Next week, California will begin issuing SNAP payments with a long-anticipated adjustment. Starting in October, residents of the state will receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, locally known as CalFresh, with an increase reflected in the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
This annual update is conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help families maintain their purchasing power in the face of rising prices for essential goods, particularly food. The 2025 COLA will bring a modest but notable increase to SNAP payments.
New SNAP payments in California with the 2025 COLA
Individuals will receive an additional $1 per month, while larger households of up to eight members will see a rise of up to $5. While this increase may seem small, it demonstrates the government’s effort to continue supporting families in need during these challenging times.
SNAP payments in California are distributed based on each recipient’s case number. This method ensures an organized and staggered distribution throughout the first 10 days of every month. In October, the payment schedule will proceed as follows:
- Case numbers ending in 1 will receive their payment on October 1.
- Those ending in 2 will get their payment on October 2, and so on, until October 10, when case numbers ending in 0 will receive their benefits.
By staggering the payments this way, the state ensures there are no delays or bottlenecks in the system, allowing everyone to get their funds on time. The Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is the primary method used to deposit these funds, which can be spent immediately at participating CalFresh retailers.
New SNAP amounts in California with the 2025 COLA
Beginning October 1, 2024, the payments families in California receive will reflect the COLA increase. Here is a breakdown of the new monthly benefit amounts based on household size:
- One person: $292 per month
- Two people: $536 per month
- Three people: $768 per month
- Four people: $975 per month
- Five people: $1,158 per month
- Six people: $1,390 per month
- Seven people: $1,536 per month
- Eight people: $1,756 per month
These adjustments have been made to account for the rising cost of food and other basic necessities. Though the increases may seem modest, they represent an important difference for many households, helping them make ends meet each month.
What is COLA and why is it important for SNAP?
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is based on the Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation in the prices of essential goods and services. Each year, the federal government applies this adjustment to programs like SNAP to ensure that people who rely on these benefits do not lose purchasing power due to rising prices.
The 2025 COLA, while not one of the largest increases in the program’s history, remains a vital tool in supporting families who need it most. As food prices continue to climb, this adjustment is crucial to ensuring low-income households can continue to purchase healthy foods and meet their basic needs.
How to use CalFresh benefits
The EBT card is the main tool that SNAP recipients in California use to access their CalFresh benefits. This card works much like a debit card and can be used at a wide network of participating grocery stores throughout the state. Items that can be purchased with the EBT card include fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, and other essential food items.
However, it’s important to note that not all items are covered by CalFresh. Ineligible products include alcohol, tobacco, and prepared foods meant to be eaten on-site. Nevertheless, many local farmers’ markets also accept EBT cards, allowing recipients to buy fresh produce directly from local growers.
Who can apply for SNAP in California?
SNAP, known in California as CalFresh, is available to individuals and families who meet specific income and financial eligibility requirements. Low-income households struggling to meet their basic needs, such as food, may apply for these benefits. Additionally, families already enrolled in the program do not need to take any extra steps to receive the COLA adjustment—it will be automatically applied starting October 1.
If you are not yet a recipient, you can apply online through the California government’s portal or visit your local CalFresh office. After submitting an application, authorities will review your income, expenses, and family situation to determine the amount of benefits you qualify for.
The application process is designed to be straightforward, but it’s important to provide accurate and up-to-date information to avoid delays. Once approved, you will receive your benefits via the EBT card, and the amount will be adjusted automatically each year as long as you remain eligible.