|
Dear Neighbor,
You may have heard about new policies from Trump and Republicans that could change Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and affect you.
Below are details on the new SNAP (called CalFresh in California) requirements, the impacts of the federal government shutdown, and how they may affect you. You can also visit our website or https://www.cafoodbanks.org/our-members/ for more information and resources.
New Requirements for SNAP Take Effect November 1st
Because of Republican’s Big Ugly Law, there will be changes to how some CalFresh (SNAP) households qualify for the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA), a deduction that can help increase monthly benefits.
Currently, some households without separate heating or cooling costs receive a State Utility Assistance Subsidy that allows them to claim the SUA. Under Republican’s Big Ugly Law, this option will now be limited to households that include a member who is age 60 or older or has a disability.
- Households with a senior (60+) or a person with a disability will continue to automatically receive the annual $20.01 energy assistance payment and can still claim the SUA. Your county will continue to automatically issue you this annual energy assistance payment so that you can claim the SUA deduction.
- All other households who previously received an annual energy assistance payment could see a reduction in monthly CalFresh benefits. In some cases, households may lose CalFresh eligibility.
When does this change take effect?
- New applicants: November 1, 2025
- Current CalFresh households: At your next recertification after November 1, 2025
Additional eligibility criteria related to work requirements and lawfully present noncitizens will also impact CalFresh recipients this year. California is waiting on federal guidance before implementing changes related to work requirements or for lawfully present noncitizens.
If you have questions about how this change may affect your benefits, contact your county CalFresh office or 1-877-847-3663 for the CalFresh Benefits Helpline. The California Department of Social Services will continue to update guidance on their website in English and Spanish.
How The Government Shutdown Will Impact SNAP
The Conservative government shutdown has impacted federally funded programs such as SNAP (CalFresh). The Trump administration’s policies are preventing states from issuing November benefits, despite sufficient federal funding. As a result, 75,000 individuals in CA-28 are at risk of losing access to timely food benefits starting November 1.
EBT cards will continue to function for any remaining balances, but no new benefits will be added until the federal government reopens. Please be advised that:
- Local SNAP Centers remain open and are operating as usual
- New applications, recertifications, and other case actions continue to be accepted, but may experience processing delays
- EBT cards continue to work normally
- Beneficiaries need to continue to comply with all CalFresh guidance and requirements, including completing SAR 7 forms or submitting recertification forms
House Democrats are demanding President Trump and Secretary Brooke Rollins use the SNAP contingency fund to provide full November food assistance as the Conservative shutdown enters its second month. 42 million Americans shouldn't go hungry because of Republican policies.
Additional Resources
- Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program: California WIC plans to remain fully operational through November 30th. Recipients should continue to utilize their benefits and keep attending their WIC appointments.
- Those who have questions or want to apply should contact their local WIC agency, visit the state’s website, or call 1-888-WIC-WORKS (1-888-942-9675).
- Government employees who are pregnant, were pregnant in the last 6 months, or have a child under age 5 may qualify for WIC if their income is affected during a government shutdown. WIC continues to enroll participants during the government shutdown.
- Teens/Youth:
- Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation provides food assistance programs for Teens, Youth, and Seniors. Visit their website for additional information, as pre-registration may be required for some.
- LAUSD schools, including Lane El in Monterey Park, are offering supper meals Monday through Friday to all LAUSD students ages 1-18 after school. Per program requirements, the meal must be eaten on campus.
- Seniors/Older Adults:
- Los Angeles County provides a variety of food assistance programs for older adults LA County. Call 1-800-510-2020 or visit their website for additional information.
- Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation provides food assistance programs for Teens, Youth, and Seniors. Visit their website for additional information, as pre-registration may be required for some.
- San Bernardino County provides home-delievered and congregated meals to older adults across the County. Call 800-510-2020 or visit their website for additional information.
- Food Banks and Pantries
|