In California, the CalFresh program is a big help for families with low income. It gives monthly food benefits so that people can buy groceries and avoid hunger. More than 4.8 million people receive support through CalFresh, which is the state’s version of the federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
If you live in California and are wondering if you will receive CalFresh benefits in August 2025, here’s a clear and simple guide for you.
What Is the CalFresh Program?
CalFresh is a monthly financial assistance program that helps low-income households buy food. The money is sent to an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card called the “Golden State Advantage” card. It works just like a debit card and can be used at stores that accept food stamps.
This program is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is designed to reduce food insecurity and help people get healthy, fresh food every month.
Who Is Eligible for CalFresh in August 2025?
To qualify for CalFresh in August 2025, your household income must be below a certain limit. These income limits are based on your household size and are valid until September 2025.
Here are the income limits:
1 person: $2,510
2 people: $3,408
3 people: $4,306
4 people: $5,204
5 people: $6,102
6 people: $7,000
7 people: $7,898
8 people: $8,788
Each extra person: Add $898
Households with elderly people or those with disabilities may have higher income limits or different eligibility rules, since their living costs are usually higher.
What Expenses Can Be Deducted?
When applying for CalFresh, some expenses can be deducted from your total income to help you qualify. These include:
20% of your earned income
Standard deduction (for example, $291 for large households)
Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members
Childcare or dependent care costs
Housing and utility bills (up to $712 or more if elderly or disabled)
Also, if you are already receiving Medi-Cal, SSI, or CalWORKs, you might automatically qualify for CalFresh or be eligible under easier rules.
CalFresh Payment Dates for August 2025
CalFresh payments are sent during the first ten days of each month. Your payment date depends on the last digit of your case number.
Here is the payment schedule for August 2025:
Case number ends in 1 – August 1
Case number ends in 2 – August 2
Case number ends in 3 – August 3
Case number ends in 4 – August 4
Case number ends in 5 – August 5
Case number ends in 6 – August 6
Case number ends in 7 – August 7
Case number ends in 8 – August 8
Case number ends in 9 – August 9
Case number ends in 0 – August 10
Other Helpful Food Programs in California
SUN Bucks (Summer EBT)
This program provides $40 per month to each child during the summer months—June, July, and August—when schools are closed and kids don’t receive school meals. That’s a total of $120 per child for the summer.
Most children in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs programs are automatically enrolled. SUN Bucks cards are sent depending on the child’s last name:
A–D: Sent in June
E–L: Sent in July
M–Z: Sent in August
Make sure to use the money within 122 days, or it will expire.
Double Up Food Bucks Program
This program helps you buy more fresh fruits and vegetables. When you use your CalFresh EBT card at certain local markets, you get double the amount. For every $1 you spend from your CalFresh benefits, you get another $1 to spend on fruits and vegetables.
This program is available in areas like Mendocino, Alameda, Santa Clara, Monterey, and Southern California. You can find a nearby market at doubleupca.org.
CalFresh continues to be a lifeline for millions of families in California. In August 2025, eligible households will receive their payments based on their case number, while additional help from programs like SUN Bucks and Double Up Food Bucks will make it easier to put healthy meals on the table.
If your income is within the limit and you meet the requirements, CalFresh can be a reliable support system to keep your family well-fed and healthy throughout the year.
