Public Health Emergency (PHE)
With the onset of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency(opens in new window), federal authority allowed several temporary flexibilities for CalFresh. These flexibilities made it easier to apply for and maintain CalFresh benefits in addition to boosting benefit levels for all CalFresh households:
Emergency Allotments (EA)
Starting in March 2020, CalFresh households automatically received supplemental issuances that increased their monthly benefits to the maximum level for their household size through “Emergency Allotments(opens in new window).” With the passing of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023(opens in new window), Emergency Allotments ended in February 2023.
Waivers (PDF)
- Telephonic Signature Waiver(opens in new window): Requirement for counties to maintain audio recordings of telephonic signatures is waived at both initial application and recertification (if certain criteria are met).
- Interview Waiver(opens in new window): Initial application and recertification interviews are waived for households with sufficient documentation to make an eligibility determination.
- Timeline(opens in new window): March 31, 2024: Telephonic Signature Waiver and Interview Waiver have been extended through March 2024.
Temporary Student Exemptions (PDF)
College students (individuals who are within the age range of 18-49; physically and mentally fit for employment; and enrolled at least half-time at an institution of higher education) are not eligible for CalFresh unless they meet an “exemption.” With the Public Health Emergency (PHE), states were able to temporarily expand CalFresh exemptions for college students to include those who are eligible to work study or have a "$0 Expected Family Contribution” (EFC) as determined by CSAC. With the lift of the PHE on May 11, 2023(opens in new window), these temporary exemptions are no longer applicable to college students who are newly applying for CalFresh as of June 10, 2023.