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Following guidance received late Monday from the California Department of Social Services, the County will begin notifying CalFresh recipients today that November benefit payments may not be made locally and throughout the nation due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. 

The delay in benefits will occur if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 23. The shutdown began Oct. 1, 2025, after Congress did not pass a new funding bill. 

CalFresh is the federal food assistance program also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It is commonly referred to as EBT or Food Stamps and is 100 percent federally funded. It is managed by states and administered by counties. 

Benefits were deposited for all recipients in October. November benefits and those scheduled to be made in later months are at risk, depending on when the federal shutdown ends.  

The County will share updated information about CalFresh benefits as soon as it becomes available. 

Based on the state guidance, the County is advising local CalFresh beneficiaries to prepare to not receive benefits on their EBT card beginning Nov. 1, 2025.  

Local food resources and information 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 an interactive map listed on the County’s CalFresh webpage.  

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. 

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.Â