As May 2025 draws to a close, California families eligible for CalFresh benefits face a critical deadline: today is the final day to access their benefits for the month. For many households, this assistance can mean receiving up to $1,956, a vital resource to help buy nutritious food and ease the burden of rising grocery costs.
CalFresh, California’s implementation of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a cornerstone in the state’s fight against hunger and food insecurity. It offers financial assistance to low-income individuals and families, enabling them to purchase food at participating grocery stores and markets. With food prices rising nationwide, CalFresh’s role has never been more crucial.
What Are CalFresh Benefits?
CalFresh provides monthly funds loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which functions much like a debit card but is restricted to food purchases. Eligible recipients can use these funds to buy fresh produce, dairy, grains, proteins, and other staples.
The amount each household receives depends on several factors, including household size, income, and expenses. For May 2025, some families have received as much as $1,956 in CalFresh benefits, helping them afford more groceries and improve their nutrition.
Who Qualifies for CalFresh?
CalFresh eligibility is based on income and household size. Generally, households must meet gross and net income limits set by the federal government, adjusted for California’s cost of living. In addition to income, applicants must be residents of California and U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens.
Certain groups, such as seniors, people with disabilities, children, and pregnant women, may qualify for expedited or enhanced benefits. Families with children, in particular, often see larger benefit amounts, reflecting their higher nutritional needs.
Why Today Matters: The Last Day to Use May Benefits
CalFresh benefits for May 2025 will expire at midnight tonight. This means that any unused funds for this month will no longer be available after today. Households must use their May benefits before this deadline to avoid losing their assistance.
Since CalFresh benefits are loaded monthly, recipients typically receive new benefits for the following month around the first week of June. However, any unused May benefits will not roll over past today, so it’s essential to spend the funds before the cutoff.
How to Maximize Your May 2025 CalFresh Benefits
To make the most of your CalFresh benefits before they expire today, consider these tips:
- Plan Your Meals: Take stock of your pantry and plan meals that use your remaining benefits wisely. Prioritize nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Shop Smart: Look for sales and discounts at stores that accept EBT cards. Buying in-season produce or bulk items can stretch your benefits further.
- Use CalFresh at Farmers Markets: Many farmers markets in California accept EBT cards. This can be a great way to get fresh, local produce while supporting small farmers.
- Avoid Non-Food Purchases: Remember that CalFresh benefits cannot be used for household supplies, alcohol, or hot prepared foods. Focus on grocery items that qualify.
- Check Your Balance: Log in to your EBT account or call the customer service number on your card to check your remaining balance. This helps avoid surprises at checkout.
What If You Haven’t Applied Yet?
If you or your family haven’t applied for CalFresh but think you may be eligible, now is the time to act. While May benefits cannot be retroactively claimed, applying early in June will help you access benefits for future months.
Applications can be submitted online through the California Department of Social Services website or through local county social services offices. The process is free, confidential, and designed to help connect families with critical support.
The Bigger Picture: Fighting Food Insecurity in California
California has one of the highest populations of CalFresh recipients in the country, with millions relying on this program monthly. Despite this, many still face challenges such as application backlogs, misinformation, and stigma around receiving assistance.
Programs like CalFresh are essential to reducing hunger, improving health outcomes, and supporting family stability. The availability of up to $1,956 in benefits for some families underscores the importance of this safety net, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
What’s Next for CalFresh Recipients?
As the month changes, CalFresh recipients should expect new benefits for June 2025 to appear on their EBT cards in the coming days. It’s important to maintain eligibility by reporting any changes in income or household status promptly to avoid interruptions.
California also continues to explore improvements to the program, including expanding access, increasing benefit amounts, and streamlining the application process.
Final Reminder: Use Your May 2025 Benefits Today
With May ending today, it’s crucial to use any remaining CalFresh benefits before midnight. For families relying on this assistance, these benefits can make a meaningful difference in ensuring there’s enough food on the table.
If you have questions about your benefits, how to use your EBT card, or want to apply for CalFresh, contact your county social services office or visit the official California CalFresh website for guidance.
