CalFresh Benefits Delayed
Your CalFresh benefits will be delayed in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. CalFresh benefits will be loaded onto your EBT card once the shutdown ends.
The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) will not close CalFresh cases due to the shutdown. CalFresh recipients are urged to continue meeting all reporting requirements.
- Respond to requests for verification
- Submit your Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7)
- Complete renewals on time
This will ensure you can receive benefits as quickly as possible once funding resumes.
New applications for CalFresh benefits are also being accepted at BenefitsCal.com.
CalOptima Health Commits $8 Million to Fight Urgent Food Insecurity
With the current issues facing CalFresh, 310,000 Orange County residents may experience food insecurity. CalOptima Health’s Board of Directors is responding with emergency support by sending $25 grocery flex cards to Medi-Cal members who have CalFresh and boosting resources at local food distributors.
- $25 grocery flex cards for CalOptima Health members who also have CalFresh. The cards will be mailed at the end of November 2025 and are good through February 28, 2026.
- Up to $3 million in grants to boost the food available from Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and Community Action Partnership of Orange County. These organizations distribute food through a network of community partner locations, including food banks, senior centers, soup kitchens, shelters for the unhoused and transitional housing facilities.