CalFreshPhoto byUSA Diario
Millions of families benefiting from the CalFresh program will see a cash reduction on their debit cards soon. CalFresh cards work as support for food purchases, this being a measure implemented since March 2020.
Its main objective at that time was to help people in the midst of the crisis caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As in the rest of the world, Californian families experienced various hardships due to the pandemic. As a result, such emergency stockpiles were authorized.
For nearly three years, the increase was at least $95.00 in benefits for these families. This was reported by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
However, this support will soon be limited, and the reduction of money on the cards will begin to be reflected in April. For this reason, families will have to adjust to the new program income when they begin to feel the impact of significant reductions in their cards.
Under the law that allowed these individuals to receive an increase in CalFresh benefits, it would end in February 2023. However, the last extended deposit before the reduction in their benefits will be made in March of this year, just one month later.
What will be the program’s benefit reduction?
The average amount estimated by the authorities is at least $95.00 USD since April this year. However, the exact amount depends on the assistance each family receives from CalFresh, based on eligibility criteria.
The California Food Bank Association estimated that the reduction in CalFresh benefits would average $200 per family. The amount of money would vary depending on the household’s eligibility and its current benefit amount.
