On March 10, 2025, the monthly distribution of benefits from CalFresh, the food assistance program in California that operates under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), ends. The funds, allocated through an EBT card, allow for the purchase of nutritious foods at authorized businesses, including farmers markets and, in specific cases, restaurants for people who are homeless, over 60 years old or with disabilities.
Administered by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), CalFresh is managed at the county level. The amounts are loaded monthly on the EBT card, valid for purchasing food, seeds and edible plants, but excluding non-food products. Since 2019, SSI/SSP beneficiaries can access the program if they meet the requirements. The card works as a debit card, prioritizing the security and privacy of users.
Payment schedule for March 2025 almost complete
Benefit delivery occurs between the 1st and 10th of each month, depending on the last digit of the case number. For example, endings in 1 receive funds on March 1, while those in 0 receive them on March 10. In 2025, as this date falls on a Monday, the process will not suffer delays.
That said, it is clear then that this month’s CalFresh payments end today, so all groups are now covered. Now, we only have to wait for April 1, the day when the benefits will be distributed again. Payments vary by net income and household members. For the period October 2024-September 2025, the maximums are:
- 1-person household: maximum of $292
- Household of 2 people: maximum of 536
- Household of 3 people: maximum of 768
- Household of 4 people: maximum of 975
- Household of 5 people: maximum of 1,158
- Household of 6 people: maximum of 1,390
- Household of 7 people: maximum of 1,536
- Household of 8 people: maximum of 1,756
- Each additional person: maximum of +220
Expanded eligibility criteria for CalFresh in 2025
Applicants must reside in California and meet certain gross income limits, generally below 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL). By 2025, this equals $19,578 annually for one person and $26,442 for two. However, the state allows more flexible eligibility: Medi-Cal households can qualify up to 200% of the FPL, while seniors and people with disabilities can qualify up to 165% without needing to meet the net income test.
Applications can be made online through BenefitsCal.com or GetCalFresh.org, by phone at 1-866-613-3777, or at local offices. Those with less than $100 in resources and $150 in gross income can access accelerated benefits in just three days. Adults without dependents (ABAWD) must meet work requirements, although some counties, such as Alameda, have temporary exemptions.
Seniors, disabled or homeless people can use their EBT at participating restaurants, an option available until March 10, 2025 in counties like Ventura or Los Angeles. Additionally, in cases of emergencies such as fires, automatic benefit replacements are activated, without affecting regular payments. These measures seek to adapt the program to different needs, guaranteeing the food security of the beneficiaries.