CalFresh beneficiaries in California will receive their monthly payments via the Golden State Advantage card and the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. Deposits will begin on March 1, 2025, as they do every month, and will be distributed in stages until the 10th, according to the last digit of each user’s case number.
In California, SNAP benefits (also known as CalFresh) allow you to buy most groceries for home meals, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, snacks, cereal, and even seeds for growing your own food.
You can also get nonalcoholic beverages such as juice or soda. However, there are restrictions: no alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods (such as rotisserie chicken or deli sandwiches), vitamins/medicines, pet food, or household items (such as cleaning supplies and toilet paper).
Some homeless, senior, or disabled people can use CalFresh at approved restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program. Always check the USDA guidelines to avoid awkward checkout situations!
Where and how to use the EBT card in March 2025?
Your Golden State Advantage card works as a debit card at any store that accepts EBT, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. You can also check your available balance by calling 1-877-328-9677 or going to BenefitsCal.
If you receive cash benefits in addition to CalFresh, you can withdraw money from EBT-accepting ATMs or participating grocery stores.
If it is your recertification month, make sure to fill out and submit the SAR Form 7 if you are halfway through your certification period, or the recertification application if you are at the end of it.
You can complete this process online at BenefitsCal.com, by mail, or in person at your local social services office. You may also be required to complete a phone interview, so keep an eye out for the scheduled date and time in your notifications.
When will you receive your CalFresh payment in March?
The deposit schedule follows the same pattern as always:
- March 1: If your case number ends in 1
- March 2: If your case number ends in 2
- March 3: If your case number ends in 3
- March 4: If your case number ends in 4
- March 5: If your case number ends in 5
- March 6: If your case number ends in 6
- March 7: If your case number ends in 7
- March 8: If your case number ends in 8
- March 9: If your case number ends in 9
- March 10: If your case number ends in 0
If you’re not sure of your exact date, you can check your account at BenefitsCal.com or review the latest notification letter from your county.
Do you need help with your CalFresh benefits?
If you have any questions about your eligibility or renewal, please contact the CalFresh Information Line at 1-877-847-3663. You can also visit your local food bank for assistance with the application process.
March is a good month to review your eligibility and ensure you continue to receive the assistance you require. If you haven’t already applied for CalFresh, you can do so online at GetCalFresh.org or BenefitsCal.com.
The amount of CalFresh benefits varies by household size. For a single person, the maximum monthly amount is $292, with an estimated average of $199. In the case of a two-person household, the benefit can total up to $536, with an average of $364.
Financial support grows proportionally with the number of members. A household of three can receive up to $768, with an estimated average of $594. For a family of four, the maximum benefit is $975, with an average of $726. If there are five people in the household, the maximum amount is $1,158, with an average benefit of $845.
Support for larger households is steadily increasing. A group of six people can receive up to $1,390, with an average of $1,018 per month. A family of seven can spend up to $1,536, with an average of $1,116. A household of eight members may receive up to $1,756, with an average benefit of $1,317.
If the household has more than eight people, an additional $220 is charged for each additional member. These figures are for the fiscal year 2025 and may change depending on government updates.
