CalFresh benefits in California are loaded onto EBT cards over the first 10 days of each month, and your exact deposit date is determined by the last digit of your case number. If your case number ends in 3, your benefits arrive on the 3rd. If it ends in 0, you get them on the 10th. This schedule stays the same every month throughout 2026, so once you know your date, you can plan around it.
This guide covers the full deposit schedule, how to find your case number, what to do if benefits are late, and current income limits to help you understand if you qualify.
California EBT Deposit Schedule by Case Number (2026)
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) staggers CalFresh deposits across 10 days to reduce processing strain on the system. Your deposit date does not change from month to month, unless your case is reassigned.
| Last Digit of Case Number | Monthly Deposit Date |
|---|
| 1 | 1st of the month |
| 2 | 2nd of the month |
| 3 | 3rd of the month |
| 4 | 4th of the month |
| 5 | 5th of the month |
| 6 | 6th of the month |
| 7 | 7th of the month |
| 8 | 8th of the month |
| 9 | 9th of the month |
| 0 | 10th of the month |
Benefits are typically available early in the morning on your assigned date, often at or around midnight. Most California EBT cardholders see their funds available by 12:01 a.m.
CalWORKs Cash Aid Deposit Dates
If you receive CalWORKs (California's cash assistance program) in addition to CalFresh, the payment schedule works differently. CalWORKs cash deposits are made between the 1st and 3rd of each month regardless of your case number. The specific date varies by county and may shift slightly when the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday.
2026 Monthly Deposit Calendar
Since CalFresh deposits follow a fixed rule tied to your case number, the dates below show when each group receives benefits in 2026.
Case number ending in 1: January 1, February 1, March 1, April 1, May 1, June 1, July 1, August 1, September 1, October 1, November 1, December 1
Case number ending in 2: January 2, February 2, March 2, April 2, May 2, June 2, July 2, August 2, September 2, October 2, November 2, December 2
Case numbers ending in 3 through 9 follow the same pattern on the corresponding day of each month.
Case number ending in 0: January 10, February 10, March 10, April 10, May 10, June 10, July 10, August 10, September 10, October 10, November 10, December 10
When a deposit date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, California generally processes benefits on the same date (not shifted earlier or later), but check with your county office if you experience a delay around holidays.
How to Find Your Case Number
Your CalFresh case number appears on several documents:
- The approval letter you received when you first enrolled
- Any notices or annual renewal paperwork from your county
- Your BenefitsCal account at benefitscal.com (look under case details)
- Correspondence from your county Department of Social Services
If you cannot locate your case number, call the CalFresh customer service line at 1-877-847-3663 or contact your local county social services office.
How to Check Your EBT Balance
You have several options to check how much is on your card before or after the deposit:
EBT customer service line: Call 1-877-328-9677 (the number is also on the back of your card). Follow the automated prompts to hear your current balance.
ConnectEBT app: Download the free ConnectEBT app on iOS or Android. It shows your balance, transaction history, and deposit date.
BenefitsCal website: Log in at benefitscal.com to view your case information, including benefit amounts.
ATM or store receipt: You can check your balance at any ATM that accepts EBT or by asking for a receipt after a purchase at a grocery store.
CalFresh Income Limits for 2026
California uses a Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) policy, which allows most households to qualify with gross income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This is higher than the federal SNAP gross income limit of 130% FPL, meaning more California households can qualify.
The following limits are effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
Gross Income Limits (200% FPL)
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
|---|
| 1 person | $2,610 |
| 2 people | $3,526 |
| 3 people | $4,442 |
| 4 people | $5,360 |
| 5 people | $6,278 |
| 6 people | $7,196 |
| Each additional person | +$918 |
Net Income Limits (100% FPL)
After deductions (like housing, childcare, and earned income), your net income must fall below 100% FPL. These limits apply to most households.
| Household Size | Maximum Net Monthly Income |
|---|
| 1 person | $1,305 |
| 2 people | $1,763 |
| 3 people | $2,221 |
| 4 people | $2,680 |
| 5 people | $3,138 |
| 6 people | $3,597 |
| Each additional person | +$459 |
Households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability are exempt from the gross income test but must still meet the net income limit.
Maximum Monthly Benefit Amounts
The amount you receive depends on your household size and net income. Below are the maximum amounts for a household with zero net income.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|
| 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 |
Most households receive less than the maximum based on their actual net income.
What to Do If Your Benefits Are Late
If your deposit does not appear by mid-morning on your scheduled date, take these steps:
- Check your balance using the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 or the ConnectEBT app to confirm the deposit has not posted yet.
- Verify your deposit date by logging into BenefitsCal or reviewing your approval paperwork. Make sure you have the correct last digit of your case number.
- Wait until end of day. In rare cases, system delays can push deposits a few hours later than normal.
- Call your county social services office if the benefits have not appeared by the evening of your scheduled date. You can find your county's contact information through the CDSS county office locator.
- Report a missing benefit. If benefits are still missing the following day, file a complaint or request a review through BenefitsCal or at your county office.
2026 Policy Change: Immigrant Eligibility
Starting April 1, 2026, California is ending CalFresh eligibility for certain non-citizen immigrants who do not hold Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status. This includes some refugees, asylees, and other noncitizen categories that were previously eligible under California's state-funded expansion. This change affects new applications filed on or after April 1, 2026. If you were already enrolled before that date, contact your county office to understand how this may affect your renewal.
How to Apply for CalFresh
If you are not currently enrolled and want to apply, the process involves three main steps:
Step 1: Submit an application. Apply online at benefitscal.com, call 1-877-847-3663, or visit your local county social services office. Online applications are available 24 hours a day.
Step 2: Complete an interview. After submitting your application, you will be contacted to schedule a phone or in-person interview. Bring documents showing your identity, residence, income, and household size.
Step 3: Receive your EBT card. If approved, your county will mail your EBT card. First-month benefits may be loaded within a few days of approval, and your regular deposit date going forward will be based on your case number.
Most people receive an eligibility decision within 30 days of applying. If your household has an immediate need due to low or no income, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 3 days.
Not sure what programs you might qualify for? Run a free eligibility check at BenefitsUSA to see CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and other programs you may be entitled to, all in one place.
For more information on California's benefits programs, visit our California benefits guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day does my EBT deposit in California?
Your CalFresh deposit date is determined by the last digit of your case number. The deposit happens on the day of the month that matches that digit. For example, case number ending in 5 means benefits load on the 5th of every month. Case number ending in 0 means the 10th.
What time are CalFresh benefits loaded onto my EBT card?
Benefits are typically available at or around midnight on your assigned deposit date. Most cardholders can access their funds early in the morning, often before 6 a.m.
Does the CalFresh deposit date change in 2026?
No. Your deposit date stays the same every month throughout 2026 unless your case is reassigned to a different worker, which can sometimes change the case number. If your date shifts unexpectedly, contact your county office.
What if my deposit date falls on a weekend or holiday?
California generally processes benefits on the scheduled date even if it falls on a weekend or holiday. If you experience a delay, check your balance the next business day and contact your county office if benefits have not appeared.
How do I find my CalFresh case number?
Check your original approval letter, any notices from your county, or log in to BenefitsCal at benefitscal.com. Your case number appears in the upper right corner of most official correspondence. You can also call 1-877-847-3663 to get assistance finding it.
How much will my CalFresh benefit be in 2026?
The amount depends on your household size and net monthly income after deductions. A single person with no income can receive up to $292 per month. A family of four can receive up to $975 per month. Your actual benefit may be lower if your household has income.
Can I use my California EBT card in other states?
Yes. Your California EBT card works in all 50 states and U.S. territories at any retailer that accepts SNAP. You cannot, however, use it for restaurants unless you are enrolled in a Restaurant Meals Program, which is available in certain California counties.
What can I buy with CalFresh benefits?
CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase most food items including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and cereals. You cannot use them for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, hot prepared foods, or non-food household items.
How do I check my CalFresh EBT balance?
Call 1-877-328-9677 (free, 24/7), use the ConnectEBT app, log in to BenefitsCal, or check at an ATM or grocery store checkout.
Where can I report a lost or stolen EBT card?
Call the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 immediately to report a lost or stolen card and request a replacement. You can also report it through the ConnectEBT app.
