On Friday, Contra Costa County Health Services released an update to how the federal government shutdown will impact CalFresh.
Meanwhile, California Department of Social Services added President Trump and Congress failed to reopen the federal government. CalFresh will be delayed in November. You can keep using your existing benefits as usual. No action is required.
Currently, CalFresh helps more than 5 million Californians access food benefits and 1 in 5 people in California struggle with food insecurity according to the California Association of Food Banks.
According to preliminary data provided by Contra Costa County, the state will use state general fund to fund CalWORKs (TANF) administration and benefits to recipients through December. No decisions yet for January should the shutdown continue. CalWORKs benefits paid to recipients are about $7.2 million per month in Contra Costa County.
Meanwhile, the federal government does not plan to fund SNAP (CalFresh) starting in November–or at all in November. SNAP/CalFresh benefits are about $20 million per month in Contra Costa County, about $2 billion per month in California, and about $7 billion per month nationally. No SNAP/CalFresh benefits in November will be a significant hardship for our recipient families and a noticeable impact to our economy.
According to the document:
October 2025
- No change to your CalFresh benefits, you can keep using them.
November 2025
- Likely delay in your CalFresh benefits. You may use your EBT card with existing benefits.
Why is this happening?
- The federal government is shut down and has not provided additional funding for CalFresh (SNAP) benefits beyond October.
What if I am due to complete my SAR 7 or renew my CalFresh benefits in November?
- Submit all required forms and your recertification as normal. However, there may be processing delays.
Can I apply for New CalFresh benefits in November?
- Yes, Apply online at BenefitsCal.com, by phone at (877) 847-3663, or in person at a local EHSD office.
Can I request a state hearing if my CalFresh benefit are delayed or denied?
- While you can always request a hearing, judges are unable to grant benefits due to funding delays during the federal government shutdown.
Are CalWORK benefits also at risk?
- The state is expected to be able to fund CALWORKs benefits for November 2025. If you the federal government shutdown continues, December 2025 benefits are at risk.
If you need food now, find a local food bank at: https://www.cafoodbanks.org/find-food/
Related
- Sept. 16 – Meals on Wheels to End Breakfast Bag Program on October 2
- Sept. 10 – Contra Costa County Pulls $277k Contract With Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
- Sept. 4 – Counties Sound the Alarm on Local Impacts of H.R.1
