CalFresh Recipients Can Access Replacement Benefits for Food Lost in Public Safety Power Shutoffs

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. —Residents who lost food bought with CalFresh benefits due to recent Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) have until January 8, 2025 to report the loss and receive replacement benefits. 

State officials estimate just over 315,000 people in Riverside and Los Angeles counties, who received more than $37 million in CalFresh benefits, may have lost food starting Dec. 9 because of the Franklin Fire and subsequent PSPS-related events.

Impacted households can contact BenefitsCal.com, their county social services office, or call 1-877-410-8827 to report the loss and seek replacement benefits.

"We are committed to helping our customers recover quickly and know this is a challenging time of year for many individuals and families,” said Sandra Bowlan, Interim Assistant Director of the Department of Public Social Services’ Self-Sufficiency Division. "We urge affected Riverside County residents to contact us before Jan. 8 to apply for replacement benefits."

CalFresh is California’s largest food assistance program, offering monthly electronic benefits for groceries at many stores, farmers' markets, and select online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Residents needing food assistance who are not currently enrolled in CalFresh are encouraged to apply online at BenefitsCal.com, by calling 1-877-410-8827, or visit their nearest DPSS office.

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