Orange County, Calif. (October 24, 2025) — Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, CalFresh benefits will be delayed in November.
CalFresh recipients can call 2-1-1 or visit 211oc.org to be connected to food, housing and utility resources. November benefits are anticipated to be retroactively issued when the shutdown is resolved.
Although CalFresh cases will not be closed due to the federal government shutdown, recipients are urged to continue meeting all mandatory reporting requirements, including requests for verification, submitting SAR7 semi-annual reports and completing renewals on time to ensure benefits can continue promptly when funding resumes.
Funding for CalWORKs and Medi-Cal benefits at this time are secured through the end of 2025.
CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps low-income residents buy healthy food. More than 310,000 Orange County residents — mostly older adults and children — receive CalFresh.
Per federal guidelines, a recipient’s net monthly income must be at or below 100% of 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.
“The Social Services Agency issues on average $62 million a month in CalFresh benefits,” said Director An Tran. “This will not only have an impact on the families and individuals receiving benefits, but also the local economy. For every dollar of benefit spent at local retailers accepting EBT, up to $1.50 is generated.”
Updates will be shared as they become available.
About 2-1-1 Orange County
2-1-1 Orange County (211OC) links Orange County’s most vulnerable with the health and human service resources they need, including where to find a community clinic, dental care, immunizations, and prescription assistance, food, homeless shelters, elder and childcare, legal services and other resources offered by local nonprofits and government agencies. For more information, visit: https://211oc.org/about-211-oc.html.
“At 211OC, we’re ready to meet this moment. Every day, we bridge the gap between those who need food and those who provide it. By responding in real time and connecting people to vital resources, we’re ensuring that no one in Orange County faces hunger alone — and that our local food pantries and food banks can serve the community with strength and efficiency,” said Elizabeth Andrade, Executive Director of 211OC, a key service of Orange County United Way.
Impact of CalFresh delay:
The delay in CalFresh benefits for November 2025 will have a serious impact on many Orange County residents, especially low-income families, seniors, and individuals who rely on this assistance to buy food.
Here’s how the delay may affect the community:
- Over 300,000 people in Orange County receive CalFresh benefits. A delay means they may not have funds to buy groceries when they normally would.
- Food insecurity is expected to rise, especially among households with children, elderly residents, and people with disabilities.
- Local food banks and pantries are likely to see a surge in demand as people seek emergency food assistance.
- Residents may need to rely on community resources like 2-1-1 Orange County, churches, and nonprofit organizations for help.
- The County of Orange Social Services Agency is still processing paperwork, so residents should continue submitting required forms to avoid further delays once funding resumes.
- Benefits will likely be issued retroactively once the federal government reopens, but there is no confirmed date.