New year, new life, as they say, but many California families continue their daily routine once the Christmas rush is over, and to do so they have the support of CalFresh. A program that alleviates the economic situation of many families by means of food aid. So, if you are interested in knowing about this program or you are waiting to receive your money to plan your purchases, we are going to tell you everything you need to know to start the year on the right foot!
What is the CalFresh program?
What in other states is known as the SNAP Program, is in California “CalFresh”. And what is this? Well, a program that provides financial assistance so that low-income families can buy food that helps them have a healthy and varied diet.
The money from this program is sent to the beneficiaries through EBT cards, which are debit cards, in which the money is received and which can be used only in stores and businesses that are part of the CalFresh program. In addition, there is a large list of products allowed and not allowed by the program.
Who can apply for this benefit?
This program is primarily intended for households with limited income (and other criteria established by the State of California). To apply, it is essential to demonstrate financial need and provide documentation to support this fact, such as income, number of household members, and monthly expenses.
When are CalFresh payments distributed?
CalFresh payments are distributed in stages during the first 10 days of the month, depending on the last digit of the case number assigned to the beneficiary. Here’s how deposits will be organized in January 2025:
- January 1: Beneficiaries whose case number ends in 1.
- January 2: Beneficiaries whose case number ends in 2.
- January 3: Beneficiaries whose case number ends in 3.
- January 4: Beneficiaries whose case number ends in 4.
- January 5: Beneficiaries whose case number ends in 5.
- January 6: Beneficiaries whose case number ends in 6.
- January 7: Beneficiaries whose case number ends in 7.
- January 8: Beneficiaries whose case number ends in 8.
- January 9: Beneficiaries whose case number ends in 9.
- January 10: Beneficiaries whose case number ends in 0.
You can check your case number by accessing your account through BenefitsCal.
What products are allowed and not allowed by the program?
You can buy (remember, in stores that are part of the program) that are intended for healthy consumption (fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals and even seeds to plant your own plants at home!)
However, there are restrictions on many products, and that is, the program does not finance foods prepared for immediate consumption (or those that are heated in the store), nor are fast food foods allowed, nor are those products harmful to health (alcoholic beverages, cigarettes or tobacco). Medicines, vitamins, supplements, pet food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products and other non-food products are also not allowed in this program.
It is important that beneficiaries know these restrictions in order to use the benefit appropriately and to avoid unpleasant surprises at checkout.
Other FAQs:
- Where can I find stores that accept CalFresh? Click here and it will take you to the official program page.
- Do farmers’ markets accept CalFresh? Yes, and you can get the results by clicking here.
- Where can I find the balance on my card? You can call 1-877-328-9677, go to www.ebt.ca.gov or print it on your grocery receipts.
- What if I lose my card? It is important that you call the program number to report that you have lost your card and request a new one.
- You can find recipes to prepare meals using the foods offered by Calfresh by clicking on the following link.
By 2025, shopping will no longer be a headache for anyone and no family will have an empty pantry.