The CalFresh Program, which is what the SNAP benefits program is called in California, offers financial support for the purchase of food to low-income households through an EBT card. For May 2025, deposit guidelines, adjusted amounts, and eligibility criteria remain in place, according to official information we obtained from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
SNAP Benefits are distributed between the 1st and 10th of each month, depending on the last digit of the case number. “For example, if the case number ends in 1, the deposit is made on May 1; if it ends in 2, on May 2, and so on until May 10,” explain program sources who spoke with Elmira.
How will CalFresh be deposited in May 2025?
Payments are made even on weekends or holidays. Unused balances accumulate on the EBT card for up to one year. This system seeks to guarantee continuous access to food, without affecting availability due to non-business dates.
The amounts allocated depend on household size and net income. An individual can receive up to $292 per month, although the exact figures for each individual vary for deductible expenses, such as rent or child care. Adjustments are calculated automatically each month.
To qualify for the CalFresh program, you must reside in the state of California and have US citizenship or a legal immigration status that is accepted by the program.
Regarding income, the gross monthly limit allowed depends on the size of the household. For example, a single person can earn up to $2,510 per month, while a household of eight can earn up to $8,788 per month. For each additional member in the household, $898 is added to the allowable limit.
Maximum amounts and requirements for CalFresh/SNAP in California
Households with dependent minors do not face restrictions due to the immigration status of the parents. Children born in the U.S. are automatically eligible, while legal immigrants—such as refugees—can apply for the program without affecting residency processes.
Financial resources, such as bank accounts, must not exceed $2,750 for households without elderly or disabled adults. Those over 60 or disabled can deduct medical expenses, making eligibility thresholds more flexible.
Gross income limits increase proportionally to household size. For example, a group of four people should not exceed $5,200 per month. These thresholds exclude temporary aid, such as unemployment benefits or student scholarships.
Expenses such as housing, medical services or education can reduce the net income considered. Households with elderly or disabled adults have priority in deductions, optimizing the final amount assigned to the EBT card.
Maximum amounts depending on household size:
1 person
- Maximum monthly benefit: $292
- Estimated average monthly profit: $199
2 people
- Maximum monthly benefit: $536
- Estimated average monthly profit: $364
3 people
- Maximum monthly benefit: $768
- Estimated average monthly profit: $594
4 people
- Maximum monthly benefit: $975
- Estimated average monthly profit: $726
5 people
- Maximum monthly benefit: $1,158
- Estimated average monthly profit: $845
6 people
- Maximum monthly benefit: $1,390
- Estimated average monthly profit: $1,018
7 people
- Maximum monthly benefit: $1,536
- Estimated average monthly benefit: $1,116
8 people
- Maximum monthly benefit: $1,756
- Estimated average monthly benefit: $1,317
For each additional person
- $220 is added to the maximum monthly benefit.
The application is made at local social services offices or through digital platforms such as BenefitsCal. Requires documentation of identity, income, expenses and household composition. Approval takes up to 30 days.
Beneficiaries must renew their registration every 6 to 12 months, depending on factors such as job stability. Notifications via email or electronic messages alert you about deadlines, avoiding interruptions in deposits.
