Will I get emergency CalFresh benefits in August 2025 as a new recipient?

The emergency allotments ended years ago, those were only during the pandemic. Your neighbor is confused or maybe getting something else. Regular calfresh is all thats available now unless theres a local disaster in your area

Oh really? That sucks... she definitely said she got extra this month. Maybe she's getting CalWORKs too and that's what she meant? Thanks for the info though.

There are no more emergency allotments for CalFresh as of early 2023 when the pandemic emergency declaration ended. What you're approved for now ($275) is your full benefit amount. Your neighbor might be confusing it with: \n\n1. Regular monthly benefits \n2. Quarterly adjustments (there was a recent increase due to cost of living) \n3. Disaster CalFresh (only available during declared disasters like wildfires) \n4. Supplemental benefits for specific situations \n\nIf you're struggling, I'd recommend checking if you qualify for additional programs through your county office. The income limits for utility assistance programs (LIHEAP) are sometimes higher than CalFresh, which could free up more money for food.

Thank you for the detailed explanation! I think she might be getting those quarterly adjustments and called them emergency benefits. I'll definitely look into LIHEAP too - my electricity bill is killing me.

I thought they were bringing back emergeny stamps?? My cousin in San Diego said they got extra last month because of inflation?????

The emergency allotments during COVID gave everyone the maximum benefit for their household size regardless of income. That ended in February 2023. There are NO regular emergency benefits currently in California unless your county has a declared disaster (like major wildfire or earthquake).\n\nIf you're struggling with the benefit amount, make sure your caseworker knows about all your eligible deductions:\n- Are you paying more than 50% of your income for rent/housing?\n- Do you have medical expenses over $35/month (if elderly/disabled)?\n- Do you pay child support?\n- Do you have dependent care costs?\n\nThese deductions can significantly increase your monthly benefit.

Actually I do pay about 60% of my income for rent! I don't think I mentioned that specifically when I applied. Should I call my worker to update this information or wait for my next SAR7?

Definitely call your worker ASAP! You don't need to wait for your SAR7 to report that - it could increase your benefits significantly. Make sure you have proof of your rent amount ready (lease or rent receipts).

my neighr keeps telling me the same thing about emergeny food stapms but i called and they said its not a thing anymore. she might be thinking about the regular increase they do every OCTOBER but thats not extra its just adjustment for food costs going up

That October adjustment must be what she's talking about! Thanks for mentioning that - I'll let her know too so she doesn't keep spreading confusion.

When I was trying to reach my CalFresh worker about a similar issue last year, I kept getting disconnected or stuck on hold for hours. I finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at the county office in about 15 minutes. They handle the hold time for you and call you back when a worker is on the line. 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

Does that actually work?? I've spent HOURS trying to get through to my worker. Last time I called, I was on hold for 2 hours and then got disconnected. I'm literally afraid to call again because of how frustrating it is.

Yes! It seriously works. I was skeptical too but got through to my worker when I needed to update my address. They just call the county for you and then connect you when someone finally answers.

NOBODY GETS EMERGENCY ALLOTMENTS ANYMORE!!!! This question gets asked EVERY MONTH on this forum! The pandemic emergency benefits ENDED in February 2023! They gave everyone max benefits regardless of income during COVID, but that's GONE. Your worker should have explained this when you applied!! The system is a joke - they approve you for barely enough to survive and then wonder why people are still hungry. 🤬

Sorry, didn't mean to ask something that gets asked all the time! I'm new to all this and my worker didn't really explain much when I got approved - just sent a letter with my benefit amount.

Not your fault. I'm just frustrated with the system. They should give clear information to new applicants instead of leaving everyone confused.