The CalFresh program, formerly known as Food Stamps and federally recognized as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), serves as a crucial support system for individuals and households in California, enhancing their ability to access nutritious food.
Who Is Eligible for the February Payment?
CalFresh issues monthly electronic benefits, functioning like a bank debit card, allowing recipients to purchase a variety of healthy foods.
The program is designed to enhance the health and well-being of qualified individuals and households by ensuring access to essential nutritional needs.
Administered at the federal level by the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, CalFresh is supervised at the state level in California by the California Department of Social Services, with local administration by County Welfare Departments.
CalFresh benefits can be used to buy a wide range of food products intended for human consumption, such as bread, cereal, fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.
However, certain exclusions apply, including hot foods prepared in-store, non-food items like soap or toilet paper, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, and pet food.
Notably, CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase seeds and plants for home gardens.
How much is CalFresh 2024 monthly?
The CalFresh allotment is contingent on household size, with the maximum allotment for a single person set at $291 per month since October 1, 2023.
For a four-person family, the maximum allotment is $973.
In California, CalFresh benefits are deposited onto Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards during the first 10 days of each month.
The specific mailing date is determined by the last digit of the case number for each beneficiary.
This week, based on the CalFresh benefit payment schedule for February 2024, the following case numbers will receive their payments:
- Last digit 1: Thursday, February 1
- Last digit 2: Friday, February 2
- Last digit 3: Saturday, February 3
It's important to note that benefits are also distributed on weekends and holidays, and any remaining balance on the EBT card from the previous month is automatically added to the next month's balance.
Understanding CalFresh eligibility and the monthly allotment is crucial for individuals and families relying on this program for nutritional support.
