SNAP / Food Stamps
California CalFresh EBT Payment Schedule: Deposit Dates by Case Number
Quick Answer
California deposits CalFresh benefits between the 1st and the 10th of every month. The day matches the last digit of your county case number — a case ending in 5 is paid on the 5th, and a case ending in 0 on the 10th. Benefits are also available on weekends and holidays.
CalFresh is California's name for SNAP. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) oversees the program, and your county social services office runs your case. This guide was first written for August 2026; the schedule below is the same every month.
Deposit Schedule by Case Number
Look at the last digit of your county case number, shown on your CalFresh notices.
| Last Digit of Case Number | Deposit Day (every month) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1st of the month |
| 2 | 2nd of the month |
| 3 | 3rd of the month |
| 4 | 4th of the month |
| 5 | 5th of the month |
| 6 | 6th of the month |
| 7 | 7th of the month |
| 8 | 8th of the month |
| 9 | 9th of the month |
| 0 | 10th of the month |
Cash aid is different: if you also get CalWORKs cash aid, it follows a separate schedule on the 1st to 3rd of the month (case numbers ending 1–3 on the 1st, 4–7 on the 2nd, 8–0 on the 3rd).
How to Check Your EBT Balance
- By phone: California EBT Customer Service, 1-877-328-9677, free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the same number to report a lost or stolen card.
- Receipt: your remaining balance is printed on store receipts after an EBT purchase.
If Your Benefits Are Late
- Check the day: match the last digit of your case number to the table.
- Check your notices: a missed report or renewal (recertification) can stop benefits.
- Call EBT Customer Service at 1-877-328-9677 for card problems, or your county social services office about your case.
SNAP Income Limits and Maximum Benefits (Oct 2026 – Sep 2027)
USDA updates these figures every October 1. The table shows the federal limits for 48 states and DC that apply from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027: gross income at or below 130% of the poverty level, net income (after deductions) at or below 100%, and the maximum monthly benefit.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (130%) | Net Monthly Income (100%) | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $2,345 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $4,191 | $3,224 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $4,806 | $3,697 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $5,421 | $4,170 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $6,037 | $4,644 | $1,841 |
| Each additional member | +$616 | +$474 | +$225 |
California uses a higher gross income limit for most households: under Modified Categorical Eligibility, households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level can qualify if they meet the other rules (CDSS MCE fact sheet). Based on the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines, that is about $2,660 a month for 1 person, $3,607 for 2, $4,554 for 3 and $5,500 for 4 (+$947 per extra person). Some households, such as those with a member disqualified for a program violation, stay at the 130% limit. Your county makes the final decision.
The maximum benefit goes only to households with no countable net income. Most households get less, because SNAP expects about 30% of net income to be spent on food.
How to Apply for CalFresh
- Apply: online at BenefitsCal.com, or ask your county social services office for an application.
- Provide documents: proof of identity, income, housing and utility costs.
- Complete the interview with your county, usually by phone.
- Get your decision: within 30 days, or 7 days if you qualify for expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I get extra SNAP benefits this month?
No. The temporary federal emergency allotments ended nationwide after February 2023. You receive your regular monthly benefit, based on household size and income.
Can I use CalFresh to buy candy or soda?
As of November 2, 2026, California is not on USDA's list of states with an approved SNAP food restriction waiver, so standard SNAP rules apply. Hot foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins and non-food items are not allowed anywhere.
Are benefits available on weekends and holidays?
Yes. CDSS says benefits are available on your scheduled day even when it falls on a weekend or holiday.
How long does a SNAP application take?
Federal rules require a decision within 30 days of applying, or within 7 days if your household qualifies for expedited service (7 CFR 273.2).
Sources
Checked on November 2, 2026. Rules and amounts change; the agency's own page always wins.