For millions of Californians, CalFresh – the state’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – serves as a crucial lifeline. Over 5.2 million residents rely on this program for food assistance, and understanding the January 2024 payment schedule is key to efficient budgeting and grocery planning.
The California Department of Social Services administers CalFresh, covering 50% of the program’s administrative costs alongside local governments. The USDA funds the remaining costs and sets the maximum monthly allowances based on household size and income. These allowances range from $291 for single-person households to $766 for three-person households, with an additional $219 added for each member over eight years old.
California CalFresh Payment Dates in January 2024
But when can you expect those benefits to hit your EBT card? CalFresh payments arrive within the first ten days of each month, and the specific date hinges on your unique case number. Here’s how it works:
- If the case number ends in 1, the payment is January 1.
- If the case number ends with 2, the payment will be made on day 2.
- If the case number ends in 3, the charge will be 3.
- If the case number ends in 4, the charge will be 4.
- If the case number ends in 5, the charge will be 5.
- If the case number ends in 6, the charge will be 6.
- If the case number ends in 7, the charge will be 7.
- If the case number ends in 8, the charge will be 8.
- If the case number ends with 9, the charge will be 9.
- If the case number ends with 0, the payment will be 10.
Beyond Payment Dates: Additional Resources for Families in Need
Besides CalFresh, California offers several additional food assistance programs to support residents facing food insecurity. Here are some noteworthy ones:
1. Women, Infants & Children (WIC): This federal program provides nutritious food packages, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children with nutritional needs.
2. School breakfast and lunch programs: Public schools across California offer free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch to eligible students based on household income. This program ensures children have access to healthy meals while in school.
3. Senior Food Distribution Program: This program, run by the USDA, provides emergency food boxes to low-income seniors aged 60 and older. Food banks and other community organizations often distribute these boxes.
4. California Food Pantry Program: This state-funded program helps food banks and pantries purchase and distribute food to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. The program also provides grants for equipment and infrastructure improvements to food banks.
5. Meal Delivery Programs: Many cities and counties in California partner with local organizations to deliver meals to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities who have difficulty accessing or preparing food.
6. Charitable Food Assistance: Numerous religious organizations, non-profit groups, and community charities across California provide hot meals, groceries, and other food assistance to individuals and families in need.