BREAKING NEWS: CalFresh benefits during government shutdown

Due to the partial government shutdown, there has been a lot of recent news and attention about impacts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known locally as CalFresh.

The San Francisco Human Services Agency (HSA) is working to inform CalFresh households about plans to issue benefits for February earlier than usual.

Here is the latest information from HSA:

Due to the prolonged federal government shutdown, most current recipients and eligible applicants of CalFresh will receive monthly nutrition benefits for February earlier than usual.

Beginning Wednesday, January 16, most CalFresh clients will begin receiving their February benefits on Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Benefits usually go out at the beginning of each month.

CalFresh recipients who see February benefits loaded onto EBT cards early should understand that no additional benefits will be provided for February 2019.

Households are advised to plan their food budgets wisely, and to be judicious in spending February benefits to ensure that the funds will last and serve their needs through the end of the month.

New CalFresh applications continue to be accepted and processed, and expedited services are available, as usual.

Although we remain hopeful that lawmakers will come to an agreement to end the partial government shutdown quickly, there is a chance it could continue past the end of February. HSA is awaiting state and federal guidance on the availability of CalFresh benefits in March.

HSA is closely monitoring the situation in Washington, D.C., and working with partners at the state to ensure that CalFresh benefits remain available, without interruption, to the greatest extent possible.

While we await a resolution to the federal shutdown, announcements and information regarding CalFresh, cash assistance, and other HSA benefits are available at www.sfhsa.org

If you are a CalFresh recipient or a new applicant and have questions regarding benefits, you may call or visit HSA in San Francisco:

Monday – Friday
8am – 5pm
415.558.4700
1235 Mission Street
1440 Harrison Street