BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Kern County Human Services announced that, as a result of recent federal court orders, the California Department of Social Services has notified counties that CalFresh benefits for the month of November 2025 will be issued in full beginning Friday, November 7th.
The benefits will be loaded onto recipients’ EBT cards with no reductions and apply specifically to the month of November.
Kern County Human Services said under normal circumstances, CalFresh benefits are issued on a staggered schedule each month. Recipients who normally receive their benefits between the 1st and 7th of the month will have their November benefits available Friday.
Those who typically receive benefits between the 8th and 10th will have their benefits loaded onto their EBT cards on their regular issuance dates.
In a release, it said CalFresh recipients are encouraged to check their benefit balances using their EBT card or online through BenefitsCal.com. Recipients must continue to submit all required reports and recertifications on time to avoid any interruption or delay in future benefit issuance.
The Kern County Department of Human Services (DHS) will continue to monitor federal developments and will provide updates to the public should any changes occur that may affect benefit issuance if the federal shutdown continues.
Residents with questions or assistance with CalFresh benefits can call the Kern Department of Human Services at (661) 631-6000, visit www.kcdhs.org, or stop by any office.
Meanwhile, Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) announces that Friday, November 7th marks the end of its emergency EBT special distributions.
In a release, officials with CAPK said, “We are deeply grateful to our community members, public officials, volunteers, and local businesses who stepped forward during this critical time. Your generosity and commitment ensured that families in need did not go hungry during this period of uncertainty. None of this would have been possible without the support and assistance of the California National Guard, California Volunteers, and the coordination provided by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).”
CAPK said they will continue to serve affected federal employees at the CAPK Food Bank, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Additionally, food-insecure residents can still access food at more than 200 distribution locations throughout Kern County by calling 2-1-1 for the nearest site.