Rumor about CalFresh benefit increase in 2025 - is this true?

I think what ur hearing about is the annual COLA (cost of living adjustment) that usually happens in October each year. It's not really a "boost" but they adjust the amounts based on inflation. Last year it was only like 3% which didn't help much with how expensive everything got!!! My worker told me they don't know the exact percentage until September so nobody knows yet how much more we'll get.

There's actually two different adjustments that happen. The annual COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) usually happens October 1st each year based on the Consumer Price Index. But there's also the Maximum Benefit Allotment review that's done annually. For 2025, early predictions suggest it might be higher than normal due to the significant food inflation we've experienced. Last I heard from reliable sources, they're projecting about 6-8% increase, but nothing is official until USDA announces it later this year.

This happens EVERY year people get excited about increases but then its always so small it doesnt matter!!! I got a whole $12 more last oct wow thanks so much! Meanwhile my rent went up $150 and groceries cost like 30% more but sure give me $12 more 🙄

I work with a community organization that partners with county services, and what you're probably hearing about is the TANF/CalWORKs increase that was recently announced, not CalFresh (though they often get confused). CalFresh adjustments typically happen October 1st when the federal fiscal year begins. For a family of 4, the maximum CalFresh benefit for 2024 is $973. If you're receiving $675, that means you have some countable income reducing your maximum allotment. Any percentage increase would apply to the maximum amount before deductions, so your actual increase might be proportional to your current benefit level. The exact increase percentage hasn't been announced yet. They usually announce it in August for October implementation.

It will happen automatically - no action needed on your part. The system will recalculate everyone's benefits with the new amounts. You'll probably get a notice in September telling you about your new benefit amount starting October.

If you're struggling with current benefit levels while waiting for any potential increase, make sure you're claiming all possible deductions on your SAR7 and recertification. Many families miss out on higher benefits because they don't report all qualifying expenses. Specifically: 1. Dependent care costs (childcare while you're in school counts!) 2. Medical expenses over $35 for elderly or disabled household members 3. Child support payments 4. Housing costs (rent/mortgage, property taxes, insurance) 5. Utility costs (using the Standard Utility Allowance is usually best) Also verify your gross income is being correctly reduced by the 20% earned income deduction before calculating benefits.

Yes! Childcare costs while you attend school absolutely count as a deduction. $850/month is significant and could potentially increase your benefits substantially. You should report this on your next SAR7 or call your caseworker to update your case information right away. Bring documentation of payments if you have it.

Just wanted to mention, when I needed to reach my worker about something similar last year (unreported expense), I spent daaaays trying to get through on the county phone lines. Always disconnected after waiting forever 😤 I finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through in like 15 mins! It basically calls for you and then connects when a human answers. Saved me so much frustration. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or their website claimyr.com

To answer your question about reporting now vs. waiting: You can report increases in deductible expenses at any time, not just on your SAR7. It's considered a "change that increases benefits" which you're allowed (but not required) to report mid-period. Since childcare expenses can significantly impact your benefit calculation, I'd recommend reporting it now rather than waiting until September.

my benefits went up like $75 last october but then in january they went down $30 cause of something about my work hours so dont get too excited even when they increase stuff something else always changes to take it away lol

My friend got a flyer about some town hall meeting where they are discussing the benefits increase. I think its happening at the community center next week. Maybe you could go and ask questions?

I'm new to CalFresh and this thread has been super helpful! Just wanted to add that I found the official USDA Food and Nutrition Service website has a section where they post the annual benefit adjustments once they're finalized. It's usually updated around late August/early September. The URL is fns.usda.gov if anyone wants to bookmark it for official updates rather than relying on rumors. Also, @Hailey O'Leary definitely report that childcare expense ASAP - that could make a huge difference in your monthly benefits while you're waiting for any COLA increase!