CalFresh in California: How Much SNAP Benefits Can Your Family Get?

• Author: Leo Olson
• Posted: 2025-08-22

CalFresh, California’s food assistance program under SNAP, provides monthly benefits to help families, seniors, and individuals buy groceries.

How Payments Are Calculated

• Each household has a maximum benefit limit.

• The county subtracts 30% of your net income from that maximum.

• What’s left is the amount you receive each month.

Example: A 2-person household with $100 in net income would receive $506 in CalFresh benefits instead of the full $536.

You might be missing out on benefits! Check what’s available to you here.

Maximum CalFresh Benefits (Starting October 1, 2024)

• 1 person: $292

• 2 people: $536

• 3 people: $768

• 4 people: $975

• 5 people: $1,158

• 6 people: $1,390

• 7 people: $1,536

• 8 people: $1,756

• Each extra person: + $220

Minimum and Special Rules

• Small households (1–2 people) get at least $10, even with very low benefits.

• Larger households have rounded-up payments (e.g., $1 becomes $2).

• Families over 200% of the poverty line may not qualify.

Who Can Get CalFresh?

• Low-income individuals or families living in California

• Seniors and people with disabilities

• SSI/SSP recipients

• Homeless residents

• Even roommates may apply separately if they buy and cook food on their own.

How Benefits Are Used

Benefits are loaded on an EBT card each month. You can use it at:

• Grocery stores and supermarkets

• Farmers’ markets

• Some online retailers like Amazon and Walmart

You can buy fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, grains, and packaged foods but not alcohol, tobacco, non-food items, or hot prepared meals (except in limited cases for homeless or elderly residents).

The Bottom Line

CalFresh is designed to make food more affordable for California families.

Knowing how much you qualify for and how benefits are calculated helps you plan your grocery budget and stretch your monthly income further.

To apply, visit your local county office or apply online through the California Department of Social Services.

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