The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA), and all county welfare departments in the state, have been notified by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) that CalFresh March benefits will be issued on a single day, Friday, March 1, 2019, rather than the normal staggered issuance cycle of the first through the tenth of the month. According to CDSS, the change is meant to help mitigate the effects of early issuance of February benefits and any potential gaps in food assistance. SSA will continue all other CalFresh operations as usual.
For some recipients, issuance on March 1 may result in receiving benefits earlier than the usual benefits issuance cycle, and SSA advises that CalFresh recipients residing in Orange County budget accordingly to ensure their benefits last through the entire month of March and until the issuance of April benefits.
At this time, April benefits are expected to be issued per the usual staggered cycle of the first through the tenth of the month. Should there be a change, SSA will provide updated communications at that time.
Orange County CalFresh recipients should direct questions to their assigned case worker. Those recipients without an assigned caseworker may contact SSA toll-free at (800) 281-9799.
