CalFresh is California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), designed to help low-income individuals and families purchase nutritious food. With the start of a new month, it is important for beneficiaries to be aware of the payment schedule to plan their grocery shopping effectively and ensure they have access to essential food items.
CalFresh benefits are distributed monthly through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card and can be used at participating grocery stores and farmers’ markets. The exact date recipients receive their funds depends on the last digit of their case number.
Payments Are Distributed
In California, CalFresh benefits are issued over the first 10 days of each month. The last digit of a recipient’s case number determines the specific date when funds are loaded onto their EBT card.
For example, if the case number ends in 1, benefits are available on March 1. If the case number ends in 2, benefits are loaded on March 2, and so on. Those whose case numbers end in 0 receive their payment on March 10.
Most payments are deposited at midnight on the assigned date. However, if benefits are not available as expected, recipients should contact their county office to check for any delays.
CalFresh Payment Dates
Below is the complete schedule for CalFresh benefit distribution in March 2025:
| Payment Date | Case Number Ends In |
|---|---|
| March 1 | 1 |
| March 2 | 2 |
| March 3 | 3 |
| March 4 | 4 |
| March 5 | 5 |
| March 6 | 6 |
| March 7 | 7 |
| March 8 | 8 |
| March 9 | 9 |
| March 10 | 0 |
Using Your CalFresh Benefits
CalFresh benefits are automatically loaded onto an EBT card, which works just like a debit card. Recipients can use it to purchase eligible food items at supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets that accept EBT.
What Can You Buy with CalFresh?
CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
What Cannot Be Purchased with CalFresh?
The program does not allow purchases of:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Hot or prepared meals (except in certain cases)
- Non-food household items (e.g., cleaning supplies, pet food)
Benefits Are Delayed
If your benefits are not available on your expected date, consider these steps:
- Wait Until Later in the Day – Payments typically appear at midnight, but sometimes there may be slight delays.
- Check Your EBT Balance – You can verify your balance by logging into your EBT account online, using the EBT customer service phone number, or checking your latest purchase receipt.
- Contact Your County Office – If your payment does not arrive by the end of the day, reach out to your local CalFresh office to check for any issues.
By staying informed about your payment date and knowing how to use your benefits, you can make the most of your CalFresh assistance each month.
FAQs
When will I receive my CalFresh benefits?
Benefits are distributed based on the last digit of your case number, from March 1 to March 10.
What if my benefits are not available on my assigned date?
Check your EBT balance and contact your county office if the payment is delayed.
Can I use CalFresh at farmers’ markets?
Yes, many farmers’ markets accept EBT payments for eligible food items.
Can I buy hot food with CalFresh?
No, hot or prepared meals are not covered, except in specific cases.
How do I check my EBT balance?
You can check your balance online, by phone, or on your last purchase receipt.
