In November 2024, California’s CalFresh program will introduce adjustments to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, reflecting a modest increase due to the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
Known nationally as SNAP, CalFresh supports low-income families and individuals in California by providing funds to help with grocery expenses.
With the COLA increase, recipients can expect slightly higher benefits, aimed at improving food access in the face of inflation and rising living costs. Here’s what to know about eligibility, payment schedules, and maximum benefits for November 2024.
Overview of CalFresh Payment Schedule
The COLA adjustments for 2025 bring a small yet meaningful boost to CalFresh benefits, with maximum amounts rising by a few dollars.
This helps families facing inflationary pressures, especially larger households who may find the extra funds more impactful. Here’s how the increase translates for different household sizes:
- Single Household: Benefits increase from $291 to $292 monthly.
- Family of Eight: Monthly benefits increase from $1,751 to $1,756.
While these increases might seem small, they can add up over time, providing essential relief to families and individuals with limited incomes.
CalFresh Eligibility for November 2024
CalFresh eligibility primarily considers income, household size, and, for some, work requirements. Here are key factors:
- Income and Resources: Applicants must meet income limits relative to household size. Generally, the threshold is 130% of the federal poverty level, though this varies slightly.
- Household Size: Larger families are eligible for higher benefits. For example, a single individual receives $292, while a household of four could receive up to $975.
- Work Requirements: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) aged 53–54 must meet specific work or training requirements to qualify for ongoing benefits. Failure to meet these can lead to reduced or time-limited benefits.
Those eligible can apply for benefits and use their CalFresh EBT card to purchase approved food items at participating stores.
How to Check CalFresh Payment Status
Checking your CalFresh payment status is simple:
- EBT Card: Call the number on the back of your EBT card or use the CalFresh website.
- Online Access: Log in to your EBT account through the CalFresh website or mobile app to view balance and transaction details.
Staying updated on your benefits and checking balances regularly ensures you have a clear idea of available funds each month.
CalFresh Payment Dates for November 2024
The CalFresh November 2024 payment schedule will distribute benefits from November 1 through November 10, depending on the last digit of the recipient’s case number. Here’s the breakdown:
| Case Number Ending in | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | November 1 |
| 2 | November 2 |
| 3 | November 3 |
| 4 | November 4 |
| 5 | November 5 |
| 6 | November 6 |
| 7 | November 7 |
| 8 | November 8 |
| 9 | November 9 |
| 0 | November 10 |
Knowing your specific payment date based on your case number can help with budget planning and food shopping needs for the month.
CalFresh Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts (Effective November 2024)
Below is an updated list of maximum monthly benefit amounts per household size, effective November 1, 2024:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
These adjustments, though small, aim to help households keep up with inflation, especially when it comes to food-related costs. Larger households benefit from the highest increase, as each additional dollar provides support toward grocery budgets.
Key Takeaways
CalFresh’s November 2024 payment schedule provides essential updates for beneficiaries, from eligibility requirements to specific payment dates. By aligning payment dates with case numbers and implementing slight benefit increases, the program offers meaningful support to low-income families and individuals facing rising living expenses.
If you are a CalFresh recipient, make sure you are aware of your assigned payment date and meet all eligibility requirements to maintain uninterrupted benefits.
For further assistance or questions, CalFresh recipients should contact their local office or visit the CalFresh website. Regularly checking for updates ensures that you stay informed about the latest benefit changes and eligibility criteria.
