New year, new life, as they say, but many California families continue their daily routines after the Christmas rush is over, with the help of CalFresh.
A program that uses food aid to help many families improve their economic situation. So, if you want to learn more about this program or are waiting for your money to plan your purchases, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to get the year started right!
What is the CalFresh program?
What other states refer to as the SNAP Program is known in California as ““CalFresh”. “. So what is this? A program that provides financial assistance to low-income families so that they can purchase food that will help them maintain a healthy and varied diet.
The money from this program is sent to the beneficiaries via EBT cards, which are debit cards that can only be used at CalFresh-approved stores and businesses. Furthermore, the program allows and disallows a wide range of products.
Who can apply for this benefit?
This program is primarily intended for low-income households (among other criteria established by the State of California). To apply, you must demonstrate financial need and provide supporting documentation, such as income, household members, and monthly expenses.
When are CalFresh payments distributed?
CalFresh payments are distributed in stages over the first ten days of the month, based on the last digit of the beneficiary’s case number. In January 2025, deposits will be organized as follows:
- 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 purchase healthy foods (remember, in participating stores) (fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and even seeds to grow your own plants at home!)
However, there are restrictions on many products. For example, the program does not finance foods prepared for immediate consumption (or those heated in the store), fast food foods, or products harmful to health (alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or tobacco).
Medicines, vitamins, supplements, pet food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, and other non-food items are also prohibited under this program.
Beneficiaries must understand these restrictions in order to use the benefit properly and avoid unpleasant surprises at the 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.
