Do CalFresh recipients get benefit increase for each child or just one per household?

You should definitely report your new household member! CalFresh benefits are based on household size and income, so each additional person (including babies) can increase your benefit amount. The calculation looks at total household income against the number of people. More people = higher maximum benefit amount. You need to report this change to your county office within 10 days. You can do this through BenefitsCal online, but honestly calling is better for something like adding a household member.

congrats on ur baby!! i got an extra $175 when i had my 2nd kid last year. but i think it depends on ur income and stuff

The system is so broken. When I added my niece to my household last year, I called 14 TIMES before getting through. And then they asked for so much verification - birth certificate, proof she lives with me, school records, EVERYTHING. Took almost 2 months to actually see the increase in benefits. Good luck!

Each child counts as a separate household member for the CalFresh benefit calculation. For 2025, a household of 3 with your income level would likely receive between $650-725 in monthly benefits, depending on your exact income, housing costs, and any child care expenses you might have. Make sure when you report the change that you include: - Baby's birth certificate - Your current income verification - Any childcare expenses for either child - Medical expenses for the newborn if applicable You can also ask them to expedite the change since it involves a newborn. Benefits should be prorated from the date you report the change, not when they process it.

my sister just had twins and they only gave her like $100 more total not $100 each baby which seems wrong to me

Don't forget to also apply for WIC if you haven't already! CalFresh is great but WIC specifically helps with formula and baby food costs, and you can receive both benefits simultaneously. My CalFresh increased about $120/month when I added my second child last year, but having WIC too was a huge help for the formula costs specifically.

did u do ur SAR7 report yet?? cuz if ur due for that soon u can just wait and add the baby on that form maybe

Congratulations on your new baby! Yes, you should definitely get an increase for your second child. CalFresh benefits are calculated based on household size, so each additional person (including babies) increases your maximum benefit amount. The increase won't be as much as when you first added your 3-year-old because of how the benefit formula works, but you should still see a decent bump - probably around $120-180 more per month based on what others have shared. Make sure to report the change within 10 days of the birth and have your baby's birth certificate ready. You can try calling during off-peak hours (like mid-morning on weekdays) to avoid the longest wait times. Don't give up - that extra money will really help with all the new baby expenses!

Congratulations on your new baby! You should definitely see an increase in your CalFresh benefits. Each person in your household counts toward the benefit calculation, so adding your newborn will bump up your monthly amount. Based on what others have shared here, you're probably looking at an extra $120-180 per month. I'd recommend calling first thing in the morning (like 8:30am) or right after lunch around 1pm - those tend to be less busy times. Have your baby's birth certificate ready and mention any childcare costs for your 3-year-old since that can also affect your benefit amount. The increase should be backdated to when you report the change, not when they finally process it, so don't delay! Good luck getting through to them.