Will CalFresh benefits continue during government shutdown? Conflicting info from my caseworker

Don't worry! CalFresh benefits will continue even during a government shutdown. CalFresh (SNAP nationally) is considered an essential service with mandatory funding. Your EBT card will still be loaded on your regular issuance date. I work with benefits advocacy and can confirm this information is accurate for 2025. The only services that might be impacted are new applications or changes that require processing - those might see delays if offices are short-staffed, but existing benefits will continue without interruption.

My sister works at welfare office and she said they still working during shutdowns. They have skeleton crew but EBT cards still get money. SSI checks still go out to. Don't believe everything caseworkers say sometimes they don't even know whats happening.

YOUR CASEWORKER IS WRONG AND CAUSING UNNECESSARY PANIC!! This makes me so angry. CalFresh is an ENTITLEMENT program that continues during government shutdowns. I went through this same panic during the 2019 shutdown and again in 2023. Benefits ALWAYS continued. Your EBT card will work NORMALLY. This is why people get so stressed about benefits - because misinformation spreads from the very people who should know better!!! 😡

I'm so confused about this too!! My neighbor said her CalWORKS might stop but her CalFresh would continue? But aren't they the same thing? And what about people applying right now? My daughter just had a baby and submitted her application last week. Will she even get approved during a shutdown?

just had my interview yesterday and the worker told me everything is proceeding as normal. she said they've had training about what happens if government shuts down and benefit loading on EBT cards is automatic system so it keeps going no matter what. only thing that might slow down is if you need to talk to actual humans lol

shutdowns are all politics man. they always say essential services continue and food benefits are essential. happened in 2023 and my ebt card got loaded same as always. dont stress

To add some clarity: CalFresh benefits are secured with funding through the Farm Bill and other mandatory appropriations that don't require annual renewal during budget fights. The benefits themselves will continue automatically. What DOES get affected during shutdowns: staffing at county offices, processing of new applications, handling of changes, and sometimes recertification interviews. Your scheduled interview might still happen, but if it gets postponed due to staffing issues, they typically extend your certification period so you don't lose benefits while waiting. If you're worried about reaching your worker during this time and keep getting sent to voicemail, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps you get through to CalFresh workers faster by navigating the phone systems. I used it during the last shutdown when I couldn't get through for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

I've been through THREE government shutdowns while on CalFresh and never once had an interruption. Here's what happens: 1. Benefits load automatically - GUARANTEED 2. Existing cases continue normally 3. County offices stay open (they're state/county funded) 4. Some federal employees who process certain verifications might be furloughed 5. Applications and changes might take longer Your recertification interview will likely still happen, though maybe with delays. If shutdown actually happens, call your county office directly to confirm your appointment is still on. Don't rely on caseworkers who spread panic!

When the shutdown happened in 2023, my recertification got delayed by almost 3 weeks! But they still gave me benefits during that time and then when they processed everything they just backdated it. So even if your interview gets postponed you should still get your food money. I was so worried about feeding my kids too but it worked out okay.

i was on calfresh during shutdown in 2019 and my money came on time every month. same day as always. never missed once.

As someone who's been through multiple shutdowns while receiving CalFresh, I can confirm what others are saying - your benefits WILL continue! The EBT system is automated and federally protected. I've never missed a payment in 4 years, even during the longest shutdown in 2019. Your caseworker probably meant well but gave you incorrect information. For your recertification next week, I'd suggest calling your county office Monday morning to confirm the appointment is still scheduled. Even if there are delays, they typically extend your benefits automatically so you don't go without food. Don't panic - you and your kids will be fed! 💙

I went through this exact same panic in 2019 when my caseworker told me benefits might be interrupted during the shutdown. Turns out she was completely wrong - my EBT card loaded normally every single month during that 35-day shutdown! CalFresh is considered mandatory spending and the system runs automatically. Even if your county office has reduced staff for your recert interview, they'll work with you to reschedule and won't let your benefits lapse. I have 2 kids myself so I totally understand the fear, but you can breathe easy - your family will not go hungry during a shutdown. The misinformation from caseworkers during these times is honestly inexcusable given how much stress it causes families.

I've been receiving CalFresh for about 2 years now and went through the 2023 shutdown situation. Can confirm that benefits continued normally - my EBT card was loaded on schedule every month without any issues. The automated system that handles benefit disbursements is separate from the political budget battles in Washington. What I learned during that time is that CalFresh (SNAP) is considered an "entitlement program" which means it has mandatory funding that doesn't get affected by temporary shutdowns. The only thing that might be impacted is if you need to speak with a caseworker for changes or new applications, since offices might be short-staffed. But your existing benefits will keep coming. Your caseworker really shouldn't have scared you like that - it's frustrating when the people who are supposed to help us spread unnecessary panic instead of facts.