Will CalFresh seniors get maximum allotment again with new mask mandates? (No kids, retired)

the emergency allotments ended permanently in march 2023 so i dont think they coming back even with new mask rules. my mom is senior too and she was so upset when they cut it

Unfortunately, the emergency allotments were tied to specific federal emergency declarations that ended, not just local mask mandates. Those extra benefits were part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act which has expired. Even with new mask mandates, CalFresh benefits are now back to being calculated based solely on household size, income, and expenses using the standard formula. Since you mentioned you're seniors on fixed income, make sure you're getting all the deductions you're entitled to. Medical expenses over $35 monthly that aren't reimbursed can increase your benefit amount. This includes prescription costs, medical transportation, and Medicare premiums. Have you reported all these expenses on your last recertification or SAR7?

Yes, definitely bring ALL medical receipts to your recertification! I work with seniors on benefits and this is the #1 thing most people miss. Even $200 in monthly unreimbursed medical costs can potentially increase your CalFresh by $30-60 per month. Make sure to track: - Prescription copays - Over-the-counter medications your doctor recommends - Medical appointment copays - Mileage to/from medical appointments (keep a log) - Health insurance premiums - Medical equipment not covered by insurance - Dental expenses Have you been receiving Senior Food Boxes from your local food bank? Those are separate from CalFresh and available to low-income seniors.

i heard that if u wer getting the max amount before th pandemic they aint giving u nothing extra anyway!!!! my neighbor said the only people who got extra were the ones not already at max so maybe thats why ur only at 281 now.

I was having the EXACT same problem trying to reach someone about my medical deductions! I kept calling the CalFresh office and either waiting forever or getting disconnected. So frustrating! I finally tried this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual CalFresh worker in about 15 minutes. They called the county office for me and then connected me when they reached a live person. Saved me hours of hold time! You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or just go to claimyr.com. Definitely worth it for recertification questions since those medical expenses could really increase your benefits.

Sorry to hear ur struggling. Have u checked if u qualify for CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program)? It's specifically 4 seniors 60+ with income under like $19k for single or $26k for couple I think. They give monthly food boxes with stuff like canned meat, vegetables, pasta, cereal, etc. My mom gets it and it helps a lot along with her calfresh. Also some counties have senior farmers market vouchers in summer.

I doubt they'll ever bring back those emergency allotments. The government always finds ways to give you something then take it away. Been on CalFresh for 5 years and it's always one step forward, two steps back. My benefit amount keeps shrinking even though inflation keeps making food more expensive! I'd recommend applying for every program you can - LIHEAP for utilities, property tax postponement if you own your home, and definitely get on the waitlist for senior housing if you're renting. The system is designed to be confusing so people give up and don't get what they deserve.

To follow up on the medical expense deduction we discussed - when you go to your recertification interview, make sure to specifically tell your eligibility worker that you want to claim the medical expense deduction. The standard medical deduction in California for 2025 is $120 if you can verify at least $35 in monthly medical expenses. If your actual expenses exceed $170 monthly, you should itemize everything instead of taking the standard deduction. And don't forget about the Telephone Access Program (California LifeLine) for discounted phone service and the utility allowance for CalFresh if you pay heating/cooling costs separately from rent.

my grandma got meals on wheels when she was sick last year. they bring food right to ur door check if they do that in your area