Why didn't we get the $95 emergency allotment as seniors on CalFresh? Maximum benefits confusion
Hi everyone, I'm really confused about the emergency allotment for CalFresh. My husband and I are seniors and we received our regular maximum benefit amount ($459) for this month, but I keep hearing about an additional $95 emergency supplement that other households are getting. We didn't receive this extra amount. Is this something we need to specifically request from our county worker? Our Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) is listed as N/A on our approval letter since we're on fixed income. Do senior households qualify differently? Any help would be appreciated as every bit helps with groceries getting so expensive lately.
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Yuki Ito
The emergency allotments actually ended in April 2023, almost two years ago. You might be seeing outdated information online or hearing about old policies. All households are now just receiving their regular CalFresh benefit amounts based on household size, income, and expenses. There is no more $95 minimum emergency supplement being added to anyone's EBT cards now in 2025.
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Ethan Taylor
•Oh! That makes sense. I was reading some posts in a Facebook group and didn't realize they were so outdated. Thank you for clearing that up. Do you know if there are any other supplements or programs seniors on fixed income should look into for food assistance now?
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Carmen Lopez
im pretty sure the emergency thing ended after COVID. nobody gets that anymore i think
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Andre Dupont
•You're correct. The emergency allotments were a pandemic benefit that provided extra CalFresh benefits (minimum $95) to all households. That program ended nationwide in April 2023. Currently in 2025, all households just receive their regular calculated benefit amount.
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QuantumQuasar
I had the same confusion last year! Those emergency allotments were amazing while they lasted, but unfortunately they're gone now. Since you mentioned you're seniors, have you applied for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance for Seniors program? It's different from regular CalFresh and offers additional benefits for qualifying seniors. My parents get about $75 extra per month through that program, and the income limits are slightly higher than regular CalFresh.
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Ethan Taylor
•I've never heard of that program! Is that something we apply for through the same county office? We're definitely interested in any extra help we can get with groceries these days.
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QuantumQuasar
•Yes, usually the same county office handles it. Just call and ask specifically about the senior nutrition supplement program. Bring documentation of your medical expenses too - those can significantly increase your benefit amount!
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Zoe Papanikolaou
the $95 thing ended loooong ago sorry
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Ethan Taylor
•Thanks for letting me know. Guess I was looking at outdated information!
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Jamal Wilson
The emergency allotments were discontinued, but there's something else you should check! Since you mentioned you're seniors, make sure all your medical expenses are being counted as deductions. Many seniors don't realize that out-of-pocket medical costs over $35/month (including prescription copays, medicare premiums, transportation to appointments, etc.) can significantly increase your regular CalFresh benefit amount. It's worth calling your county to verify they have all your medical expenses on file. I tried calling my county office about this same issue last month and kept getting disconnected, but I finally got through using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They reserve your place in line and call you back when a worker is available. Saved me hours of hold time! There's a quick video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8
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Ethan Taylor
•That's actually a great tip about the medical expenses! We definitely have more than $35/month with my husband's medications and my doctor visits. I'll check out that service too - I've wasted so much time on hold only to get disconnected.
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Mei Lin
this is why i HATE the calfresh system!!! they keep changing the rules and not telling anyone. first they give extra benefits then they take them away with NO NOTICE!!! how are we supposed to budget???
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Yuki Ito
•The emergency allotments actually ended with plenty of notice - counties sent letters to all recipients several months before the program ended in 2023. But I understand your frustration. Changes to benefits can be really disruptive, especially for those on fixed incomes.
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Mei Lin
•well i never got NO letter!!! and i bet the OP didnt either. typical government BS
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QuantumQuasar
Just to add one more thing - if you're seniors on fixed income and your IRT is N/A, you might want to check if you qualify for simplified reporting. Some seniors only need to report changes once a year instead of submitting the SAR7 every six months. Makes the paperwork burden much lighter!
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Ethan Taylor
•We actually do have simplified reporting! That's been such a blessing. We only have to do the annual recertification paperwork. I just wish they'd make the whole system easier to understand.
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