Many families in Sacramento, California are getting ready to receive a helpful $725 monthly payment starting in mid-June 2025. This money comes from a program called the Family First Economic Support Program (FFESP). It’s meant to help reduce child poverty by giving low-income families extra cash each month for one year.
But one big question is on many people’s minds: Will getting this $725 payment affect my other benefits, like food stamps or Medi-Cal?
Don’t worry—this article will break down everything you need to know in simple language.
What Is the FFESP Program?
The Family First Economic Support Program (FFESP) is a pilot project in Sacramento. It’s a type of guaranteed income program, which means selected families will receive money each month without needing to meet any special conditions or do anything in return.
FFESP Basic Details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Payment | $725 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Start Date | Mid-June 2025 |
| Number of Families | 200 (randomly chosen in Sacramento) |
| Goal | Help families with young children and reduce poverty |
The idea is to give families some breathing room to handle bills, buy food, or take care of basic needs.
Will FFESP Payments Affect CalFresh or CalWORKs?
Many families rely on CalFresh (food stamps) and CalWORKs (cash aid) to make ends meet. The big concern is whether this new $725 payment will reduce these important benefits.
Here’s the good news:
That means:
- You can still get your CalFresh food stamps as usual.
- You can stay on CalWORKs without losing any cash aid.
The reason is that California has a rule that says guaranteed income from programs like FFESP doesn’t count when they check your income for state benefits.
What Other Benefits Are NOT Affected?
Here are some more benefits that will not be impacted by FFESP payments:
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)
- Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Housing help from SHRA (Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency)
- Subsidized child care
All these programs recognize that FFESP money is exempt, meaning they won’t count it against you.
Could FFESP Payments Affect Medi-Cal or Federal Programs?
This part is a bit more complicated.
While California programs like CalFresh and CalWORKs don’t count the FFESP money as income, some federal programs might. These include:
- Medi-Cal
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- HUD Housing Vouchers
These federal benefits sometimes use stricter rules when checking how much money a family has. That means the $725 could possibly affect your eligibility or benefit amount if your total income goes over a certain limit.
What Should You Do?
Before accepting the FFESP money:
- Talk to your caseworker or benefit office.
- Ask how the $725 payment might affect your specific situation.
Personalized Help and Orientation Sessions
If you are selected to receive the $725 monthly payments, you will be invited to an orientation session. At this meeting, you’ll learn:
- How the program works
- Which benefits it does not affect
- What things to watch out for if you’re getting other kinds of help
Just remember: Program staff can’t give legal advice or speak for other benefit agencies. You’ll still need to talk to your caseworker for full details.
Quick Look: Will FFESP Affect My Benefits?
Here’s a simple chart to help you see if your benefits could be impacted:
| Benefit Type | Affected by FFESP? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CalFresh (Food Stamps) | ❌ No | FFESP is excluded from income |
| CalWORKs (Cash Aid) | ❌ No | State law protects this payment |
| WIC / Tribal TANF | ❌ No | Also exempt |
| SHRA Housing Support | ❌ No | Will not be counted |
| Medi-Cal | ⚠️ Maybe | Depends on your full income |
| SSI / HUD Housing | ⚠️ Maybe | Check with your benefit agency |
Why This Program Matters
The $725 monthly FFESP payments offer real help to many struggling families. Having a bit of extra money can make a big difference—whether it’s paying for rent, groceries, school supplies, or medicine. For families living paycheck to paycheck, this extra support can ease stress and offer more financial stability.
Even though most benefits won’t be affected, it’s still important to check how your personal situation might be impacted, especially if you get federal programs like Medi-Cal or SSI. Taking time to talk with your caseworker or program staff can help you make a smart choice that works best for your family.
Conclusion
In summary, the $725 stimulus payment from the FFESP program is designed to help low-income families, not hurt them. Most state-run programs like CalFresh, CalWORKs, WIC, and housing aid will not count this payment against your benefits.
However, some federal programs—like Medi-Cal or SSI—might view this money differently. That’s why it’s always best to check with your benefit agency before making any decisions. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of the FFESP while still keeping the other help your family needs.
FAQ’s
1. Will the $725 stimulus check count as income for food stamps?
No. In California, the FFESP $725 payment is not counted as income for CalFresh (food stamps), so it won’t reduce your benefits.
2. Can I get the $725 stimulus and still keep my CalWORKs cash aid?
Yes. FFESP is excluded from income calculations, so it does not affect your CalWORKs eligibility or payment amount.
3. Will getting the $725 affect my Medi-Cal?
Maybe. Medi-Cal has different income rules. The FFESP payment might affect your eligibility based on your total household income, so speak with your caseworker.
4. Can I lose my SSI if I receive the $725 monthly payment?
Possibly. SSI is a federal program, and the rules vary. The extra income might reduce your SSI, so check with a Social Security representative.
5. Do I need to report the $725 FFESP payments to any agency?
Yes, maybe. While you don’t need to report it for CalFresh or CalWORKs, it’s a good idea to inform other federal agencies (like SSI or HUD) in case it affects your benefits.