The CalFresh program is the state’s version of the federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Provides monthly resources to low-income households for the purchase of food. Funds are issued through an electronic card, facilitating access without the need for physical cash.
According to the 2025-26 budget of the Legislative Analyst’s Office, an average of 3.3 million households in California were served in November 2024, with over 5 millon recipients in total. This figure reflects the constant demand for the program, considered essential for the food security of vulnerable communities in the state.
When will your EBT/CalFresh benefits arrive in May 2025?
The Legislative Analyst’s Office notes that benefit disbursements make up a significant portion of the state budget. The report details spending projections and the impact of possible variations in the COLA, although it does not foresee drastic changes in the short term.
CalFresh payments for May 2025 will be distributed according to the usual schedule, from the 1st to the 10th of each month. The exact date depends on the last digit of the case number assigned to each beneficiary. This method seeks to guarantee the orderly delivery of benefits without generating crowding in the payment system.
The credit schedule is based on the last digit of the case number. Cases ending in 1 receive their upload on May 1; in 2, May 2; and so on until May 10 for those ending in 0. This distribution is repeated month by month without relevant changes.
For example, a beneficiary with a case ending in 3 will see the balance credited on May 3, while someone with a case ending in 0 will get it on the 10th. The funds are loaded directly to the EBT card and can be used immediately for the purchase of food. These are the ten payment days for May:
- Case ended in 1: May 1, 2025
- Case ended in 2: May 2, 2025
- Case ended in 3: May 3, 2025
- Case ended in 4: May 4, 2025
- Case ended at 5: May 5, 2025
- Case ended in 6: May 6, 2025
- Case ended at 7: May 7, 2025
- Case ended at 8: May 8, 2025
- Case ended at 9: May 9, 2025
- Case ended at 0: May 10, 2025
How many are the maximum SNAP/CalFresh amounts?
This is the list of maximum amounts for CalFresh, which is equivalent to that of the federal SNAP benefits program, managed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Values apply to California and the rest of the 48 contiguous states and Washington DC):
- 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
In 2025, the maximum amounts were adjusted according to the increased cost of living (COLA). These increases derived from the COLA do not constitute additional payments of an extraordinary nature, but rather annual adjustments designed to maintain the real value of the benefits.
There is no evidence of specific supplementary credits for May 2025 beyond conventional adjustments.
Additional programs that could give funds for groceries
The SUN Bucks program will offer $40 per month in June, July, and August 2025 for eligible children in some CalFresh households. This summer initiative does not affect May subscriptions, but rather expands resources during specific periods.
Likewise, a minimum benefit pilot, scheduled for October 2025, will increase amounts from $23 to $50 for certain participants. This measure does not impact May benefits, since its implementation corresponds to later stages of the state plan.
SBeneficiaries are encouraged to check their status and payment dates in BenefitsCal or contact their local CalFresh office for detailed information. Unused balances remain on the EBT card for up to one year, depending on current rules.