Following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County in January 2025, many residents are asking, “Is California Getting Extra Food Stamps This Month?” The answer, for those who qualify, is yes. California is providing Disaster CalFresh food benefits to individuals and families impacted by the wildfires. This article breaks down eligibility, how to apply, and other food support resources available to survivors.
Who is Eligible for Disaster CalFresh?
Disaster CalFresh benefits are available to individuals and families who lived or worked in a fire-impacted area within Los Angeles County on January 7, 2025. The wildfire-impacted areas include specific ZIP codes within the following regions:
- Eaton: 91104, 91206, 91103, 91016, 91010, 91001, 91214, 91101, 91107, 91006, 91208, 91020, 91105, 91011, 91024, 91008, 91007, 91042, and 91106
- Hughes: 91334, 91350, 91355, 91384, 91390, 93532, and 93536
- Hurst: 91342, 91344, 91321, 91326, 91381, and 91311
- Palisades: 90049, 91302, 91301, 90290, 90272, 90265, 90402, 90073, 90077, 90095, 90401, 90403, 90404, 91316, 91356, 91367, 91403, 91436, and 91340
- Other (qualifying power outages): 91750, 93510
To be eligible, at least one person in the household must not already be receiving regular CalFresh food benefits and must have experienced at least one of the following due to the wildfires:
- Incurred expenses due to the wildfires or related power outage.
- Lost income from work because of the wildfires.
- Spent money due to damage to a home or business.
- Experienced food loss.
Individuals already participating in CalFresh and living in the specified ZIP codes may be eligible for supplemental benefits to reach the maximum benefit amount based on household size.
How to Apply for Disaster CalFresh
Applications for Disaster CalFresh are accepted only during a specific timeframe: February 10-14, 2025, and February 18-19, 2025. To apply, call 866-488-8482 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or visit a Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) office in person. Benefits are typically available within three days of a qualifying interview.
A DPSS office in Los Angeles County
Approved applicants will receive benefits via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, similar to a debit card, which can be used to purchase food at grocery stores and authorized retailers. The county will provide instructions on when and where to pick up the EBT card.
Additional Food Support Resources for Wildfire Survivors
Beyond Disaster CalFresh, California has secured waivers to provide additional food support to those affected by the wildfires.
Hot Food Waiver
CalFresh recipients in Los Angeles and surrounding counties can use their benefits to purchase hot foods through February 8, 2025. This waiver addresses the challenges faced by individuals and families who may lack access to food storage or cooking facilities due to the fires.
Food Replacement Benefits
CalFresh recipients who experienced food loss due to the fires have an extended period to request replacement benefits, valid through February 5, 2025. To request replacement benefits, contact the Los Angeles DPSS at (866) 613-3777 (Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.).
An EBT card being used at a grocery store
Emergency Food and Water Distribution
California has allocated $1 million in emergency reserve funding to provide emergency food boxes and potable water to individuals in need, in partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. A list of food distribution locations in the area is available here.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering, “Is California getting extra food stamps this month?” and you’ve been impacted by the Los Angeles County wildfires, Disaster CalFresh and other food support programs are available to help. Apply within the specified dates and explore the additional resources to ensure you and your family have access to the food you need during this challenging time.
