Last emergency CalFresh allotment coming March 2023 - how to budget after it ends?

Yes, this is true. The emergency allotments are ending because the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 discontinued them. March 2023 is the final month. Your regular benefit amount will depend on your household size, income, and expenses - but just to clarify, are you sure your regular benefit will be $370? That seems low for a household that was getting the maximum $1,116. Have you had any income increases recently that might have affected your base amount?

omg i had no clue these were ending!!! no1 told me anything about this!! is this for real or just a rumor??

I asked my eligibility worker about this last week. She said the last emergency allotment will be loaded around March 25th for my county, but it varies by county. You should get a letter in the mail explaining this sometime in February if you haven't already. It's going to be so hard for my kiddos to understand why we suddenly can't get as much food. Going to have to stretch everything further now.

To help manage the transition back to standard benefits, here are a few tips that might help: 1. If your income has changed since your last certification, make sure all your deductions are properly reported (rent/mortgage, utilities, childcare costs, medical expenses for seniors/disabled). These can significantly increase your base benefit amount. 2. Look into school meal programs if you have children - California has expanded free school meal access for 2025. 3. Consider applying for WIC if you have children under 5 or are pregnant. 4. Food banks have expanded their services to help families affected by this change. 5. File your taxes ASAP to get any tax refunds/credits that might help during this transition. If you think your base benefit amount is incorrect, you can request a recalculation by submitting verification of your expenses.

This change is a DISGRACE! My family will lose over $900 in monthly benefits going from emergency allotment to regular! The government is cutting help right when inflation is at record highs?? My grocery costs have doubled but my benefit is getting CUT?! What are we supposed to do?? The regular benefit amount was calculated using pre-inflation food costs and doesn't COME CLOSE to covering what a family needs now. I'm so furious about this!

I just went grocery shopping yesterday and bought a bunch of rice, beans, pasta, frozen veggies, and other stuff that lasts a long time. Trying to stock up before the emergency benefits end. If anyone else is doing this, Dollar Tree has some decent prices on canned goods and Grocery Outlet had good deals on frozen items.

Important information for everyone concerned about this change: Your regular CalFresh benefit amount is based on your household size, income, and expenses. If your circumstances have changed since your last certification or SAR7 report, you should contact your county office immediately. Specifically, make sure they have accurate information about: - Your current rent/mortgage amount - Utility costs (you may qualify for the Standard Utility Allowance) - Childcare or dependent care expenses - Medical expenses over $35/month for elderly or disabled household members - Child support payments Each of these deductions can significantly increase your base benefit amount. Don't wait until your next SAR7 or recertification to report these changes if they'll help your benefit calculation.

Has anyone received an official letter from CalFresh about the exact date in March when the emergency allotments will be issued? Some counties seem to be doing it early March, others late March. I need to plan my budget very carefully with this change.