If you receive help to buy food through CalFresh benefits, we’ve got news regarding July 2025’s payments. This program, known nationally as SNAP, uses an EBT card to deposit your benefits each month. The idea is simple: to help low-income households access nutritious food. You can use the card at many authorized locations.
The CalFresh deposit dates are not the same for everyone. They depend on the last number of your case number. You can find this unique number on the paperwork the county gave you or in your BenefitsCal online account. Look closely at that digit to find out when it’s due.
The CalFresh (SNAP) calendar is now confirmed for July
In the vast majority of cases (we’re talking 92%), the funds appear on your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, known as “Golden State Advantage,” right at midnight on your due date. But sometimes, there may be a slight delay later that day. Don’t see the deposit first thing in the morning? Don’t worry, wait until the end of the day before calling.
- 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 additional person: +$220
SNAP/CalFresh amounts confirmed for 2025
The amount isn’t the same for everyone. It varies depending on your family size, gross income, and certain deductible expenses. Expenses such as rent, utility bills, or medical costs (for households with people over 60 or disabled) play a role.
The federal government adjusts the maximum amounts each year. For the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, the limits are as follows: One person can receive up to $292. Two people, $536. Three, $768. Four people, $975.
For larger families: Five people get a maximum of $1,158. Six, $1,390. Seven, $1,536. Eight members, $1,756. For each additional person, $220 is added to the maximum amount. These are the limits, but what you receive will likely be less.
There’s a formula for calculating how much a household should receive. First, they look at your household’s total gross income (before taxes). Then, they apply a standard deduction; for 2025, it’s around $193 for families of 1 to 3 people. Then, they subtract other allowable deductions (rent, utilities, childcare, medical expenses, if applicable).
Subtracting these deductions from gross income is your adjusted net income. From this net income, your household is estimated to be eligible to contribute 30% toward food. This is the expected contribution. The final CalFresh benefit is the maximum amount for your household size, minus that 30% of net income.
Practical example: Imagine a family of four. They have an adjusted net income of $1,000. Their expected contribution is $300 (30% of $1,000). The maximum for four people is $975. So, their monthly benefit would be $975 – $300 = $675. Here’s how the calculation works.
Certain factors reduce the amount of CalFresh benefits a household receives
Several factors come into play: If household income increases, benefits typically decrease. Because they’re expected to be able to spend more out of pocket on food. Conversely, if you have high deductible expenses (such as expensive rent), these reduce your net income and can increase your aid.
Household size is key to determining the maximum limit, but the calculation always depends on the net income remaining after deductions. Households with people age 60 or older or with disabilities have slightly different rules: they can deduct more medical expenses, and the income limits to qualify are higher.
Dos and Don’ts when purchasing with your EBT card
The EBT card is your tool for buying food for your family. It works at most supermarkets and participating farmers’ markets. In specific situations (for those experiencing homelessness, seniors, or people with disabilities), it can also be used at some authorized restaurants for prepared meals. You can even buy seeds and plants to grow your own food.
To avoid interruptions to your payments, you must remain eligible. This means recertifying when required (submitting new paperwork), submitting your SAR-7 report on time every few months, and complying with work rules if they apply to you. If you don’t, your benefits may be suspended.
What you can buy with your EBT card is: Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables (no added sugar or salt); meats, poultry, and fish (fresh, frozen, or canned, such as tuna or chicken); dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs); bread, cereals, and grains (rice, pasta, oatmeal, tortillas); seeds and plants for growing food at home (such as tomatoes or herbs); baby foods (infant formula, cereal, and baby food); healthy snacks (unsweetened nuts, unbuttered popcorn).
What you can’t buy is: prepared hot meals, unless you’re elderly, homeless, or disabled and from licensed establishments; alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits; tobacco and cigarettes; vitamin supplements or medicines, even in the form of gummies or powders; non-food items such as soap, toilet paper, or pet food; ready-to-eat foods, such as a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, unless through approved programs; and candy and sweets.
