Individuals and families impacted by the Valley Fire may be eligible to receive food benefits as part of continuing disaster recovery efforts, the California Department of Social Services announced Monday.
A family of four with a monthly income up to $2,893 potentially can receive up to $646 in food benefits through the Disaster CalFresh program, which is available to those who lived or worked in an area affected by the 17,565-acre blaze between Sept. 5 and Oct. 4, according to the state agency.
Valley Fire
More on the destructive East County fire.
Those impacted by the Japatul Valley-area wildfire may be eligible for the benefits if their household experienced at least one of the following as a direct result of the wildfire:
- at least one family member was not yet getting regular CalFresh food benefits;
- money was spent because of the wildfire or a related power outage;
- money was lost from work because of the wildfires; or
- money was spent because of damage to a home or business.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Disaster CalFresh program will be operated, for the first time, primarily by telephone.
Households may apply from Nov. 16-20 by dialing 211, or by submitting an application online.
In most cases, Disaster CalFresh food benefits -- provided on an electronic benefits-transfer card -- will be available within three days of the date of a qualifying interview, according to CDSS public affairs.
More information can be found here.
