By Tom Christensen, County of San Diego Communications Office
San Diego County residents who receive CalFresh food nutrition assistance will receive their February benefits early because of the ongoing partial federal government shutdown, San Diego County officials announced today.
CalFresh recipients will receive their February benefits by January 16.
The early issuance of February benefits is necessary to access federal funds that no longer will be available as the federal government’s shutdown continues.
“We want to make CalFresh recipients aware that these benefits will be showing up early,” said Rick Wanne, HHSA director of eligibility operations.
“It’s also important for them to understand that these are their February benefits and there will be no extra or additional benefits distributed in February.”
At this point, there’s no guarantee of March benefits if the federal shutdown remains unresolved.
“We are encouraging recipients to plan their food budgets accordingly,” said Wanne. “There will be a longer period between these early February benefits and the next scheduled benefits in March and that’s contingent on there being funds available for March.”
New applications for benefits will continue to be accepted and processed by the County, and emergency expedited benefits will still be available for those that qualify.
New recipients determined to be eligible for CalFresh benefits after the early issuance date and those who apply on or after February 1 will receive their benefits in February as usual if federal reserve funds have been determined to be available.
Tom Christensen is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact
