Why am I only getting $23 for CalFresh on SSI when my friend gets $200?

This sounds frustrating but there are a few things to clarify here. First, CalFresh and CalWORKs are two completely different programs. CalWORKs is cash aid for families with children, while CalFresh is the food assistance program (what used to be called food stamps). Since you're on SSI, you wouldn't qualify for CalWORKs unless you have children in your household. The $23 you're getting is CalFresh, not CalWORKs. The amount of CalFresh benefits is calculated based on income, household size, and expenses. Someone working three IHSS jobs might still qualify for more benefits if they have more people in their household or higher expenses like rent. Your SSI income counts against your CalFresh eligibility, which is why your benefit is lower.

The difference is probly because of something called the "Standard Utility Allowance" and housing costs. Do you pay rent? Do you pay for your own utilities like electric and gas? If you don't have these expenses or have very low housing costs, that can REALLY reduce your CalFresh amount. Also, when you applied, did you make sure to tell them about ALL your expenses? Many people don't realize they should report their phone bill, medical expenses, etc. which can increase your benefit amount.

Yes, SSI recipients became eligible for CalFresh in June 2019 (before that, SSI recipients in California couldn't get CalFresh). But your benefit amount is still calculated based on income and expenses. The pandemic increase you mentioned was temporary emergency allotments that gave everyone the maximum benefit amount for their household size regardless of income. Those emergency allotments ended in March 2023 for all CalFresh recipients, which is why your benefit dropped back down. If you want to increase your benefit amount, call your county office and report these additional expenses you mentioned (medical costs, phone bill). For SSI recipients, medical expenses over $35 per month can significantly increase your CalFresh benefits.

I went thru this EXACT same thing!!!! I was getting like $20 in CalFresh with my SSI but then I reported my medical expenses and it went up to $175!!! The county workers NEVER tell you about this for some reason. you have to ASK specificly about the medical deduction. bring reciepts for any meds, dr visits, health insurance, medical equipment, even tylenol and vitamins count!!

Good luck reaching anyone at the county office though. I tried calling for THREE DAYS straight when I needed to report a change to my CalFresh and kept getting disconnected or put on hold for hours until I eventually had to hang up. It's beyond frustrating.

Another thing to consider is your friends income situation. IHSS has some weird income rules - not all IHSS income counts the same way for CalFresh. If she's caring for a family member, some of that income might be exempt. And if her boyfriend has low income too, that could explain why they get more. BUT with your SSI, you should definitely be getting more than $23 if you're reporting your expenses correctly. Call them ASAP and ask for a recalculation!

the system is RIGGED thats why. i worked my whole life and cant get NOTHING but people who never worked a day get all the benefits. the whole system is corrupt and the workers just lie to keep your benefits low. my neighbor gets $800 in CalFresh somehow with a job but they gave me $16. make it make sense. and dont get me started on the immigrants getting more than citizens!!!

UPDATE: I called my county office (finally got through!) and told them about my medical expenses. They're recalculating my benefits and said I'll likely get more CalFresh next month! The worker said I should have been told about the medical expense deduction when I applied. She's sending me a form to list all my expenses and said to keep receipts for everything. Thank you everyone for your help!

So glad you got through and they're helping you! This is exactly why I always tell people to ask specifically about ALL possible deductions when applying for CalFresh. The workers are supposed to inform you about these things, but unfortunately many don't. For anyone else reading this thread - if you're on SSI and getting a low CalFresh amount, definitely ask about the medical expense deduction. It can make a huge difference! And don't forget that things like vitamins, bandages, heating pads, and even mileage to medical appointments can count as medical expenses if you're on SSI. Hope your new benefit amount helps you get the food you need!