More than 4.5 million Californians are already waiting for new payments from their CalFresh benefits, the local name given in the state to the initiative known as SNAP benefits at the federal level.
The CalFresh payments are designed and intended to combat hunger and poverty in the United States, with payments allocated to low-income families who can use the money to purchase high-nutrition foods.
If you’re one of the households receiving these benefits, it’s time to start planning your budget for your next holiday, because it’s best to do so with plenty of time.
September CalFresh schedule, benefit amounts, and eligibility made simple
If you’re trying to navigate CalFresh for 2025, you’re not alone. Figuring out payment dates, benefit amounts, and eligibility rules can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a current recipient or considering applying, this guide breaks everything down in plain language. Let’s get into the details so you can make the most of this vital resource.
CalFresh benefits are distributed from the 1st through the 10th of every month, based on the last digit of your Case Number. For September 2025, here’s the schedule:
- September 1: Case numbers ending in 1
- September 2: Case numbers ending in 2
- September 3: Case numbers ending in 3
- September 4: Case numbers ending in 4
- September 5: Case numbers ending in 5
- September 6: Case numbers ending in 6
- September 7: Case numbers ending in 7
- September 8: Case numbers ending in 8
- September 9: Case numbers ending in 9
- September 10: Case numbers ending in 0
Most deposits hit accounts by midnight on your assigned date. Mark your calendar so you can plan your grocery trips accordingly, while disbursing your resources along the month, for a better financial strategy.
What’s the maximum food stamps allotment (per family size)
It all depends on several factors, but what’s most important to determine the maximum CalFresh allotment, is the size of the household. Here are the updated amounts from 1 to 8 members (and how much to expect as maximum for any extra member beyond that size);
- Household of 1 person: $291
- Household of 2 people: $536
- Household of 3 people: $768
- Household of 4 people: $975
- Household of 5 people: 1,158
- Household of 6 people: $1,390
- Household of 7 people: $1,536
- Household of 8 people: $1,756
- Each extra person: $220 top could be added
These amounts are starting points—your actual benefit will depend on factors like income and expenses. For example, a family of four could receive up to $973 per month to help put food on the table. Every little bit counts, right?
A CalFresh-eligible household has income limits
Your income must fall at or below certain thresholds based on household size. There are two tests.
- Gross Income: Must be ≤ 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, FPL):
- 1 person: $2,510/month
- 2 people: $3,408/month
- 3 people: $4,304/month
- 4 people: $4,304/month
Add $898/month for each additional person.
- Net Income: Must be ≤ 100% of the FPL:
- 1 person: $1,255/month
- 2 people: $1,704/month
- 3 people: $2,152/month
- 4 people: $2,600/month
- Add $449/month for each additional person.
Households with members aged 60+ or with disabilities only need to meet the net income test.
Certain specially selected households no longer face resource limits. That means savings, cash, or other assets may not disqualify you. The only exception applies to households where all members are elderly or have disabilities; their resource limit is $4,250.
Work requirements, immigration status and other considerations
If you’re between 18 and 54 years old and don’t have dependents (called “ABAWDs“), you may need to meet work requirements to receive benefits beyond 3 months in a 36-month period. But don’t stress—many counties in California have waived these rules due to local economic conditions. Always check with your county office to see if this applies to you.
Legal permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, and other humanitarian immigrants may qualify. U.S. citizens automatically qualify if they meet income and other guidelines.
If you’re new to this, you can apply online at BenefitsCal.com to apply in English, Spanish, or Chinese, by phone calling at 1-877-847-3663 for multilingual assistance, or even in person in your closest CalFresh organizations.