Federal Shutdown Impacts
October 2025 — California Department of Social Services (CDSS) received notice from the federal government that November SNAP (CalFresh) benefits may be disrupted if the federal shutdown continues past October 23, 2025. October benefits were fully funded and on time, however November benefits may be delayed.
Households that apply for CalFresh in October and are determined newly eligible for October 2025 benefits will receive their October benefits going back to the date of the application. Any benefits obligated for October, regardless of when approved, will be issued.
Households can continue to apply for CalFresh now, in November, and beyond, but benefit issuances for November onward may be held until further notice.
Existing benefits on CalFresh EBT cards can continue to be used as usual through the federal government shutdown.
Please continue to submit all required forms and recertification as normal.
CDSS has begun sending out statewide messaging and direct client communications to the entire ongoing CalFresh caseload via text and email, when an email address has been provided by a household. Additional messages may be sent as info becomes available or circumstances change.
Western Center on Law & Poverty and Impact Fund are gathering survey input from households that would be impacted by the federal shutdown if there is a delay in receiving SNAP benefits. No contact information is required— It can be anonymous, if desired.
Other program notes:
WIC has confirmed that it has funding to continue issuing WIC benefits through the END of November.
If you need help accessing food:
Visit Food for People’s website at www.foodforpeople.org to find a pantry near you, or call (707) 445-3166.
How you can help:
Visit www.foodforpeople.org for information on how to donate.
Visit www.foodforpeople.org/volunteer to learn about becoming a volunteer,
Please consider reaching out to offer support to a food pantry in your community as well.
A delay of November SNAP/CalFresh benefits will impact approximately 5.5 million Californians. SNAP (CalFresh in California) is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger and poverty, helping more than 42 million people afford food, including about 16 million children, 8 million older adults, and 4 million people with disabilities. Food banks alone cannot make up the entirety of the gap created by SNAP delays and future cuts. For every meal provided by a food bank, SNAP provides nine.
We will provide updates as they are available.