in October based on the Thrifty Food Plan calculations. Unless there was a special mid-year adjustment announced (which is rare), you shouldn't expect to see an increase until October 2025. That said, if your income or household expenses have changed (like higher rent or childcare costs), you could report those changes to potentially increase your benefits.

I think youre confusing CalFresh with CalWORKs maybe?? There was some talk about CalWORKs having a 3% increase this spring, but CalFresh always changes in October from what I remember. I've been on it for 3 years now. Also did you do your SAR7 recently? Sometimes your benefit amount changes after you report income changes.

THE GOVERNMENT ALWAYS DELAYS THESE INCREASES!!!! By the time October comes, inflation will have eaten up any 'increase' they give us. My family of 4 gets $980 and it's BARELY enough for 3 weeks of food. They know food prices are skyrocketing NOW but make us wait 6 more months?? This system is designed to keep us struggling!!

My cousin works for the county and she said theres no increase until October. But she also said if you need more benefits you can ask for an adjustment if your expenses went up like if your rent increased or you have new medical costs or something.

I was trying to call the county about this exact question last week! Spent like 2 hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Super frustrating. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through - they held my place in line and called me back when an actual person was available. Saved me so much time and the worker confirmed the increase won't happen until October. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Worth it when you need to actually talk to someone instead of just getting automated messages.

To clarify some of the confusion: there are two separate things that might affect your CalFresh benefit amount: 1) The annual COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) which happens every October based on the USDA Thrifty Food Plan. This is what determines the maximum benefit amounts for all households. 2) Individual benefit adjustments based on your specific household circumstances (income, expenses, household size). If you were expecting an increase this month specifically, there wasn't a scheduled mid-year adjustment for April 2025. The next programmed increase will be in October 2025. However, if your costs for housing, utilities, childcare, or medical expenses have increased, you can report these changes to your county office at any time, not just on your SAR7. These deductions could potentially increase your monthly benefit amount before October.

wait what do u mean about reporting rent increases? my rent went up $150 but i didn't tell them. can i get more benefits????

I just went through recertification last week and asked this same question! The worker told me October is when the yearly increase happens. She said there was a rumor going around about an April increase but it's not true for CalFresh. Something about fiscal year budgeting at the federal level or whatever. Anyways hope that helps!

Hey everyone! I'm new to CalFresh and this conversation has been super helpful. I was also expecting some kind of increase this month because I saw something on social media about benefit increases, but now I understand it was probably about a different program. It's good to know that if my expenses go up (like rent or utilities), I can report that anytime and potentially get more benefits rather than waiting for the annual October adjustment. Thanks for all the clear explanations - this community is really supportive!