CalFresh beneficiaries in California will receive their monthly payments through the Golden State Advantage card, Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. Like every month, deposits will begin on March 1, 2025 and will be distributed in stages until the 10th, according to the last digit of each user’s case number.
In California, SNAP benefits (aka CalFresh) let you buy most groceries for home meals: fruits, veggies, meat, dairy, bread, snacks, cereal, and even seeds to grow your own food. You can also grab non-alcoholic drinks like juice or soda. But there are rules: no alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods (like rotisserie chicken or deli sandwiches), vitamins/medicines, pet food, or household items (cleaning supplies, toilet paper).
Fun fact: Some homeless individuals, seniors, or disabled folks can use CalFresh at approved restaurants via the Restaurant Meals Program. Always check the USDA guidelines to avoid checkout awkwardness!
Where and how to use the EBT card in March 2025?
Your Golden State Advantage card works like a debit card at any store that accepts EBT, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online stores like Amazon and Walmart. You can also check your available balance by calling 1-877-328-9677 or visiting BenefitsCal. If you receive cash benefits in addition to CalFresh, you can withdraw money at ATMs that accept EBT or at participating grocery stores.
If it is your recertification month, be sure to complete and submit the SAR Form 7 if you are at the midpoint of your certification period, or the recertification application if you are at the end of the period. You can do this online at BenefitsCal.com, by mail, or in person at your local social services office. Additionally, you may need to complete a phone interview, so check your notifications for the scheduled date and time.
When will you receive your CalFresh payment in March?
The deposit schedule follows the same pattern as always:
- March 1: If your case number ends in 1
- March 2: If your case number ends in 2
- March 3: If your case number ends in 3
- March 4: If your case number ends in 4
- March 5: If your case number ends in 5
- March 6: If your case number ends in 6
- March 7: If your case number ends in 7
- March 8: If your case number ends in 8
- March 9: If your case number ends in 9
- March 10: If your case number ends in 0
If you’re not sure of your exact date, you can check your account at BenefitsCal.com or review the latest notification letter from your county.
Do you need help with your CalFresh benefits?
If you have questions about your eligibility or renewal, you can contact the CalFresh Information Line at 1-877-847-3663. You can also go to your local food bank, where they can assist you with the application process. March is a good time to review your eligibility and make sure you continue to receive the help you need. If you haven’t applied for CalFresh yet, you can easily do so online at GetCalFresh.org or BenefitsCal.com.
The amount of CalFresh benefits varies depending on household size. For a single person, the maximum monthly amount is $292, while the estimated average is $199. In the case of a two-person household, the benefit can reach up to $536, with an average of $364.
As the number of members increases, financial support also increases. A household of three can receive a maximum of $768, with an estimated average of $594. For a family of four, the maximum benefit is $975, while the average is $726. If there are five members in the household, the maximum amount is $1,158, with an average benefit of $845.
Support continues to increase for larger households. A group of six people can receive up to $1,390, with an estimated $1,018 per month. For a family of seven, the maximum amount reaches $1,536, with an average of $1,116. A household of eight members can get up to $1,756, with an average benefit of $1,317.
If the household has more than eight people, an additional $220 is added for each extra member. These amounts are for fiscal year 2025 and may change based on government updates.
