When do extra CalFresh emergency allotments end in 2025?

Yes, unfortunately the emergency allotments are scheduled to end next month according to the notice I received. This is happening statewide, not just in your county. The extra amount was always temporary - they've extended it a few times since the original emergency declaration, but the federal funding is finally ending. Your benefits won't drop below your regular calculated amount ($275 in your case), but you won't get the maximum for your household size anymore.

this is BS!!! been getting the max amount for like 3 years now and sudddenly they just take it away?? my kids gonna go hungry bc of this. typical goverment BS!

I got my notice in the mail last week about this too. The letter said the last extra payment will be on May 16th, 2025. After that, we go back to the regular calculated amount based on our income and expenses. Make sure you're reporting all your deductions like rent/utilities correctly on your SAR7 and recertification to get the maximum regular benefit you qualify for.

my sister works for the county and she said theyre ending it bcuz they wanna save money. same reason they making it harder to get approved now too with all the extra paperwork

To help maximize your regular benefit amount after the emergency allotments end, make sure you're reporting ALL your expenses during your recertification and on your SAR7: 1. Full housing costs (rent/mortgage) 2. All utility costs (especially if you pay for heating/cooling separately) 3. Childcare expenses 4. Medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members 5. Child support payments if required Many people don't realize that these deductions can significantly increase your regular benefit amount. You might want to contact your county worker to update your expense information before your next recertification or SAR7 is due.

When I tried calling my county office to ask about this last week, I kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold for like 45 minutes! So frustrating! I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that someone on another thread recommended. They got me connected to a real worker in about 10 minutes instead of hours. The worker confirmed the emergency allotments are ending and helped me update my expenses to maximize my regular benefit. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

I just had my recertification interview yesterday and my worker told me about this too. She said we should all have received a notice about it in the mail. Did anyone else not get this? I swear they never sent me anything about it untill the interview.

To clarify for everyone: You can report changes to your expenses at any time, not just when your SAR7 or recertification is due. Call your county office to report higher utility bills, childcare costs, or rent increases. These updates could help increase your regular benefit amount to partially offset the loss of emergency allotments. Also, if your income has decreased recently, definitely report that right away. You don't have to wait for your reporting period if your income goes down.

Another option to help make up the difference - check if your kids qualify for the School Lunch program. If they get free school meals, that can help stretch your food budget a bit. Also look into local food banks. I've been using one that gives out fresh produce twice a month and it really helps supplement my CalFresh benefits.

You can find your local food banks by texting your zip code to 898-211 or by visiting www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank. Many don't have income requirements - they're open to anyone who needs food assistance. Also, after the emergency allotments end, you might see your benefit amount adjust slightly with the annual cost of living increase scheduled for October 2025. It won't make up for the emergency allotment loss, but every little bit helps.

I'm in the same boat as you @ElectricDreamer - single parent struggling with this news. One thing that helped me was requesting a copy of my benefit calculation from my worker so I could see exactly how they arrived at my regular amount. Turns out I was missing some deductions that could boost my base benefit by about $80/month. Also, if you're working, make sure they're using the correct earned income deduction (20% of gross earnings). Sometimes errors happen and it's worth double-checking. The WIC program might also help if your kids are under 5 - it provides specific foods like milk, eggs, and cereal that can free up some of your CalFresh budget for other items.