In California, CalWORKs and CalFresh benefits have been a lifeline to provide cash and food assistance to families with low incomes in order to meet some of the basic needs. In March 2025, it is vital for current and prospective beneficiaries to know the various eligibility requirements, payment schedules, and amounts for food assistance programs.
Furthermore, while CalWORKs provides cash assistance to families, food benefits are provided through CalFresh, which is California’s version of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). If you or your family require food assistance, this guide will help you find out if you qualify, how much you may receive, and when payments will be disbursed.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | CalFresh (SNAP in California) |
| March 2025 Payment Dates | March 1–10, based on case number |
| Maximum Monthly Benefit | $292 (1 person), $536 (2 people), $975 (4 people), $1,756 (8 people) |
| Eligibility Requirements | Low-income, California resident, U.S. citizen/legal resident, income below 200% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) |
| Work Requirements | Able-bodied adults (18–54) must work 80 hours/month unless exempt |
| Application Methods | Online, by phone, or at county offices |
| Official Website | California Department of Social Services |
CalFresh has been instrumental in providing food assistance to eligible California families as of March 2025. The benefit ranges between $292 and $1,756 depending on individual household needs. It must be made available on broader terms for food-insecure households. If you think that you may qualify, fill out the application online, or visit your county’s social services office now!
What is CalFresh and How Does It Work?
CalFresh is the food assistance program of California that provides benefits to eligible persons and families for the purchase of healthy foods. It incorporates Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and enables eligible low-income households to get benefits in electronic benefit transfer (EBT)-also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or CalFresh.
An EBT card can also be used like a debit card to buy groceries in stores, farmers’ markets, and retailers who participate in the program. Partial benefits of owning an EBT card include using the card to purchase food in certain restaurants under the CalFresh Restaurant Meals program that is targeted at elderly, disabled, or homeless people.
Qualifying criteria for CalFresh for the month of March 2025.
To be eligible for CalFresh benefits in the month of March, all applicants must comply with a few criteria:
- Income limits: Most applicants must have a gross monthly income which is less than or equal to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Below are the 2025 FPL guidelines that determined eligibility for benefits granted by CalFresh.
- Residency and citizenship: The applicant is supposed to be residing in California and shall have the intent to remain in the state thereafter. One person in the household must be a U.S. citizen, lawful immigrant, or qualified alien.
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income (200% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,430 |
| 2 | $3,288 |
| 3 | $4,144 |
| 4 | $5,000 |
| 5 | $5,858 |
| 6 | $6,714 |
| 7 | $7,570 |
| 8 | $8,428 |
Requirements for Work
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged between eighteen and fifty-four years need to be engaged in employment or a work program not less than eighty hours a month.
Exceptions are for pregnant women, persons with disabilities, veterans, homeless individuals, and former foster youth aged less than 25 years.
CalFresh Benefit Amounts for March 2025
CalFresh benefits are adjusted each fiscal year (October 1 – September 30). For March 2025, the maximum monthly allotments are:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each additional person | +$220 |
CalFresh Payment Schedule for March 2025
CalFresh benefits are distributed over the first 10 days of the month, based on the last digit of the recipient’s case number:
| Last Digit of Case Number | EBT Deposit Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | March 1 |
| 2 | March 2 |
| 3 | March 3 |
| 4 | March 4 |
| 5 | March 5 |
| 6 | March 6 |
| 7 | March 7 |
| 8 | March 8 |
| 9 | March 9 |
| 0 | March 10 |
Presently, identify the complete EBT deposit schedule.
CalFresh Application
CalFresh application has a simple procedure and can be obtained by three methods:
Online: Applications can be filled online at BenefitsCal.com.
By phone: The County may be called social service office.
In person: Walk in to a local county assistance office.
FAQS:
Are you capable of collecting both CalWORKs and CalFresh benefits?
CalWORKs cash aid provides an automatic qualification for families receiving CalFresh benefits.
When can restaurants accept my CalFresh?
The CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program can be used by elderly (60+), disabled, or homeless persons.
I do work and my income changes. What happens now?
If there is an increase or decrease in income, it should be reported within 10 days to prevent overpayment or loss of benefits.
Do non-citizens qualify for CalFresh?
Yes, but lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, and asylum seekers may qualify as well.
Should I reapply every month?
No, but you should be recertifying eligibility now and then (usually every 6–12 months).