The CalFresh Program, California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides financial support to low-income households for purchasing food through an EBT card. As we head into May 2025, SNAP benefits will continue to follow the same deposit guidelines, adjusted amounts, and eligibility criteria, as confirmed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
For May 2025, benefits will be distributed between the 1st and 10th of the month, based on the last digit of a household’s case number. This means that if a household’s case number ends in 1, they will receive their payment on May 1, those with case numbers ending in 2 will be paid on May 2, and so on until May 10.
How Will CalFresh Be Deposited in May 2025?
CalFresh payments will continue to be made on weekends and holidays, ensuring there are no delays due to non-business days. The unused balances on EBT cards will accumulate for up to a year, providing continuous access to food for beneficiaries.
The amount a household receives depends on their size and net income. For example, an individual can receive up to $292 per month, but the amount may vary depending on factors like rent or child care costs. The program automatically adjusts the payment amount each month based on these factors.
Eligibility for CalFresh in 2025
To qualify for CalFresh, applicants must live in California and be U.S. citizens or legal immigrants with valid immigration status. The income eligibility is based on household size, with gross monthly income limits set as follows:
- A single person can earn up to $2,510 per month.
- A household of eight can earn up to $8,788 per month.
- For each additional person in the household, the limit increases by $898.
Households with dependent minors do not face restrictions related to the parents’ immigration status. Children born in the U.S. are automatically eligible, while legal immigrants can apply without affecting their immigration status.
Maximum Amounts and Requirements for CalFresh/SNAP in California
The financial resources of a household, such as bank accounts, must not exceed $2,750 for households without elderly or disabled adults. For households with elderly or disabled members, medical expenses can be deducted, making the eligibility criteria more flexible.
Gross income limits are adjusted for the number of people in a household. For example, a four-person household can earn up to $5,200 per month and still qualify. This excludes temporary financial aid, such as unemployment benefits or student scholarships.
Certain expenses, like housing, medical services, and education, can be subtracted from the household’s net income, which may result in higher benefits. Households with elderly or disabled adults are given priority for these deductions, ensuring they receive the maximum benefit possible.
Maximum Monthly Benefits for CalFresh/SNAP Based on Household Size:
- 1 person: Max benefit: $292, Average benefit: $199
- 2 people: Max benefit: $536, Average benefit: $364
- 3 people: Max benefit: $768, Average benefit: $594
- 4 people: Max benefit: $975, Average benefit: $726
- 5 people: Max benefit: $1,158, Average benefit: $845
- 6 people: Max benefit: $1,390, Average benefit: $1,018
- 7 people: Max benefit: $1,536, Average benefit: $1,116
- 8 people: Max benefit: $1,756, Average benefit: $1,317
- For each additional person: $220 added to the max benefit
Applying for CalFresh
Applications for CalFresh can be made at local social services offices or online through digital platforms such as BenefitsCal. Applicants must provide documentation proving their identity, income, household expenses, and family composition. The approval process typically takes up to 30 days.
Once approved, beneficiaries must renew their registration every 6 to 12 months, depending on factors such as job stability. Notifications are sent via email or electronic messages to remind recipients of renewal deadlines to avoid disruptions in benefits.
With May 2025 just around the corner, eligible households in California can expect their CalFresh benefits to be distributed according to the usual schedule, with benefits ranging from $199 to $1,317, depending on household size.
These payments are essential for ensuring food security for low-income families, and with benefits deposited automatically, access to groceries remains uninterrupted even on weekends and holidays. If you think you qualify for CalFresh, it’s important to apply on time and keep your information updated to continue receiving benefits.
I get $1330 a month from SSI . I live in San Jose, California. I am homeless and sleep In my car, pay my car insurance every month, storage and phone bill, how much in food stamps should I get?