Confused about CalFresh Emergency Allotments in 2025 - are they still happening?

Emergency Allotments were temporary increases to CalFresh benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, but those ended permanently in March 2023. Your neighbor was likely referring to those pandemic-era additional payments. Currently, CalFresh only provides the regular monthly benefit amount based on your household size, income, and expenses. The $368 you received is your standard monthly benefit that should be deposited on the same day each month according to the last digit of your case number.

they stoped the extra benefits AGES ago!! wish they'd bring em back with how much eggs cost now lol. but ya its just the regular amount now once a month thats it

The emergency allotments were discontinued in 2023 as part of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act. However, there are ways you might qualify for additional CalFresh benefits without emergency allotments: 1. Make sure all your expenses are reported on your application/recertification (housing costs, utilities, childcare, medical expenses for elderly/disabled) 2. Report any decrease in income right away using the SAR 3 form 3. If your household composition changes (someone moves in/out), report it as this could increase benefits 4. Check if you qualify for expedited services if you're in immediate need Your regular benefit amount is based on your specific household circumstances. The maximum for a household of 2 in 2025 is around $535, so if you're receiving $368, that means your income is being factored in.

I had the same exact question when I first got on CalFresh! My cousin kept telling me about these "extra payments" she used to get but I never saw them. Turns out she was talking about the pandemic thing that ended. Now we just get regular benefits once a month on the same day based on your case number. Mine come on the 11th every month without fail.

If you need to update your expenses to potentially increase your benefits, I'd recommend using Claimyr to reach your county worker quickly. I was in the same situation last month - needed to add my utilities and childcare expenses but couldn't get through on the county phone line. Used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got a call back from an actual worker in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Adding those expenses increased my monthly CalFresh by $76, which makes a huge difference. Definitely worth updating your information!

one thing nobdy mentioned is that the regular benefit amounts DID increase a little this year. not like the emergency ones but they go up with inflation. so ur getting a bit more than u woulda 2 years ago at least!

To update your information, you have three options: 1. Online through BenefitsCal.com (easiest method) 2. Call your county office (can be time-consuming) 3. Visit your local county office in person Reporting utilities is important because CalFresh uses the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) of $524 in California for 2025 if you pay heating or cooling costs. This deduction can significantly increase your benefits because it reduces your countable income. You don't need to wait for your next SAR7 or recertification to report this - it's considered a change that could increase benefits, so you can report it anytime.

The whole CalFresh system is SO CONFUSING with all these rules and forms!!! I've been on it for 2 years and STILL don't understand half of what they send me. I just know my benefits come on the 6th and I pray they don't randomly cut me off for some paperwork I didn't know I was supposed to fill out. The county workers act like we're supposed to be experts on all this stuff!