When will CalFresh 3.0 arrive in California? Other states already getting it!

There is no such thing as 'CalFresh 3.0' - I think you might be confusing a few different things. SNAP (what CalFresh is called federally) does have periodic benefit adjustments based on the Thrifty Food Plan, but there's no version 3.0 coming. The last major update was in 2021 when benefits increased by about 21% nationwide, including California. California already receives the same base benefit calculations as other states.

i heard about this 2!!! my friend in arizona said they got some kind of upgrade and her benifits went up by $200 this month!!! california always gets stuff last smh

LOLLL 😂 there's no "CalFresh 3.0" - that's not a thing!! Some TikTok misinformation got you good

Let me clarify what's actually happening with CalFresh benefits. There are annual cost-of-living adjustments each October, not a "3.0 upgrade." For 2025, California's CalFresh benefits did increase slightly based on the federal Thrifty Food Plan calculations. However, if you're struggling with your benefit amount not lasting the month, you should make sure your caseworker has all your current expenses documented - especially housing costs, utilities, childcare, and medical expenses if applicable. These deductions can significantly increase your monthly benefit amount.

I had the same problem with my benefits not lasting - I'm paying $2500 for a tiny 1-bedroom in LA and my CalFresh only covers maybe 2.5 weeks of groceries. I finally got through to my caseworker after DAYS of calling and found out I wasn't getting the utility deduction because I never submitted my electric bill. Once I did, my benefits went up by $175/month! Definitely worth checking if you're getting all possible deductions.

If you're having trouble reaching your CalFresh worker to discuss your benefit calculation, try using Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to actual caseworkers instead of waiting on hold forever. I recommend it to clients all the time when they're struggling to get through the phone systems. You can check out how it works at claimyr.com or watch their demo video at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Much better than waiting for some mythical "3.0" upgrade that doesn't exist!

I think what you might be hearing about is the BenefitsCal system upgrade that happened in some counties? It's not called "3.0" but it did improve the online application process. That might be what people are confusing with benefit amount changes.

Thanks everyone for clearing this up! I feel kinda dumb now, but also relieved I didn't miss something important. I'm definitely going to look into those deductions mentioned because I never submitted my utility bills or updated my rent after it went up. Will try using that Claimyr thing to actually reach someone since calling directly never works. Really appreciate all the responses!