Los Angeles County Issues February Food Stamps Payments Early, Due To Federal Government Shutdown.

CALFRESH EARLY BENEFIT ISSUANCE AS A RESULT OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

To ensure that the County of Los Angeles’ most vulnerable residents, from low-income households, including seniors, people with disabilities, and children, receive critical CalFresh supplemental nutrition benefits without interruption in the month of February, the Department of Public Social Services has been authorized to issue the February CalFresh benefit to eligible households on January 16, 2019.

These are not additional benefits, but an early issuance of the February CalFresh benefit. There will be no additional benefits issued in the month of February, therefore, households are urged to budget their benefit accordingly to ensure that they have funds available to purchase food in the month of February.

DPSS customers are urged to maximize their CalFresh benefit by taking advantage of the California Market Match program that provides a $10 voucher match when they spend $10 CalFresh benefits at local participating farmers’ markets. CalFresh customers are encouraged to visit https://ecologycenter.org/fmfinder/ and enter their address to find a local participating farmers’ market.

CalFresh customers may also contact 211 L.A. County, the central source for information and referrals for all health and human services in LA County, by simply dialing 2-1-1.

Please note:

Households with a Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7) or annual recertification due in the month of January must submit their report with required verifications or complete the recertification process no later than January 14 to receive their February CalFresh benefits on January 16. Instructions for how to complete a SAR 7 are available on the DPSS YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVHHKVH2qb8&t=110s or CalFresh customers may contact the DPSS Customer Service Center at (866) 613-3777 for assistance.