Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated November 13, 2025
New benefits were added to my EBT card. Can I use them?
Yes - you can use these benefits like normal. These are your regular CalFresh benefits for November.
I just applied for CalFresh. When will I get November benefits?
If you recently applied for CalFresh, your benefits may have been delayed due to the Trump Administration’s decision to oppose the issuance of benefits during the shutdown. However, the federal shutdown is over. Therefore, if you are eligible to receive CalFresh, you should receive your benefits soon.
Why were some November CalFresh benefits delayed?
Benefits were delayed due to the Trump Administration’s decision to oppose the issuance of full benefits during the shutdown. However, the federal shutdown is over. At this time, benefits will continue to be provided in November and the coming months.
What if I am due to complete my SAR 7 or renew my CalFresh benefits in November and I haven’t sent in my completed forms yet?
Please continue to submit all required forms and your recertification as normal.
Can I still apply for new CalFresh benefits?
Yes. You can apply for CalFresh benefits online at www.benefitscal.com, by phone at 1-877-847-3663, or in person at your local county social services office. For more information, visit www.benefitscal.com.
Are county social services offices still open?
Yes. County social services office are still open. You can go in person, or you can call 1-877-847-3663.
Where can I find additional food resources in my community?
You can get free food from your local food bank. There are food banks across California that give free food to people in their communities. To find a food bank, visit www.cafoodbanks.org/find-food/. Please note that food banks may be busier than usual. Call 211 for help finding community resources.
Will I receive my CalWORKs benefits?
Families who are eligible to receive CalWORKs benefits will continue to receive them as normal.
What is the status of CalWORKs benefits for December?
Individuals who are eligible to receive CalWORKs benefits will continue to receive them as normal.
Additional Resources:
SUN Bucks: Sun Bucks provides families $40 per month for food from June to August when children do not have access to school meals. SUN Bucks benefits are available for use 122 days after the date they are issued. Depending on when a card was issued, unspent benefits may still be able to be used.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): This CACFP provides food to infants, children, and adults in eligible care settings. The CACFP partners with more than 1,350 organizations to serve nearly about 746,500 people each day. To find food through the CACFP, see the following center sites or day care home sponsors.
CA Meals for Kids: The CA Meals for Kids mobile app helps find nearby after-school, summer, or emergency food sites.
Market Match: Market Match matches customers’ CalFresh benefits at farmers’ markets and other farm-direct sites. Shoppers who have Market Match tokens or scrip from previous trips to the market can still redeem them for fruits and vegetables during the federal government shutdown. For participating farmers markets, please visit www.fmfinder.org or email marketmatch@ecologycenter.org.
Support for Older Adults: Older adults, family caregivers, and others supporting older adults can contact their local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or call 211 for assistance. AAAs can guide people to existing meal services, which may include meals served at local community centers or meals delivered to the home, as well as food banks and local food pantries. AAAs can also connect people with other resources in their community, including caregiver support.
Loan Support for Veterans: Calvet Home Loans is offering various types of mortgage payment relief options for veteran borrowers who have been affected financially by the federal government shutdown. Options include temporary payment reductions or deferrals. For more information, please visit https://www.calvet.ca.gov/HomeLoans or call the CalVet Home Loan’s Borrower Care Unit: (800) 700-2127.