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California Sues Federal Government to Prevent SNAP⁤ Benefit Cuts

SACRAMENTO, ⁤Calif.- California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced today that the state has joined a⁤ multi-state ‌lawsuit against the federal government to prevent the scheduled expiration of emergency‌ SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits,‌ known as CalFresh in California, ​set to impact over 5.5 million residents starting⁤ in November.

The lawsuit challenges the U.S. Department⁢ of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision⁣ to end the enhanced benefits,​ arguing the agency‍ did not adequately consider the impact on vulnerable populations. The USDA maintains that congressional action ended the funding ‌for the increased benefits⁣ and that available funds have been⁤ appropriated but aren’t ⁢enough to cover the continuation of the higher benefit levels. ⁤The agency ‍did state a contingency‍ fund exists for food assistance in disaster areas.

The cuts will substantially impact California’s economy, affecting approximately 26,600⁣ grocers, farmers’ ⁢markets, ​and other businesses that accept SNAP payments, Bonta warned.

In anticipation of the benefit reductions, Governor Gavin⁤ Newsom announced the‌ “fast-tracked” distribution of $80 ⁣million‌ to 50 food banks ​across the⁢ state. The California National Guard is also being deployed to assist food banks with increased demand.‍ However,⁤ Newsom acknowledged this amount is insufficient, noting California typically issues approximately $1.1 billion in federal CalFresh benefits each month.

Currently, approximately 5.5 million Californians receive SNAP benefits monthly.‌ Eligible households receive monthly funds via an⁢ Electronic ⁣benefit Transfer (EBT) card for grocery purchases at approved⁢ retailers. Benefit amounts vary based on household size,⁢ income, allowable deductions, and ⁢state-specific rules.

for the period October 2025 – september 2026, a household in California ​must meet ⁤the gross monthly ⁣income test at 185% of the federal poverty level‌ (FPL) to ⁤qualify. Approximate maximum‌ gross ​monthly incomes are:

* ⁤ 1-person household: $2,413/month
* 2-person household:​ $3,261/month
* 3-person​ household: $4,109/month
* 4-person household: $4,957/month

Households with a ‌member aged 60 or older or ⁤someone ​with a disability ​may qualify⁤ through ⁣a net income test and⁣ resource limits, perhaps waiving the gross income test.