Food Stamps worth $1,756 from CalFresh are coming in December. As the end of the year draws near, many Californians who get CalFresh are looking forward to their December benefits. Some may even get a bigger boost than normal. The big question for many families is: Can you get this raise in food stamp benefits? If so, how much can you expect to get?
People who live in California and get CalFresh, which is also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), may be able to get a big boost in their food stamps. With food prices going up and the economy being bad, this December boost could help families who are having a hard time making ends meet.
This piece will talk about who can get this benefit increase, how CalFresh payments are made, and what you can do to make sure you get the full amount you’re owed. Whether you’re applying for the first time or have been getting benefits for a long time, this guide will help you get the most out of the December payment plan.
CalFresh $1756 Food Stamps Coming in December
The December boost to CalFresh could save a lot of California families who are having a hard time with rising food prices and an uncertain economy. You can better plan and make sure you get all the benefits you’re entitled to if you know what you need to do to be eligible and when you can expect to get your payment.
Remember that you should always apply, even if you’re not sure if you qualified. For those who need a little help, the CalFresh program can help you get the food aid you need to feed your family.
How to Understand the CalFresh Program
It’s important to know how CalFresh works before we get into the details of the December boost. CalFresh is a state-run program that helps eligible low-income people and families buy food every month. Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is the method that gives this help. It works like a debit card and can be used to buy food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and online stores that participate.
The amount of benefits you get is based on your family income, the number of people living in your home, and other costs (like rent and utilities). Every person will get about $250 a month in 2024, but some families may get more depending on their situation.
Getting an extra $1,756 from CalFresh in December
Some people who get CalFresh may see their benefits go up in December. Depending on their family size and income, they could get up to $1,756 more each month. Food prices have been going up over the past few years because of inflation, and this boost could help make up for it.
It’s important to remember that this boost might not work for everyone. A lot of the time, only bigger households or people who are having a hard time with money may get the full amount. But there’s a good chance that your December payment will be more than normal, even if you don’t get the full benefit.
Why the Boost?
Benefits are going up because many families are still having a hard time with their finances. Most states stopped giving emergency allotments, which are short-term increases in benefits, in 2023. However, California is still working on ways to help its people get through tough economic times.
How to Find Out If You Can Get the December CalFresh Boost
You’ll need to look at a few important things to see if you qualify for the CalFresh boost. Here’s how it works:
1. Income Requirements
The monthly gross income of your family (before taxes) must be less than a certain amount based on the number of people living in your home. As an example:
- A home with one person: $2,128
- Two people living together: $2,873
- $3,618 for a family of three
These numbers show gross income, which is the amount of money made before taxes and other costs are taken out. If your family makes more than these amounts, you might not be able to get food stamps. The state does, however, look at a number of benefits, such as those for rent, child care, or medical bills, so it’s always a good idea to apply and have your case looked at.
2. Size of the family
The number of people living in your home is a big factor in how much you get. Most of the time, bigger households can get more rewards. Like, a family of four might get more than a single person living alone.
3. Other Factors
Your qualifications may be affected by exemptions and other factors. For instance, if you have a disability, are old, or are pregnant, you might be able to get extra help.
It’s always a good idea to apply, even if you’re not sure if you qualified. The California Department of Social Services website has a CalFresh pre-screening tool that you can use to get an idea of whether you meet the standards.
How CalFresh Payments Are Issued
CalFresh benefits are typically issued on a monthly basis, and payments are added directly to your EBT card. Your payment date depends on the last digit of your case number, which is issued by the county that processes your application.
- Case numbers ending in 1 or 2: Payments are issued on the 1st of each month.
- Case numbers ending in 3 or 4: Payments are issued on the 2nd of each month.
- Case numbers ending in 5 or 6: Payments are issued on the 3rd of each month.
- Case numbers ending in 7 or 8: Payments are issued on the 4th of each month.
- Case numbers ending in 9 or 0: Payments are issued on the 5th of each month.
The extra money or emergency allowance will be added on top of your normal monthly payment if you get either.
What to Do If You Miss Your Payment
Here are some things that could have caused you not to get your CalFresh payment on time:
- Delays in processing: Payments may be held up because of a slowdown in processing.
- Issues with your account: To make sure there are no problems with your account, check the balance on your EBT card or call the customer service line.
- Status issues: If your family’s income or circumstances have changed, it may have affected your status.
If you think you should have gotten your payment but haven’t yet, call the CalFresh customer service line or go to your county office for help.
How to Get the Most Out of Your CalFresh Benefits
Getting CalFresh benefits can help your family’s food budget a lot, but there are things you can do to make those dollars go even further. Here are some ways to get the most out of the food stamps you get every month:
1. Shop Smart with EBT
- Buy in bulk: Stocking up on things like beans, rice, pasta, and canned goods can save you money in the long run.
- Use coupons and sales: A lot of places have sales or discounts on non-perishable items. You can make your budget go even further by combining these with your EBT benefits.
- Shop Seasonal Produce: Buying fruits and veggies in season can save you money. You can find good deals at farmers’ markets near you.
2. Make a meal plan
- Meal prep entails planning your meals in advance and only purchasing the ingredients you will need. Make sure you have everything you need for the week and don’t waste any food.
- Use leftovers creatively as follows: Don’t throw away food that’s left over. You can use them to make soups, casseroles, or other meals.
3. Use the resources in your community
Besides CalFresh, there are a lot of other community services that can help you save money on food:
- Food Banks: Families in need can get free or cheap food at local food banks. Feeding America and the California Association of Food Banks are two groups that can give you a list of food banks and distribution places.
- WIC Program: The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program gives extra food aid to people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kids younger than 5.
