In May 2025, more than 5 million people in California will continue receiving help from CalFresh, the state’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program helps low-income families buy food through monthly deposits on an EBT card. While no extra payments are planned for May itself, there are new benefit programs coming later in the year.
Here’s everything you need to know about your CalFresh May 2025 benefits, including deposit dates, payment amounts, and updates about additional support like SUN Bucks.
What Is CalFresh and Who Can Use It?
CalFresh is California’s food assistance program that gives monthly benefits to people with low income. The money is loaded onto an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, which works like a debit card and can be used in grocery stores to buy food.
In November 2024, about 3.3 million households received CalFresh, with over 5 million total beneficiaries. This number shows how important the program is for many families in California.
When Will CalFresh Benefits Be Paid in May 2025?
CalFresh payments will be made from May 1 to May 10, 2025, following the same schedule used every month. The last digit of your case number decides your deposit date.
Here’s the full schedule:
Case ending in 1 – May 1, 2025
Case ending in 2 – May 2, 2025
Case ending in 3 – May 3, 2025
Case ending in 4 – May 4, 2025
Case ending in 5 – May 5, 2025
Case ending in 6 – May 6, 2025
Case ending in 7 – May 7, 2025
Case ending in 8 – May 8, 2025
Case ending in 9 – May 9, 2025
Case ending in 0 – May 10, 2025
Once loaded to your EBT card, the money can be used right away.
How Much Can You Get Through SNAP/CalFresh?
The maximum CalFresh benefit amount in 2025 depends on your household size. These are the current maximum monthly payments:
1 person – $292
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 – add $220
These amounts include adjustments made for the Cost of Living (COLA) in 2025. However, there are no extra or bonus payments for May, unless you are part of a special program.
Are There Any Extra Benefits in May 2025?
There are no additional SNAP or CalFresh payments in May 2025 beyond the regular monthly amounts. But some new programs will start later in the year:
SUN Bucks: This gives $40 per month for eligible children during June, July, and August 2025. It’s a summer food support program.
Minimum Benefit Pilot: Starting in October 2025, this program will increase the minimum monthly CalFresh payment from $23 to $50 for some users. This will not affect May benefits.
How to Check Your Benefits
To view your benefit amount, payment status, or case updates, visit BenefitsCal or contact your local CalFresh office. Any unused balance on your EBT card can stay available for up to one year, so you don’t lose the money if you don’t use it right away.
CalFresh benefits in May 2025 will follow the regular schedule based on the last digit of your case number. While there are no extra payments this month, beneficiaries can expect their normal amount, adjusted for the cost of living.
Upcoming programs like SUN Bucks and the Minimum Benefit Pilot will offer more help in summer and late 2025. If you receive CalFresh, always check your status and stay updated through official sources to avoid missing any benefit.
