For many California households, CalFresh is a lifeline that ensures nutritious meals can stay on the table. As food prices continue to rise, these monthly benefits, delivered through EBT cards, make a real difference.
In September 2025, payments will follow the state’s standard distribution schedule, with funds reaching accounts from the 1st through the 10th of the month. Knowing when your benefits will load can help you plan your grocery budget more effectively.
Who Qualifies for CalFresh Benefits?
Eligibility for CalFresh depends largely on household income and composition. While the rules may feel complicated, here are the basics:
Gross monthly income must generally be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
A single person may qualify with income up to about $2,510.
A family of four must remain under roughly $5,200.
Most households must meet both gross and net income tests (after deductions).
Seniors (60+) and people with disabilities have simpler rules: they only need to meet the net income test and may have up to $4,250 in resources.
All household members who buy and prepare food together must be included in the application.
Work requirements apply to some groups, such as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). These individuals, ages 18–54, may face a three-month time limit on benefits unless they meet work or training requirements. However, many California counties have temporarily waived these rules.
How CalFresh Benefits Are Calculated
The benefit amount is based on household size and net income. Here’s the method:
The maximum allotment is set by the USDA and updated each year.
From this amount, 30% of the household’s net income is subtracted.
Current maximum monthly benefits:
| Household Size | Maximum Allotment (2025) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $291 |
| 4 people | $973 |
| 8 people | $1,756 |
| Each additional member | +$220 |
This formula ensures larger households receive higher benefits, while deductions for housing, childcare, and medical costs make calculations more accurate for real-life expenses.
CalFresh September 2025 Payment Dates
CalFresh benefits in California are distributed between September 1st and September 10th, based on the last digit of the recipient’s case number.
| Date | Case Numbers Ending In |
|---|---|
| September 1 | 1 |
| September 2 | 2 |
| September 3 | 3 |
| September 4 | 4 |
| September 5 | 5 |
| September 6 | 6 |
| September 7 | 7 |
| September 8 | 8 |
| September 9 | 9 |
| September 10 | 0 |
Funds are usually available in EBT accounts before midnight on the assigned day.
Access for Students and Immigrants
Students: Those enrolled at least half-time must meet extra requirements, such as working 20 hours per week or participating in work-study programs. While thousands of California students qualify, only a small fraction currently receive benefits due to awareness and access barriers.
Immigrants: U.S. citizens are eligible if they meet financial rules. Many legal immigrants—such as permanent residents, refugees, and asylees—may also qualify. A major change in 2019 made Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients eligible for CalFresh, extending support to more seniors and disabled residents.
Beyond the Basics: Double Up Food Bucks
CalFresh participants can also stretch their benefits with programs like Double Up Food Bucks, which doubles the value of purchases for fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets. This not only improves nutrition but also supports California’s farmers, creating a win-win for communities.
CalFresh continues to be a critical safety net for California households, offering both food security and access to healthier diets. With September 2025 payments scheduled from the 1st through the 10th, recipients can count on timely support.
Programs like Double Up Food Bucks further increase the value of these benefits, helping families buy more fresh produce while strengthening the local economy. For anyone navigating tight finances, CalFresh remains a reliable and essential resource.
