Starting in October 2024, California residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known locally as CalFresh, will see an increase in their benefits. This adjustment comes as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), aimed at helping low-income families keep pace with rising food prices. Though the increase is modest, it’s a critical step in ensuring that households relying on these benefits continue to have access to essential goods and groceries.
Increase
The 2025 COLA will bring a small but meaningful increase in CalFresh payments for California residents. Individuals will receive an extra $1 per month, while larger households with up to eight members will see their monthly benefits rise by $5. Though these increases may seem minimal, they represent the government’s commitment to providing ongoing support to vulnerable families during tough economic times.
For example, a one-person household will now receive $292 per month, while a family of eight will receive $1,756. Every dollar counts for those managing tight budgets, and this slight boost can help families stretch their monthly food allowance.
Schedule
In California, SNAP benefits are distributed based on recipients’ case numbers to avoid any delays in the payment system. Payments are staggered over the first 10 days of every month. For October 2024, the schedule is as follows:
| Case Number Ending In | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | October 1 |
| 2 | October 2 |
| 3 | October 3 |
| 4 | October 4 |
| 5 | October 5 |
| 6 | October 6 |
| 7 | October 7 |
| 8 | October 8 |
| 9 | October 9 |
| 0 | October 10 |
This system ensures that payments are efficiently disbursed without overwhelming the state’s infrastructure. The Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card remains the primary method for distributing these funds, allowing recipients to access their benefits at participating retailers immediately.
New Payment
Starting October 1, 2024, CalFresh payments will reflect the following new amounts, based on household size:
| Household Size | Monthly Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
These adjustments account for the rising cost of living, particularly when it comes to food, allowing recipients to stretch their budgets a bit further each month.
COLA
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is designed to ensure that benefits programs like SNAP keep pace with inflation. It’s based on the Consumer Price Index, which tracks price changes for essential goods like food and housing. By adjusting benefits annually, the government helps protect the purchasing power of low-income families, ensuring that they can continue to afford basic necessities.
While the 2025 COLA isn’t the largest in SNAP’s history, it remains an important tool for keeping families afloat as food prices rise. It provides a necessary cushion for households that struggle to make ends meet.
Using CalFresh
The CalFresh program provides benefits through an EBT card, which functions like a debit card. Recipients can use this card at a wide range of grocery stores and markets to purchase food items such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats. Notably, some farmers’ markets in California also accept EBT, providing access to fresh, locally-grown produce.
However, there are restrictions on what can be purchased with CalFresh benefits. Items like alcohol, tobacco, and prepared foods that are meant to be consumed on-site are not covered by the program. Nevertheless, the flexibility of the EBT card ensures that families have access to nutritious foods, helping to improve health outcomes for low-income households.
Eligibility
CalFresh is available to individuals and families who meet certain income and financial eligibility criteria. To apply, prospective recipients can visit the California government’s online portal or go to their local CalFresh office. The application process requires applicants to provide details about their income, expenses, and family situation.
The good news for current recipients is that they don’t need to take any additional steps to receive the COLA adjustment. It will be applied automatically to their benefits starting in October. For new applicants, once approved, their benefits will also be adjusted annually to reflect the COLA, ensuring that their purchasing power stays consistent year after year.
California’s SNAP recipients can look forward to these modest but helpful increases as they continue to navigate challenging economic conditions. Programs like CalFresh provide a vital lifeline for millions of families across the state, and the annual COLA ensures that the support they receive keeps up with inflation.
FAQs
What is the 2025 COLA increase for SNAP in California?
A modest $1 to $5 increase, depending on household size.
How are SNAP benefits distributed in California?
They are distributed over the first 10 days of the month.
How do recipients access CalFresh benefits?
Through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
Can SNAP benefits be used at farmers’ markets?
Yes, many local farmers’ markets accept EBT cards.
How can you apply for CalFresh?
Apply online or at your local CalFresh office.
