In California, thousands of families rely each month on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as CalFresh. This assistance is essential for covering the purchase of basic foods and keeping a balanced diet. Without this support, many people wouldn't be able to access the products they need for their daily lives.
The month of August is no exception; authorities have issued important reminders about the payment schedule. Both CalFresh and CalWORKS operate with direct deposits through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. However, receiving the payment on time depends on factors that are important to know.
What is the CalFresh program and what is the payment schedule
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal initiative that helps more than 42 million Americans. In California, it's known as CalFresh and is aimed at families with low or unstable incomes. Beneficiaries receive the assistance on an EBT card, which works like a debit card.
This card can only be used at authorized retailers, although the vast majority of food retailers participate. To access the program, it's necessary to meet the income requirements set at the federal and state level. Thanks to this system, families can keep regular access to essential foods.
In California's case, payments are distributed according to a schedule that depends on the last digit of the beneficiary's case number. This allows transfers to be staggered and prevents system overloads.
In August 2025, CalFresh and CalWORKS deposits will be made between the 1st and the 10th of the month. The exact day corresponds to the last digit of the case number: 1 on the 1st, 2 on the 2nd, and so on up to the 10th. For example, if the number ends in 7, the deposit was on August 7.
The EBT card balance is usually available at midnight; however, sometimes it may take a few hours to appear. The Propel app allows users to check if the deposit has already been processed. If there are any doubts about the assigned date, beneficiaries can check the BenefitsCal portal or the notifications sent by the county.
What to do if the payment doesn't arrive
If the expected date arrives and the payment doesn't appear, it's important to act quickly. Among the most common causes are incomplete or outdated information, changes in family or financial situation, or delays in eligibility verification by the county.
Administrative errors outside the beneficiary's control can also occur. In the event of any issue, it's recommended to check the Propel app and read the article Why Didn't I Receive My Deposit This Month?, which explains the most frequent causes and their solutions.
For personalized assistance, the best option is to access the account on BenefitsCal and verify the registered information. If the problem persists, beneficiaries should contact the county office directly so they can correct the error.