California SNAP Benefits – What You Need To Know About CalFresh Assistance After The Wildfires

In the wake of the recent wildfires in California, millions of families are navigating both emotional and financial recovery. For nearly 3 million Californians—about 10% of the state’s population—who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as CalFresh, this government aid has become a critical lifeline. Here’s what you need to know about replacement benefits and how to access support if you’ve been affected.

Wildfire Victims

For CalFresh recipients who have lost food due to the wildfires, there’s good news: you may be eligible for replacement benefits. This additional assistance is designed to help families restock essential food supplies lost during the emergency.

Who Qualifies?

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To qualify for replacement benefits, recipients must demonstrate that they were directly affected by the wildfires. If you believe you meet this requirement, the first step is to contact the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS).

• Phone Number: Call (866) 613-3777 to begin the application process.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to request a waiver for replacement benefits is February 5. Eligible recipients will be able to access funds to purchase food, including hot meals, through CalFresh. The ability to purchase hot meals will remain available until February 8 in the Los Angeles area.

Emergency Food Assistance

Beyond replacement benefits, the state government has allocated $1 million in emergency funds to distribute food to those in urgent need. This initiative will provide 25,000 boxes of food to affected families, offering immediate relief to those struggling to put food on the table.

How to Access

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If you’re not a CalFresh recipient or need additional assistance, check with local food banks and disaster relief organizations in your area. Many agencies are working to ensure families receive the support they need during this challenging time.

Using CalFresh

Normally, CalFresh benefits cannot be used to purchase hot or prepared meals. However, due to the wildfire emergency, this restriction has been temporarily lifted for eligible recipients in affected areas.

This means you can use your benefits to purchase hot food from authorized retailers until February 8, giving families more flexibility during the recovery period.

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These measures highlight the state’s commitment to supporting families in need during this crisis. If you’re a CalFresh recipient or have been impacted by the wildfires, don’t wait to apply for replacement benefits or seek additional food assistance.

SOURCE – LINK

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