When will extra CalFresh benefits for April 2025 be issued? Any official updates?
Been struggling to make ends meet with my regular CalFresh amount. Last month my EBT only covered about 2.5 weeks of groceries for my family of 4. I heard rumors that they might be issuing supplemental benefits for April due to the regional economic hardship declaration, but haven't seen anything official. Has anyone received notification about extra CalFresh benefits this month? Or heard anything from their county worker about when they might hit our EBT cards? Trying to plan my grocery budget and really hoping for some extra help. 🙏♥️
21 comments
Join the conversation
Kayla Jacobson
idk but i hope so!! my worker said somthing about it when i called bout my recert last week but couldnt give me dates
0 coins
Hannah Flores
•That's at least promising that they mentioned it! Did they say it was definitely happening or just a possibility?
0 coins
William Rivera
I just checked the official California Department of Social Services website this morning. They announced that supplemental CalFresh benefits for April 2025 have been approved, but distribution will vary by county. They're using a staggered issuance schedule between the 15th and 26th of the month based on the case number's last digit. The exact schedule should be posted on your county's DSS website or BenefitsCal portal.
0 coins
Grace Lee
•I checked my county website and saw NOTHING about this. Why do they make everything so complicated? This is why people give up on getting the help they need!
0 coins
William Rivera
•Sometimes the county websites take time to update. You can also call the CalFresh customer service line at 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD) to confirm the schedule for your county specifically. They should have the most up-to-date information.
0 coins
Mia Roberts
I received a text notification yesterday that Alameda County will be issuing supplemental benefits between April 18-24. The text said the amount will be 40% of your regular monthly benefit as emergency assistance due to the economic impact of the recent regional economic hardship declaration. They're using the same staggered schedule based on case numbers that they used for regular benefits. If you haven't received a notification, I'd recommend checking your communication preferences in BenefitsCal to make sure you're set up for text alerts.
0 coins
The Boss
•I'm in Sacramento County and haven't gotten any texts or anything! Is this only for certain counties? Now I'm worried I'm missing out on benefits I should be getting!!
0 coins
Grace Lee
I've been calling my county office EVERY DAY this week trying to get information about this and NOBODY EVER ANSWERS!!! Just the same automated garbage and then disconnect after 45 minutes on hold. How are we supposed to plan our budgets when we can't even find out if/when we're getting benefits? This system is BROKEN!!!
0 coins
Evan Kalinowski
•I was in the exact same situation last month trying to reach someone about my verification documents. Spent hours on hold before getting disconnected. Finally I tried this service called Claimyr - it basically waits on hold for you and calls you back when a real person answers. Saved me so much time and frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8
0 coins
Victoria Charity
Just a quick FYI - these supplemental benefits aren't the same as the emergency allotments we got during COVID. Those ended permanently. These new supplements are specifically tied to the regional economic hardship declaration and are only temporary (just for April and May from what my worker told me). Don't adjust your budget expecting them to continue beyond that!
0 coins
Kayla Jacobson
•wait so is this different from the regular calfresh?? i'm so confused about all these different benefits
0 coins
Victoria Charity
•Yes, this is different. Your regular CalFresh comes monthly based on your household size, income, expenses, etc. This is an ADDITIONAL payment (40% extra) just for April and May because of economic hardship in certain counties. It's temporary, not permanent.
0 coins
William Rivera
I just want to clarify something important - if you're over your Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) and haven't reported it, you may not receive these supplemental benefits. Make sure your income information is up-to-date on your last SAR7 or recertification. Counties are reviewing eligibility before issuing the supplemental benefits.
0 coins
Hannah Flores
•Thanks for mentioning this! I submitted my SAR7 last month with updated income, so should be good. Really hoping this extra 40% comes through - would be a huge help for my family right now.
0 coins
The Boss
my benefits just hit my card!!! just checked and got the extra 40%!! im in san diego county and my case number ends in 3 if that helps anyone figure out when theirs might come
0 coins
Hannah Flores
•That's great news! Thanks for sharing. Mine ends in 7 so I'm guessing it'll be a few more days for me. Congrats on getting yours! 🎉
0 coins
Kayla Jacobson
did anyone else get email saying they need to submit proof of rent or utilities to qualify for the extra benefits?? is this a scam??
0 coins
Mia Roberts
•That sounds suspicious. The supplemental benefits should be automatic based on your current CalFresh eligibility. I'd recommend not clicking any links in that email and calling your county office directly to verify. Official communications about CalFresh usually come through BenefitsCal notifications, physical mail, or text messages if you've opted in - not email requests for documentation.
0 coins
Hannah Flores
UPDATE: My supplemental benefits just loaded onto my EBT card this morning! I'm in Contra Costa County with a case number ending in 7. It was exactly 40% of my regular benefit amount. Such a relief! Hope everyone else gets theirs soon too!
0 coins
Victoria Charity
•Thanks for the update! I'm case ending in 9, so hopefully mine comes in the next day or two. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here so we can track when benefits are actually hitting accounts.
0 coins
Amina Sy
Just wanted to share that I'm still waiting for mine in Riverside County (case ending in 4). Called the customer service line this morning and they confirmed the supplemental benefits are rolling out through April 26th based on case numbers. The rep said if you don't see yours by the 26th, then call back to check on any issues with your account. Fingers crossed everyone gets theirs soon! This extra help will make such a difference for so many families struggling right now.
0 coins