In the state of California, CalFresh benefits, designed for those who meet the eligibility criteria, are distributed by each county. Unlike a singular issuance date, CalFresh benefits are deposited onto Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Cards during the initial 10 days of each month. The specific day of deposit is determined by the last digit of your case number.
These CalFresh allotments — the name in California for the SNAP benefits program — are accessible on both weekends and holidays. Any remaining balance on the EBT card is carried over to the subsequent month. In February, the schedule for EBT food benefit availability is as follows.
Get Ready for February 1st: Up to $1,751 in CalFresh Benefits Heading Your Way
As we said, the last number of your CalFresh case is what determines exactly which day you are going to receive your payments each month. In the month of February 2024, those who have number 1, then, will see the cash reflected in their account on February 1, those who have number 2, then they will see how the deposit hits their EBT card on February 2. So, successively, all the ten groups of beneficiaries are going to receive their payments until the 10th, which is for those who have a case number ending in 0.
Now, how much are you going to get? According to the USDA, payments for this fiscal year (from October 1, 2023 to September 20, 2024) received a 3.2% increase in Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), in order for SNAP and CalFresh benefits not to lose purchasing power in the face of inflation.
Below you will find the maximum amounts that will be paid depending on the size of the beneficiary household.
The Maximum SNAP / CalFresh Allotments For 2024
For the period between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, the maximum monthly allotments vary according to the household size. For instance, a one-person household may receive a maximum of $291, while an eight-person household may receive up to $1,751. Additionally, each additional household member contributes an extra $219, and there is a minimum allotment of $23. It is important to note that these figures represent the maximum possible amounts, and the actual benefits received by SNAP households may vary.
SNAP benefits offer a range of eligible purchases, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cereals, snack foods, non-alcoholic beverages, seeds, and plants for household consumption.
However, you better take note of the restrictions: SNAP benefits cannot be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medicines, or supplements with a Supplement Facts label. Additionally, live animals (except shellfish, fish, and animals slaughtered prior to store pick-up), prepared foods for immediate consumption, and hot foods are not eligible for SNAP purchase. Nonfood items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, household supplies, and hygiene items are also excluded.