More than 4.5 million Californians depend on CalFresh benefits every month to help buy food. CalFresh, the state version of the federal SNAP program, provides support to low-income households so they can access nutritious meals and ease financial pressure.
With September approaching, it’s a good time to understand when payments arrive, how much you could get, and whether you qualify.
September 2025 Payment Schedule
CalFresh benefits are deposited between the 1st and 10th of each month, depending on the last digit of your Case Number. Here’s the full September 2025 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 EBT accounts just after midnight. Planning your grocery shopping around your deposit date can help stretch your budget through the month.
Maximum CalFresh Allotments by Household Size
The maximum benefit you can receive depends on household size. Here are the updated figures for 2025:
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $291 |
| 2 people | $536 |
| 3 people | $768 |
| 4 people | $975 |
| 5 people | $1,158 |
| 6 people | $1,390 |
| 7 people | $1,536 |
| 8 people | $1,756 |
| Each extra person | +$220 |
For example, a family of four can receive up to $975 monthly. Actual benefits vary depending on income, rent, childcare, and medical expenses.
Income Limits for Eligibility
To qualify for CalFresh, households must meet income guidelines:
Gross Income (≤ 200% of Federal Poverty Level)
1 person: $2,510/month
2 people: $3,408/month
3 people: $4,304/month
4 people: $5,200/month
Add $898/month for each additional person
Net Income (≤ 100% of Federal Poverty Level)
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 seniors (60+) or people with disabilities only need to meet the net income test. Most households don’t face resource limits anymore, except those made up entirely of seniors or disabled members, where the asset limit is $4,250.
Work Rules, Immigration, and Other Requirements
Adults aged 18–54 without dependents (ABAWDs) may need to meet work rules to continue receiving benefits beyond three months in three years. Many counties in California waive this due to local conditions.
U.S. citizens qualify if income and household rules are met.
Legal permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, and certain other immigrants may also be eligible.
How to Apply for CalFresh
You can apply in several ways:
Online at BenefitsCal.com (available in English, Spanish, and Chinese)
By phone: 1-877-847-3663 (multilingual help available)
In person at your local CalFresh office
CalFresh is a lifeline for millions of Californians, making healthy food more affordable and helping families plan their budgets. With September’s benefits arriving between the 1st and 10th, now is the time to mark your deposit date, review your household’s maximum benefit, and ensure you meet eligibility requirements.
Staying informed about income limits, work rules, and application options can help you make the most of this essential program.
