Orange County, Calif. (November 14, 2025) — CalFresh benefits have returned to the regular issuance process with the end of the federal government shutdown.
No CalFresh benefits remain on hold. CalFresh applicants and recipients can now expect to receive their full benefits.
Orange County CalFresh recipients can check their case status at BenefitsCal.com, 800-281-9799 or one of SSA’s offices.
The spending bill signed Wednesday provides funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as CalFresh in California, until September 30, 2026.
Low-income residents are able to buy healthy food with the funds CalFresh loads onto EBT cards.
In Orange County, more than 310,000 Orange County residents – mostly older adults and children – receive more than $60 million in benefits each month.
Undocumented immigrants cannot receive CalFresh benefits for themselves because federal law limits eligibility to U.S. citizens and certain “qualified” non-citizens (e.g., lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, parolees, trafficking victims, etc.).
However, there are important options and exceptions:
1. Apply for Eligible Household Members
- Undocumented parents can apply for CalFresh on behalf of U.S.-born children or other eligible household members. Immigration status of the applicant does not affect the eligibility of those household members. Information provided is confidential and not shared with immigration enforcement.
2. California Food Assistance Program (CFAP)
- CFAP is a state-funded program that provides food benefits similar to CalFresh for certain immigrants who are ineligible for federal benefits due to immigration status.
- Currently, CFAP covers some non-citizens (e.g., lawful permanent residents who haven’t met the 5-year residency requirement, parolees, conditional entrants, trafficking victims, U visa applicants).
- Expansion: California recently approved a plan to extend CFAP to undocumented immigrants age 55 and older, expected to roll out gradually. This is the first step toward broader inclusion. [cdss.ca.gov], [calfresh.guide], [icaliforni…stamps.com]
3. Other Food Assistance Options
- Food Banks & Community Programs: Undocumented individuals can access food pantries and nonprofit programs without immigration restrictions.
- School Meal Programs: Children, regardless of immigration status, can receive free or reduced-price school meals.
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Available to eligible families regardless of immigration status.