By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–The County of San Diego announced Tuesday it has begun notifying CalFresh recipients that November benefit payments may be delayed or unavailable due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The notice follows new guidance issued late Monday by the California Department of Social Services. The potential disruption would occur if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 23.
The shutdown began Oct. 1, after Congress failed to pass a new federal funding bill.
CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is fully funded by the federal government but administered by states and counties. The program, also known as EBT or Food Stamps, provides monthly food assistance to low-income households.
All recipients received their October benefits as scheduled. However, November payments and future distributions remain at risk if federal funding is not restored soon.
Based on state guidance, the County is advising beneficiaries to plan for the possibility of no EBT deposits starting Nov. 1. Officials said they will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Residents in need of immediate assistance can contact 211 San Diego or visit its website for local food resources. Additional food banks and pantries across the region can be found using an interactive map on the County’s CalFresh webpage.
Approximately 395,000 individuals in nearly 240,000 households in San Diego County rely on CalFresh benefits. Eligibility is based on income; for instance, a family of four must earn less than $5,360 per month to qualify.
County officials urged residents to stay informed by checking the CalFresh website and BenefitsCal, or by calling the number listed on the back of their EBT card to check balances.
