New CalFresh payments (SNAP Benefits in California) are being distributed this week to millions of beneficiaries across the Golden State because, while payments began on March 1, they have been extended until March 10, depending on the beneficiary’s case number.
Consider a debit card that is reloaded each month with money specifically for food purchases. That’s basically what CalFresh provides.
It is the name of California’s federal SNAP (nutrition assistance) program, which is intended to ensure that low-income households have access to nutritious foods without stress. Your EBT card is accepted at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and even some restaurants (depending on your situation).
CalFresh (SNAP) amounts in March 2025
How much money do you have? This is determined by a variety of factors, the most important of which are the number of people in your household and your income level. The maximum amounts for March 2025 have been updated, and they are as follows (based on household size):
- 1-person household:Â $292
- 2 people household:Â $536
- 3 people household:Â $768
- 4 people household:Â $975
- 5 people household:Â $1,158
- 6 people household:Â $1,390
- 7 people household:Â $1,536
- 8 people household:Â $1,756
- Each extra:Â +$220
How do you know if you qualify for CalFresh?
The requirements are not that complicated:
- Income:Â Generally, they should not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level (but there is flexibility for older adults or people with disabilities).
- Deductible expenses:Â Some expenses such as rent, medical services or child care can reduce your net income, which increases your benefit.
- Are you a student, older adult or do you have a special situation? Some groups have different rules, so check the CalFresh website or ask your county directly.
The payment dates are the following in the month of March
CalFresh benefits (food) are sent during the first 10 days of each month, based on the last digit of your case number. Your case number should be included on most documents you receive from your county and is also available online at BenefitsCal if you have an account:
- Case # ends in 1:Â benefits available on the 1st of the month
- Case # ends in 2:Â benefits available on the 2nd of the month
- Case # ends in 3:Â benefits available on the 3rd of the month
- Case # ends in 4:Â benefits available on the 4th of the month
- Case # ends in 5:Â benefits available on the 5th of the month
- Case # ends in 6:Â benefits available on the 6th of the month
- Case # ends in 7:Â benefits available on the 7th of the month
- Case # ends in 8:Â benefits available on the 8th of the month
- Case # ends in 9:Â benefits available on the 9th of the month
- Case # ends in 0:Â benefits available on the 10th of the month
- If you receive CalWORKS (cash assistance), that EBT cash deposit is made to your card during the first 3 calendar days of the month.
CalFresh typically does not allow you to buy hot food (only foods prepared at home). Wildfires, however, are exempt until March 10, 2025, in counties such as Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego.
This means that if you live in those areas, you’ll be able to use your EBT card to buy ready-to-eat food (hot sandwiches, pizza, etc.) from authorized vendors.
