Missing my CalFresh Inflation Relief payment - how to check status in 2025?

Same boat here. Been waiting 6 weeks now! Called twice and both times they just said 'it's being processed' whatever that means 🙄

Did they give you any timeline? The lady I finally reached just kept saying 'keep checking your EBT balance' which isn't helpful at all.

The inflation relief payments for CalFresh are being distributed in batches based on case numbers, not all at once. The official timeline shows distribution through June 2025, so some people won't receive theirs until later phases. You can check your status by logging into your BenefitsCal account and going to the 'Notices' section - there should be a document showing your scheduled payment date. If nothing appears there, you can also call your county office directly and ask for the 'special payments department' - they're handling these relief payments separately from regular benefits.

Thank you so much! I checked BenefitsCal and there's nothing in my Notices section. I'll try calling the county office tomorrow.

I tried calling my county office 5 times last week and couldnt get past the automated system. so frustrating!!

try using claimyr.com to get through to the county office - it's the only way I managed to get my inflation payment issue resolved. Their system calls for you and holds your place in line, then calls you back when a real person picks up. Totally worth it after I wasted 3 hours on hold over 2 days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

I've never heard of this! Does it actually work? I'm desperate at this point.

Yeah, it worked for me. I got through to someone who could actually check my payment status instead of just the frontline people who read from scripts. Turns out my address wasn't matching exactly between systems, which was causing the delay.

Just to clarify some misconceptions - the CalFresh Inflation Relief Payment is NOT automatic for everyone. You need to have been receiving benefits continuously from January through March 2025 to qualify for the current phase. If you had any gaps in service or just started receiving benefits recently, you'll be in the second phase (July-September payout). \n\nAlso important: if you've changed addresses or your EBT card was replaced in the last 3 months, that can cause delays. The distribution is based on old data snapshots, so changes can create mismatches requiring manual review.

Oh no... I did have my EBT card replaced in February after my wallet was stolen. That might explain it. Thanks for the information!

Honestly the whole inflation relief system is such a joke. They announce these big helpful payments then make it IMPOSSIBLE to actually get them!!! I called 15 TIMES about mine and got different info each time. First they said I was getting it, then not eligible, then eligible again, then they claimed they sent it but nothing on my card. FINALLY got a supervisor who admitted there was a SYSTEM ERROR affecting thousands of people!!!

this is so typical of how they treat us. promise money then make it impossible to get! did the supervisor say when they'd fix the system error??

Supposedly

i got mine but it was only $185 not the $250 they said on the news? anybody else get less than they were expectin

The amount varies based on household size and benefit level. Single-person households generally receive $185, while larger households get up to $250. If you believe your amount is incorrect based on your household composition, you should contact your county worker with your case details.

Another thing to check - make sure you've completed your most recent SAR7 form. I found out the hard way that even though the inflation relief is separate from regular benefits, having an incomplete semi-annual report can delay ALL payments to your account, including special payments. My worker told me they can't override this system limitation even for the relief payment.

I did submit my SAR7 in April, but maybe there was an issue with it? I'll definitely ask about that when I call. Thanks for the tip!

anybody know if we get the inflation payment if we're getting both CalFresh AND CalWorks? or do we only get one payment?

If you receive both CalFresh and CalWORKs, you'll get separate inflation relief payments for each program, but they're distributed on different schedules. The CalWORKs payment should appear as a separate deposit to your EBT card, labeled differently from your CalFresh relief payment. Check your EBT transaction history to see if one has already been deposited.

Update: I finally got through to someone at the county office! They confirmed my payment was delayed because of my card replacement in February. They're manually processing it now and I should see it on my EBT card within 5-7 business days. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

congrats! how did u finally get through to them?? im still trying😫

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Didn't want to spend the money but after trying for 3 days on my own, it was worth it to finally get an answer.