Just approved for CalFresh in January - will I get extra benefits this month?

congrats on getting approved! but theres no more extra allotments since the covid emergency ended. your neighbor prob talking about the old pandemic benefits but those gone now

The extra emergency allotments your neighbor mentioned were part of the pandemic response, but those ended in early 2023. Currently, there are no recurring "extra" payments for CalFresh recipients. What you receive monthly is based on your household size, income, and expenses. However, there are a few situations where you might receive additional benefits: 1. If you report a decrease in income or increase in expenses (like higher rent or childcare costs) on your SAR7 (Semi-Annual Report) or at recertification 2. Some counties occasionally provide additional benefits during disasters like wildfires or flooding if you live in affected areas 3. If your initial benefits were prorated because you applied mid-month, your first full month might seem "extra" compared to your partial first payment As a single parent with 2 kids, make sure you reported all your deductible expenses during application, including childcare costs, medical expenses over $35 for elderly or disabled household members, and excess shelter costs. These can increase your monthly benefit amount.

My sister got approved in December and they gave her retroactive benefits for some reason. Maybe you should check with your caseworker about that? Some ppl get back pay I think.

You should DEFINITELY report your childcare expenses!!! I didn't know they counted either when I first applied and was getting way less than I should have. When I finally reported my $950/month daycare costs at recertification, my benefits increased by almost $200!!! Don't wait for the SAR7 - call them NOW and get those expenses counted asap. The system is designed to give you the minimum unless you know exactly what to ask for!!

I tried calling my county office for weeks to update my childcare expenses too, but I could never get through - just got disconnected or stuck on hold forever. I finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person in about 15 minutes. They basically call for you and then connect you when they reach a worker. Saved me hours of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Might be worth it to get your childcare expenses added sooner rather than waiting for the SAR7, especially since that could mean more benefits starting next month instead of waiting months.

Just to clarify some of the information in this thread: 1. Regular CalFresh benefits are issued once monthly based on your household's size, income, and eligible deductions. There are no scheduled "extra" payments. 2. Childcare expenses are absolutely a deductible expense and can significantly increase your benefit amount. You don't need to wait for your SAR7 - you can report this change at any time since it will likely increase your benefits. 3. When you report increased expenses, the change typically takes effect the following month after verification. So it's better to report sooner rather than waiting. 4. For a single parent household with 2 children, the maximum CalFresh benefit for 2025 is $771/month if you have very low income and qualify for the maximum. Most households receive less than the maximum. 5. Keep all receipts for your childcare expenses as the county will likely request verification before adjusting your benefits.

I'm confused about this whole SAR7 thing too...is that the same as recertification? I got a packet in the mail but I'm not sure if I'm supposed to fill it out or wait for recertification. Does everybody have to do the SAR7?

I called the county office today and finally got through after trying several times. They updated my information to include the childcare expenses! The worker said my benefits will increase starting next month by about $175. I'm so glad I asked here instead of just assuming what my neighbor said about extra benefits. The childcare deduction is actually going to help way more in the long run. Thank you everyone for your help!