CalFresh Update 2023-3

End of CalFresh Emergency Allotment

Date	References	Clerical	Handbook(s) Revised
3/1/2023	ACWDL 2/2/2023	N/A	None

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Background

CalFresh Emergency Allotment (EA) was authorized under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 in March 2020. The EA provided a minimum of $95 for all CalFresh households.

Changes

The consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 ends the CalFresh EA after the issuance of February 2023 benefits. Therefore, the last benefit month of emergency allotments is February 2023. Beginning April 2023, CalFresh benefits will return to the regular amount.

February 2023 EA will be issued to clients on March 26, 2023.

Reminders on Maximizing Household Benefits

EWs are reminded of the CalFresh policies on deductions, allowances, and exclusions that may help maximize household allotments while minimizing the impact of the end of EAs. It is critical to ensure that households receive all eligible deductions to help during this transition. A household can report changes in circumstances, including new expenses, at any time during the certification period, which may be eligible for more benefits.

Allowable deductions for CalFresh households can be found in the CalFresh Deductions Chapter. 

Implementation

The change in this Update is effective 3/1/2023.

Data Systems

None

Forms and Notices

The Notice to All CalFresh Recipients - End of CalFresh Emergency Allotments (CF 502) was mailed on January 17, 2023, to inform all CalFresh households that the temporary CalFresh EAs authorized under the Act are ending. The CF 502 is not an adverse notice of the action.

Fair Hearing

The end of EA is a mass change that affects all CF households in California due to federal regulations. It is not considered a reduction to the approved regular CF benefit amount. Therefore, a state hearing judge cannot order payment of EAs beyond February 2023.

Other Programs

This change only applies to the CalFresh program. 

Supervisors

EW Supervisors must review this Update with their respective EWs.

Contacts

Angela Shing, Director Department of Employment & Benefit Services Contact Person(s): Michelle Demetrius ADSS II, 408-755-7540.