The CalFresh benefit distribution schedule for September 2025 has been officially set. Funds will be transferred to beneficiaries’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts throughout the first ten days of the month, following a predetermined order based on the last digit of each recipient’s case number.
What is CalFresh and Who Can Receive Benefits?
CalFresh is California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to individuals and households with limited incomes. The program operates through the EBT system, allowing recipients to use their benefits to purchase food.
In mid-2025, over five million California residents were receiving CalFresh benefits, making it the largest nutrition assistance program in the United States. The program is funded by the federal government, with over twelve billion dollars allocated annually, which helps boost California’s economy.
CalFresh Payment Dates for September 2025
Here are the specific payment dates for September 2025, based on the last digit of your case number:
September 1, 2025: Case number ends in 1
September 2, 2025: Case number ends in 2
September 3, 2025: Case number ends in 3
September 4, 2025: Case number ends in 4
September 5, 2025: Case number ends in 5
September 6, 2025: Case number ends in 6
September 7, 2025: Case number ends in 7
September 8, 2025: Case number ends in 8
September 9, 2025: Case number ends in 9
September 10, 2025: Case number ends in 0
CalFresh Benefit Maximums for 2025
For the 2025 fiscal year, the maximum monthly CalFresh benefit amounts are based on household size. These amounts align with federal SNAP limits and are updated annually.
The maximum benefit amounts for 2025 are as follows:
Single-person household: $291
Two-person household: $536
Three-person household: $768
Four-person household: $975
Five-person household: $1,157
Six-person household: $1,390
Seven-person household: $1,536
Eight-person household: $1,756
For households with more than eight members, an additional $220 is added per person.
Demographic Profile of CalFresh Beneficiaries
The demographic makeup of CalFresh recipients reflects California’s diverse population, though some groups are overrepresented. For example, Latinos represent about 60% of CalFresh beneficiaries, significantly higher than their 39% share of California’s total population.
Research into food insecurity shows that 48% of low-income Latino households struggle with food access, which is higher than the 45% rate for all low-income households.
Upcoming Reforms and Cuts to CalFresh
Federal legislation passed in 2025 (often referred to as the Republican reconciliation bill) will bring significant changes to SNAP and CalFresh starting in 2027. These changes include a $186 billion cut to SNAP funding over the next decade, with California expected to lose billions in federal contributions.
The reforms also tighten eligibility for some groups, particularly adults without disabilities or those under 65 without young children. To continue receiving benefits, these individuals will need to work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month.
There will also be increased bureaucratic requirements to verify compliance with these new standards.
Impact of Changes
The anticipated funding cuts and changes to eligibility criteria may lead to lower benefits for millions of CalFresh recipients across the country, with California likely facing a significant loss in funding.
As the new regulations are implemented, the program could face further challenges in meeting the needs of low-income residents.
