Extra CalFresh benefits in October 2025? Heard about seasonal increase but no EBT deposit yet

i got my regular amount too, didnt hear nothin bout extra

There's no scheduled extra CalFresh benefits for October 2025. Your neighbor might be confusing it with one of these things: 1. The regular Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that typically happens each October, but that's already factored into your regular benefit amount 2. The old COVID emergency allotments that ended back in March 2023 3. Some counties occasionally have local food bank distributions or nutrition incentive programs that give extra produce in the fall If you're struggling with your current benefit amount, you might want to check if your situation has changed in a way that would qualify you for more benefits - like decreased income, increased rent/utilities, or new medical expenses. You can report these changes to potentially increase your regular benefit amount.

I think your neighbor might be talking about the P-EBT for school kids?? That's different from regular CalFresh though. My sister's kids got that last week but it's only for families with children who qualify for free/reduced lunch. Did you apply for that? It comes on a separate card not your regular EBT.

I work at a community resource center, and there's definitely no general "extra" CalFresh for October 2025. However, there are a few possibilities your neighbor might be referring to: 1. If you shop at certain farmers markets, many offer "Market Match" programs that double the value of CalFresh benefits (up to $10-20) when buying fresh produce 2. Some grocery stores run seasonal promotions for CalFresh users (though these are rare) 3. Your county might have a local supplement program (some counties offer small additional benefits during certain months) 4. The CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program expanded in some counties recently - if you qualify, you can use benefits at participating restaurants It's worth calling your county office to ask if there are any special programs you might be eligible for. Make sure you've claimed all deductions on your application too - many people don't report their full childcare costs, medical expenses, or excess housing costs, which can increase your benefit amount.

Hey there! I had the same issue trying to reach my CalFresh worker last month - the phone system is AWFUL. I ended up using a service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person in under 5 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. It actually worked! You just visit claimyr.com and they call the office for you, then connect you when they reach a real person. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Totally saved me from wasting another day on hold. My worker was able to tell me about some additional deductions I qualified for that increased my benefits.

MY NIEGHBOR SAID THE SAME THING!!! but when i called they said theres no extra benefits for october. i think people are confusing it with the holidays, some counties do special food distributions through food banks around thanksgiving and christmas but thats not the same as getting extra on ur EBT card P.S. have u checked if ur eligible for the utility allowance? if u didn't claim that when u applied it could boost ur benefits by like $80-100!

Did anyone else just get a text about some CalFresh nutrition workshops that give grocery store gift cards if you attend? I got one yesterday but wasn't sure if it was legit or a scam. It mentioned October being Nutrition Awareness Month or something? Maybe that's what your neighbor heard about - not extra benefits but these gift card incentives for attending workshops?

one time i thought i was gettin extra but it was just cuz i reported income change n they recalculated my benefits... did u do the SAR7 report lately? maybe thats why ur neighbor got more

Based on all the comments here, it seems there's no general extra benefit for October, but there are several possibilities for what your neighbor might be referring to. The most important takeaway is to make sure you're maximizing your regular benefits by reporting: 1. All allowable deductions (childcare, excess medical costs for elderly/disabled household members, child support payments) 2. Utility costs separate from rent (Standard Utility Allowance) 3. Any changes in housing costs 4. Accurate household size and income Also look into local resources that can supplement CalFresh: - Market Match programs at farmers markets - Food bank distributions - CalFresh Healthy Living workshops with incentives If you haven't had a comprehensive review of your case in a while, it's worth connecting with your worker to see if there's anything you're missing that could increase your regular benefit amount.

Just wanted to add - if you're having trouble getting through to your worker, you can also visit your local county office in person. I know it's a hassle with kids, but sometimes they can do a quick review right there and catch things you might have missed on your application. Also, if you have any medical expenses for yourself or your kids (even copays, prescriptions, or over-the-counter stuff a doctor recommended), make sure to report those too. Even small amounts can add up and potentially increase your benefits. Good luck getting this sorted out!