CalFresh – SNAP Payments in California with 2025 COLA Increase Arriving Next Week

Starting October 1, 2024, CalFresh (California’s version of SNAP) recipients will begin receiving their updated benefits with a modest increase due to the latest Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). While the increase is small, it is still a welcome relief, especially compared to the reductions that some SNAP recipients in Hawaii experienced. The increase ranges from $1 for individuals to $5 for larger families. Here’s what you can expect with the new payment schedule and amounts.

Payments

CalFresh benefits for October 2024 will start being distributed on the first of the month and continue through the tenth. The exact day you receive your payment depends on the last digit of your case number. If your case number ends in:

• 1: Payment arrives on October 1
• 2: Payment arrives on October 2
• 3: Payment arrives on October 3
• 4: Payment arrives on October 4
• 5: Payment arrives on October 5
• 6: Payment arrives on October 6
• 7: Payment arrives on October 7
• 8: Payment arrives on October 8
• 9: Payment arrives on October 9
• 0: Payment arrives on October 10

Since benefits are distributed electronically to your EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, the money will automatically be available according to this schedule.

Benefits

The new COLA adjustment means a slight increase in the maximum benefit amounts. Individuals will see a $1 increase in their benefits, going from $291 to $292 per month. Families, depending on their size, will experience slight increases, with a maximum increase of $5 for households with eight people. While these numbers might seem small, every extra dollar counts when it comes to putting food on the table.

Here’s a breakdown of the updated maximum monthly CalFresh benefits in California:

For families with more than eight members, an additional $220 is provided for each person beyond the eighth member.

Modest Increase, Major Impact?

Although these increases might not be groundbreaking, they do represent an improvement over reductions seen in other states, like Hawaii. For individuals, the additional $1 per month may not seem like much, but over the course of a year, it adds up to an extra $12. For a family of four, the extra amount over a year can total $48, which could still help with grocery expenses.

Additionally, the larger the family, the more significant the impact of these incremental adjustments. For example, a family of eight receiving $1,756 per month will now get $60 more over the course of the year.

Timing

The good news is that the payment schedule remains consistent. The first to the tenth of each month is when you can expect to see your benefits arrive, depending on your case number. This predictability helps recipients plan ahead, ensuring that they have funds available when they need them most.

The monthly distribution of benefits aligns with the final digit of your case number, which helps prevent system overload and ensures payments are staggered for smoother processing.

While waiting for up to ten days might feel inconvenient, knowing exactly when your payment will arrive can help you manage your monthly budget and grocery shopping schedule better.

Ultimately, even with these minor increases, CalFresh continues to serve as a critical support system for low-income families in California, helping them make ends meet in an era of rising costs and inflation. The slight boost in benefits reflects an ongoing effort to adjust for living expenses, even if more significant relief may be needed in the long run.

These incremental increases serve as a reminder of the program’s importance in providing a safety net to those who need it most. With grocery prices continuing to climb, every additional dollar can help.

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