If you receive CalFresh benefits (also known as SNAP), it’s important to stay informed about your payment schedule and how to use your benefits. These benefits are delivered via an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, making it easy for eligible households to purchase nutritious food at authorized locations.
In this article, we will walk you through the key details of your CalFresh payment for July 2025, including the payment dates, how benefits are calculated, and what you can buy with your EBT card.
CalFresh Payment Dates for July 2025
CalFresh payment dates depend on the last digit of your case number. This number is unique to your account and can be found on the paperwork from your county or on your BenefitsCal online account.
Payments are typically made at midnight on your designated date, although there can be small delays later in the day. Don’t worry if your payment isn’t available immediately in the morning; check again by the end of the day.
Here’s a general breakdown of the payment schedule:
One person: $292
Two people: $536
Three people: $768
Four people: $975
Five people: $1,158
Six people: $1,390
Seven people: $1,536
Eight people: $1,756
Each additional person: +$220
CalFresh Amounts for July 2025: What’s New
The amount you receive depends on several factors, such as your household size, income, and allowable expenses. For the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, the following are the maximum benefit amounts based on family size:
One person: $292
Two people: $536
Three people: $768
Four people: $975
Five people: $1,158
Six people: $1,390
Seven people: $1,536
Eight people: $1,756
Additional family members: $220 per person
These amounts are the maximum limits, but the actual benefit may be lower depending on your family’s income and expenses.
How CalFresh Benefits Are Calculated
Your CalFresh benefit is based on your gross income (before taxes). The SSA applies a standard deduction, which for 2025 is around $193 for families of 1 to 3 people.
After this, they subtract other allowable deductions (rent, utilities, childcare, medical costs for seniors or disabled members) from your gross income to get your adjusted net income.
From this adjusted net income, you are expected to contribute 30% toward food costs. The final benefit is calculated by subtracting this contribution from the maximum amount for your household size.
Example:
For a family of four with an adjusted net income of $1,000, their expected contribution is $300 (30% of $1,000). Since the maximum benefit for four people is $975, their monthly benefit would be $975 – $300 = $675.
Factors That Can Affect Your CalFresh Benefit Amount
Several factors can reduce your benefits:
Increased income: If your income goes up, your benefit may decrease because you’ll be expected to contribute more toward food.
High deductible expenses: If your household has high deductible expenses (like expensive rent), this can reduce your net income and increase your benefits.
Households with elderly or disabled members: These households can deduct more medical expenses, and they may have higher income limits to qualify.
What You Can and Can’t Buy With Your EBT Card
Your EBT card works at most grocery stores and participating farmers’ markets. In some cases, it can also be used at authorized restaurants for hot meals, but only for elderly, homeless, or disabled individuals. You can also buy seeds and plants to grow your own food.
Here’s what you can buy:
Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables (without added sugar or salt)
Fresh, frozen, or canned meats, poultry, and fish
Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, and eggs
Bread, cereals, grains (rice, pasta, oatmeal, tortillas)
Baby foods (formula, baby food, cereal)
Healthy snacks (unsweetened nuts, unbuttered popcorn)
Seeds and plants for growing food at home
What you can’t buy includes:
Prepared hot meals (except in special cases for elderly, homeless, or disabled individuals)
Alcohol, tobacco, and cigarettes
Vitamins or medicines (including supplements)
Non-food items (soap, pet food, toilet paper)
Ready-to-eat foods (like rotisserie chicken) unless authorized through certain programs
Candy and sweets
Staying Eligible for CalFresh Benefits
To avoid interruptions to your CalFresh benefits, it’s important to stay eligible. This means:
Recertifying: Submit required paperwork when needed.
Timely SAR-7 Report: Submit your SAR-7 report every few months.
Compliance with work rules: If they apply to you, make sure you follow them.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a suspension of benefits.
CalFresh provides essential support to low-income households, helping ensure access to nutritious food each month. For July 2025, payment dates are based on your case number, and the benefit amount depends on your household size, income, and allowable expenses.
By understanding how the benefits are calculated and what you can buy, you can make the most of your CalFresh assistance. Remember to stay eligible by meeting all requirements and updating your information as needed to avoid disruptions.
