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.
