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Affected by the recent wildfires? Here’s how to apply for food benefits
Customers pick produce at a farmers market.
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Semantha Norris
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CalMatters
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Topline:
Beginning Monday, L.A. residents who live or work in areas affected by recent wildfires can apply for new food benefits through the CalFresh program.
Who’s eligible? The benefits are available to individuals or families who are not current CalFresh recipients and who experienced lost income or disaster-related expenses due to the fires. Applicants must have lived or worked in one of the ZIP codes affected by the Eaton, Palisades, Hughes or Hurst fires as of Jan. 7.
These benefits may also be available to people who were previously ineligible for CalFresh, including college students, undocumented residents and unaided foster care children.
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Check out full eligibility guidelines from L.A. County’s Department of Public Social Services.
What are the benefits? A family of four with a monthly income up to $3,529 may be eligible to receive $975 in temporary food assistance.
Why now? The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently approved California’s request for CalFresh benefits to enhance fire recovery efforts — one month after wildfires erupted in L.A. County.
How to apply: The application period is open until Feb. 19.
You can apply via phone by calling (866) 488-8482 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. You can also apply in-person at any Department of Public Social Services office location between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
If approved, L.A. County officials will tell you when and where to pick up an EBT card, which can be used to buy food at grocery stores and other retailers.
Recovery guide … LAist has other wildfire resources for what happens next.
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