Quick look: CalFresh benefits for November may be delayed because of the federal government shutdown. Officials say existing EBT balances remain usable and school meals will continue without interruption.
[Update as of Oct. 31, 2025: Two federal court rulings have directed the Trump administration to use contingency funds to continue paying for SNAP benefits — the federal food assistance program known in California as CalFresh — during the ongoing government shutdown. The $5.5 billion fund is not expected to cover a full month of benefits, but partial payments may still be possible.]
With the federal government shutdown heading into its second month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture may be unable to send new funds to states for November food assistance benefits that help millions of households nationwide.
In California, this affects CalFresh, the state’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. County social services agencies say they won’t be able to add new funds to EBT cards, which work like debit cards for buying groceries, until federal funding is restored.
Families can continue using the benefits already on their cards, officials say, but new or renewed payments may be delayed.
It’s important to note that this funding gap does not affect free or reduced-price school meals, which will continue to be provided through national school lunch and breakfast programs. Students in Orange County public schools will continue to receive meals as usual.
According to the Orange County Social Services Agency, November’s CalFresh benefits are expected to be issued retroactively once federal funding resumes.
What families need to know
The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP or food stamps, helps low-income individuals and families buy groceries. In California, the program operates as CalFresh and is administered by county social services agencies.
The California Department of Social Services and the Orange County Social Services Agency have confirmed that CalFresh benefits for November 2025 will be delayed until Congress and the President reach a funding agreement.
The delay affects all CalFresh households statewide and cannot be appealed. Families may continue using their current EBT balances but will not see new funds added until the federal government reopens.
$62 million a month in OC
The state advises recipients to continue submitting all required forms and reports — including semiannual reports and renewals — to ensure benefits can resume promptly when funding is restored. Cases will not be closed during the shutdown.
In Orange County alone, more than 310,000 residents — mostly older adults and children — receive CalFresh benefits. The county typically issues about $62 million in these payments every month, according to OC Social Services Agency Director An Tran, who noted that the shutdown could also impact the local economy.
Federal guidelines say a CalFresh recipient’s net monthly income must be at or below the poverty line. For a family of four, this means an annual income of less than $32,000 a year after factoring in eligible deductions.
CalWORKs and Medi-Cal remain funded
While CalFresh funding is temporarily on hold, CalWORKs and Medi-Cal benefits are secured through the end of 2025, according to the Orange County Social Services Agency.
CalWORKs — known nationally as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF — provides monthly cash aid and employment services to help low-income families with children meet basic needs. Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for eligible Californians.
Federal nutrition programs, including school meal programs, maintain several months of reserves. As a result, reimbursements to states — and in turn, to school districts — are expected to continue without interruption for now.
Local supports are available
The county Social Services Agency has created a CalFresh Benefits Delay webpage
where partners and community members can stay informed and access outreach materials that can be shared with families.
Meanwhile, local food banks are anticipating an increase in demand as the federal shutdown continues. Families in need of immediate food assistance are encouraged to visit 2-1-1 Orange County’s website or dial 2-1-1 to be connected with nearby food, housing and utility resources. SSA has also compiled a list of resource guides that list local and regional support programs.
Community partners or organizations with questions can contact the Social Services Agency directly at SSADOCPIO@ssa.ocgov.com. The statewide CalFresh benefits helpline number is 877-847-3663.