CalFresh: SNAP payments in California with the 2025 COLA increase coming next week
According to Vibes.okdiario, The USDA, through the Food and Nutrition Service, has announced the new payment amounts and distribution schedule for CalFresh (SNAP) in California. Starting on October 1, 2024, beneficiaries will receive a modest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase in their payments.
Modest Increase Compared to Other States
While the increase may appear minor, it is certainly an improvement compared to the reductions that SNAP recipients are facing in Hawaii. The new maximum amounts for CalFresh benefits will see an increase of $1 for individuals and up to $5 for families of eight.
CalFresh Payment Schedule for October
CalFresh benefits are issued through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards and are distributed from the 1st to the 10th of each month. In October, the payment schedule will be based on the last digit of the recipient’s case number:
- Case numbers ending in 1: Benefits on the 1st
- Case numbers ending in 2: Benefits on the 2nd
- Case numbers ending in 3: Benefits on the 3rd
- Case numbers ending in 4: Benefits on the 4th
- Case numbers ending in 5: Benefits on the 5th
- Case numbers ending in 6: Benefits on the 6th
- Case numbers ending in 7: Benefits on the 7th
- Case numbers ending in 8: Benefits on the 8th
- Case numbers ending in 9: Benefits on the 9th
- Case numbers ending in 0: Benefits on the 10th
Maximum CalFresh Payments for October 2024
The maximum benefit amount for individuals will increase to $292, up from $291, translating to an additional $12 annually. For families of four, the maximum will rise to $975. Here’s a breakdown of the maximum payments for various household sizes in California:
- 1 individual: $292
- 2 individuals: $536
- 3 persons: $768
- 4 persons: $975
- 5 persons: $1,158
- 6 persons: $1,390
- 7 persons: $1,536
- 8 persons: $1,756 (up from $1,751)
Though the increase in CalFresh payments may seem minimal, it provides essential support for low-income individuals and families in California. As the distribution of benefits approaches, recipients should prepare for the scheduled payment dates based on their case numbers to ensure they receive their assistance promptly.
