When will CalFresh emergency allotment ($95) be deposited this month? Mine's missing
Has anyone received their extra $95 emergency allotment today? My regular CalFresh benefits hit my EBT card on the 10th like normal, but I'm still waiting on the extra amount they promised for this month. I called the county's automated line and it just says my case is 'active' but nothing about the emergency allotment schedule. My rent just went up $120 and I really need this money for groceries this week. Is there a delay for everyone or just me? The website isn't updated either.
14 comments
Join the conversation
Zainab Khalil
The emergency allotments for CalFresh ended in March 2023... they're not giving those extra payments anymore. It was part of the COVID emergency benefits that Congress stopped. Your regular benefits are all you'll get now. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I went through the same disappointment last year.
0 coins
Miguel Ortiz
•Wait what?? My caseworker literally told me last month we would get the extra $95 this month! Are you 100% sure about this? I've been counting on that money!!
0 coins
QuantumQuest
yea emergency allotments stopped a while back. maybe ur caseworker was talking about something else? or maybe theres a new program i havent heard about?
0 coins
Miguel Ortiz
•This is a nightmare. I specifically asked about extra food money and she said "Yes the extra amount comes on the 15th, separate from your regular deposit." Now I'm really worried about how I'll make it through the month...
0 coins
Connor Murphy
The emergency allotments did end in 2023. However, there could be a few other explanations for what's happening: 1. Your caseworker might have been referring to a supplement for an underpayment or benefit adjustment, not the old emergency allotment 2. You might have recently reported an income change that qualified you for more benefits 3. There could be a county-specific supplemental program (though I haven't heard of any offering exactly $95) I'd recommend calling your county office directly to clarify. When you speak with them, ask specifically what the extra payment was supposed to be for.
0 coins
Miguel Ortiz
•Thank you for the detailed explanation. I've been trying to call all morning but can't get through - just the automated system that keeps disconnecting me after 45 minutes on hold. Is there any other way to find out what's happening with my case?
0 coins
Yara Haddad
Try checking your BenefitsCal account. Sometimes there are notices there that explain benefit changes that you might not have received in the mail yet. Also, screenshot your benefit history so you have a record of what you've received so far this year.
0 coins
Miguel Ortiz
•Just checked BenefitsCal again and there's nothing new. My last notice just shows my regular certification amount. This is so frustrating!
0 coins
Keisha Robinson
I had a similar issue getting through to my county office about a missing payment. I ended up using a service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person in about 10 minutes. Basically they call and wait on hold for you, then call you when they reach a representative. Saved me hours of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8
0 coins
Miguel Ortiz
•Thanks for the tip! I'll check out that service. At this point I'd try anything to actually speak to a real person instead of that awful automated system.
0 coins
Paolo Conti
The $95 minimum emergency allotment ended last year BUT some counties are still doing adjustments and retroactive payments for periods when the allotments were active. My sister just got a retro payment last month for a period when she was underpaid during 2022. Maybe that's what your worker was referring to?
0 coins
Miguel Ortiz
•That makes sense! I did have an issue with my benefits calculation back in November when I started a new job. Maybe she was talking about a correction for that period. I really hope that's the case.
0 coins
Connor Murphy
After reading through all the comments, it sounds like your caseworker might have been referring to a retroactive adjustment rather than a current emergency allotment. I'd suggest: 1. Using the Claimyr service mentioned to get through to a live person 2. Asking specifically about any "pending adjustments" or "benefit corrections" on your case 3. Request they check if there are any supplements scheduled to be issued 4. If there was a miscommunication, ask about emergency food resources in your area that could help this month Also, with your rent increase, you should report that change as it might qualify you for increased regular benefits going forward.
0 coins
Miguel Ortiz
•Thank you SO much for this detailed advice! I used Claimyr and finally got through to my county worker. You were right - she was referring to a retroactive correction for November-December when they calculated my benefits wrong after my job change. She said it's still being processed and should arrive within 10 days. I also reported my rent increase and they'll recalculate my regular benefits. What a relief to finally get answers!
0 coins