Changes to CalFresh

Benefit Amounts – FFY 2014

Fact sheet for CalFresh outreach workers

What is a COLA?

  • COLA stands for Cost of Living Adjustment. USDA adjusts SNAP income guidelines, deductions, and maximum allotment amounts every year based on changes to the cost of living. These adjustments go into effect every October 1st.

There are new CalFresh income guidelines for October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2014.

  • Every year the USDA adjusts the income guidelines based on the cost of living. Applicants previously denied benefits because they were over incomeshould consider reapplying if their income falls within the new limits.

Income Guidelines
October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2014
Household Size / Gross Monthly Income / Net Monthly Income
1 / $1,245 / $958
2 / $1,681 / $1,293
3 / $2,116 / $1,628
4 / $2,552 / $1,963
5 / $2,987 / $2,298
6 / $3,423 / $2,633
7 / $3,858 / $2,968
8 / $4,294 / $3,303
Each additional member / + $436 / + $335

Increased deductions mean clients may see an increase in their CalFresh benefits on October 1, 2013.

  • The standard deduction for households increased:

FFY 2014 Standard Deduction
October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2014
Household Size / Standard Deduction
1-3 / $152
4 / $163
5 / $191
6 + / $219
  • The maximum shelter deduction for households without elderly or disabled members increased to $478. Remember that households with elderly or disabled members can deduct their entire costs.
  • The Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) increased to $363.
  • The Limited Utility Allowance (LUA) has increased to $109.Households that do not qualify for the SUA but pay for at least two separate utilities other than heating and cooling are eligible for a LUA.
  • The Telephone Utility Allowance remains the same: $20. Households that are not eligible for the SUA or LUA but have telephone expenses, or expenses for an equivalent form of communication, are eligible for a TUA.
  • The homeless household shelter deduction remains the same: $143.

Most CalFresh allotments will decrease on November 1, 2013.

  • Background: In 2009, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in response to the recession. Under ARRA, the maximum SNAP/CalFresh allotment was increased, so people got higher benefits. The legislation providing for that higher amount ends on October 31, 2013.
  • With the ARRA increase ending, most CalFresh recipients will see their monthly benefits go down beginning November 1, 2013.
  • The minimum amount a household will get is decreasing from $16 per month to $15 per month.
  • It is hard to predict exactly how much a household’s benefits will decrease because the allotment is based on many factors, including household size, income, and expenses. If a household has zero net income, their benefits will likely be reduced by about $10 per person per month.

Maximum Monthly Allotment
November 1, 2013 – September 30, 2014
Household Size / Maximum CalFresh Allotment
1 / $189
2 / $347
3 / $497
4 / $632
5 / $750
6 / $900
7 / $995
8 / $1,137
Each additional household member / +$142

What shouldCalFresh recipients do if they think there is a mistake in their benefit amount?

  • Contact the county CalFresh office. Or, ask for a fair hearing and a neutral judge will look into the case to make sure all of the rules were followed correctly. The judge cannot change the law, but can check that your benefits were figured correctly.
  • Make sure the county has the household’s most recent rent/house payments and, for seniors/people with disability benefits, out of pocket medical expenses.
  • Check EBT card balance at or 1-877-328-9677.

What can CalFresh outreach workers do?

  • Let clients know that their benefit amount may decrease on November 1, 2013. (See flyer)
  • Coordinate with your county’s CalFresh administrators. It is important that you and the county are telling clients the same information.
  • Find out how the county plans to inform clients. Can your organization help?
  • Ask for a copy of their talking points, if they have them.
  • Be prepared to refer clients to your local food bank. These cuts will most likely cause hardship to households receiving CalFresh.
  • Inform partners and stakeholders about the upcoming cut.

Funded by the USDA SNAP, known in California as CalFresh, an equal opportunity provider and employer.1