What You Need to Know
Full November CalFresh Benefits: On November 6, a federal judge ordered the federal government to pay full CalFresh (SNAP) benefits for November. The U.S. Department of Justice has since appealed the decision, which could further delay payments. The State of California reported some people have started to receive their CalFresh benefits, but it may take more time before everyone gets their full amount. Payment depends on federal action.
How to Check Your CalFresh Balance: Balances can be checked 24 hours a day by calling 877-328-9677 or online through the EBT Cardholder portal.
Why Benefits Were Delayed: The federal government shutdown paused the CalFresh benefits from being issued on November 1.
Who Loads Your Benefits: Only the State of California can issue or reload CalFresh (EBT) benefits. Counties cannot load or expedite payments.
Existing Funds Still Work: Any CalFresh funds already on your EBT card remain available for use.
Stay Current with Your Case: To avoid future interruptions, continue submitting required forms and recertifications (SAR 7) on time.
Other Benefit Programs: CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and WIC are not affected by the shutdown and continue operating normally in November.
Contact the Marin County CalFresh Office
In Marin County call (877) 410-8817. Call center hours are Monday-Wednesday, Friday (Closed Thursday) from 7:30 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Closed for Lunch 11:40 am – 1:00 pm
In person locations include:
- 120 N. Redwood Dr., San Rafael Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 4:30pm
- 3240 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 4:00pm
- 1 6th St., Point Reyes Station Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 12:00 and 1:00pm - 4:30pm
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can apply for CalFresh benefits online at www.benefitscal.com, by phone at 1-877-847-3663, or in person at your local county social services office. For more information, visit www.benefitscal.com. Because of the federal government’s shutdown and its failure to provide additional funding, your benefits may be delayed.
Judges are unable to start or restart November benefits at this time because the federal government shutdown has delayed funding. Therefore, requesting a hearing will not restart CalFresh benefits.
SUN Bucks: Sun Bucks provides families $40 per month for food from June to August when children do not have access to school meals. SUN Bucks benefits are available for use 122 days after the date they are issued. Depending on when a card was issued, unspent benefits may still be able to be used.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): This CACFP provides food to infants, children, and adults in eligible care settings. The CACFP partners with more than 1,350 organizations to serve nearly about 746,500 people each day. To find food through the CACFP visit center sites or day care home sponsors.
CA Meals for Kids: The CA Meals for Kids mobile app helps find nearby after-school, summer, or emergency food sites.
Market Match: Market Match matches customers’ CalFresh benefits at farmers’ markets and other farm-direct sites. Shoppers who have Market Match tokens or scrip from previous trips to the market can still redeem them for fruits and vegetables during the federal government shutdown. Visit the Agricultural Institute of Marin to locate a farmers market near you.
Support for Older Adults: Older adults, family caregivers, and others supporting older adults can contact their local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or call 211 for assistance. AAAs can guide people to existing meal services, which may include meals served at local community centers or meals delivered to the home, as well as food banks and local food pantries. AAAs can also connect people with other resources in their community, including caregiver support.
Loan Support for Veterans: Calvet Home Loans is offering various types of mortgage payment relief options for veteran borrowers who have been affected financially by the federal government shutdown. Options include temporary payment reductions or deferrals. For more information, please visit CalVet Home Loans or call the CalVet Home Loan’s Borrower Care Unit: (800) 700-2127.