The federal government shutdown that began on Oct. 1, 2025, will now delay CalFresh benefits being issued regardless of whether a budget deal is reached this week.
The length of the delay for people to receive November benefits is unknown at this time. It will depend on when the government reopens and the amount of time to restart the federal funding of benefits.
CalFresh beneficiaries who have a balance on their EBT card from prior months will still be able to use their benefits on Nov. 1 and after.
CalFresh is the federal food assistance program known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and also commonly referred to as EBT or Food Stamps. CalFresh benefits are 100 percent federally funded.
The County understands this is a difficult situation and will share more information about November CalFresh benefits as soon as possible.
“Because the federal government failed to pass a budget, shutting down operations nationwide, CalFresh benefits will not be reloaded on Nov. 1,” said Board Chair Terra Lawson-Remer. “Governor Newsom has deployed the National Guard and directed additional funding to food banks to help families keep food on the table. The County of San Diego and the State of California are working together to support families through this crisis, and anyone who needs help should call 2-1-1 or visit 211sandiego.org.”
People can stay informed by checking both the County’s CalFresh website, and the BenefitsCal website for updates. CalFresh beneficiaries can check their balance by calling the number on the back of the EBT card.
To provide additional support and information on food resources to impacted CalFresh beneficiaries, the County’s Self-Sufficiency Services Access Customer Service Call Center — 1-866-262-9881– will be open Saturday, Nov. 1, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The federal government shut down began Oct. 1, 2025, because Congress has not passed a new funding bill. CalFresh is a federal program, managed by the State and administered by counties.
Benefits are fully funded through the federal government. Without new funds, the federal government cannot continue funding CalFresh benefits.
The County of San Diego is encouraging local CalFresh beneficiaries to access local food resources. Information on food resources is available through the 211 San Diego webpage or by calling 211 San Diego.
Additional resources including, food banks and pantries located throughout the region can be accessed using the Feeding San Diego interactive map or San Diego Food Bank interactive map.
In San Diego County, about 395,000 individuals in nearly 240,000 households receive CalFresh benefits, based on their income. For example, a family of four must make less than $5,360 a month to qualify.
At this time, CalWORKs benefits for the month of November 2025 are not impacted.
