Confused if CalFresh recipients get the new California stimulus payment this weekend?

Nope, this is one of those misunderstandings that happens ALL the time. CalFresh benefits and stimulus payments are completely different programs. CalFresh comes from your county office through CDSS, but stimulus payments would be from the state tax board (FTB). They wouldn't go on your EBT card either way.

I work as a benefits counselor, and I can confirm there is no new California stimulus program currently being distributed. The last state stimulus program was the Middle Class Tax Refund in 2022-2023. Your neighbor might be confused with regular CalFresh benefits which are distributed on a schedule based on the last digit of your case number (1st through 10th of each month). If you're running low on benefits, make sure you've reported all allowable deductions on your last SAR7 or recertification - things like childcare costs, medical expenses for elderly/disabled household members, and housing costs can increase your benefit amount.

OMG I heard the SAME THING and was so excited!!!! Called my mom and everything telling her we're getting $$$ this weekend. So disappointing if its not real 😭

Going through exactly this with my mom right now - she's convinced she's getting an "extra CalFresh payment" tomorrow. I had to show her the official CDSS website to prove there's no stimulus announced. These rumors pop up every few months, usually confusing regular payment schedules with "new money." For anyone who needs it, you can check your actual CalFresh balance and deposit date by calling the number on the back of your EBT card or using the BenefitsCal app/website.

I always have trouble reaching anyone at the county when I need to check on rumors like this. After spending HOURS trying to get through last month about a similar issue, I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a live CalFresh worker in about 15 minutes. Just had to go to claimyr.com and they called the county office for me, waited on hold, then connected me when a worker picked up. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Saved me so much frustration and I was able to get official info directly from my county worker.

this happens EVERY TIME theres any news about money. rememer when everyone said calfresh was giving double benefits forever after covid? or when they said we were all getting extra emergency allotments last fall? ppl just make stuff up or misunderstand and it spreads like crazy. if you want REAL info call your county not your neighbor lol

Regarding your follow-up question about childcare costs - you don't need to wait until your next SAR7. You can report an expense like childcare at any time as it could increase your benefits. Call your county office and ask to report an expense change, or submit the information through the BenefitsCal portal if your county uses it. Bring documentation of your childcare costs (receipts or a statement from your provider). Since you just completed recertification, getting this updated quickly could mean several months of higher benefits before your next reporting period.

the government IS giving out money but not to us poor folks on calfresh lol. all goes to the rich and corporations while we get the scraps. my benefits keep going down every year but grocery prices up 50%!!

I asked my county worker about this stimulus thing when I was doing my SAR7 yesterday and she laughed and said they've been getting calls all week about it. Definitely not real! She said whenever there's actually a new program they send official notices through mail and text if you're signed up.

This is such a good reminder to always verify information through official channels first! I've fallen for similar rumors before and it's so disappointing when you're counting on that extra money. For anyone who wants to stay updated on actual CalFresh changes, you can sign up for text alerts through your county office or follow the official CDSS social media accounts. They're pretty good about announcing real program updates there. Also, if you're struggling with low benefits like the original poster, don't forget about local food banks and pantries - many don't have income restrictions and can help stretch your grocery budget between EBT deposits.

I'm new to CalFresh and this community, but I've learned the hard way to always check official sources first! When I first started receiving benefits, I believed every rumor I heard and it caused so much stress. Now I bookmark the CDSS website and my county's benefits page so I can quickly fact-check things. It's really frustrating how these fake stimulus rumors spread so fast on social media - I think people share them because they genuinely want to help others, but it just creates false hope. Thanks to everyone who took the time to clarify this for those of us who might have gotten confused!