California EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025

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Knowing when your EBT benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly budget. For families in California, this schedule helps you manage your grocery shopping and other essential expenses without stress.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if your payment seems to be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in California

In California, CalFresh benefits are distributed over the first ten days of the month. The specific day your benefits are deposited is determined by the last digit of your case number.

Your deposit date corresponds to your case number ending as follows:

Ends in 1: 1st of the month
Ends in 2: 2nd of the month
Ends in 3: 3rd of the month
Ends in 4: 4th of the month
Ends in 5: 5th of the month
Ends in 6: 6th of the month
Ends in 7: 7th of the month
Ends in 8: 8th of the month
Ends in 9: 9th of the month
Ends in 0: 10th of the month

For those receiving cash aid through CalWORKs, payments are sent between the 1st and 3rd of each month, regardless of your case number.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents and is also available online. If you need to find it, you can check a few different places.

Look for the number in the upper right corner of any Notice of Action or other paperwork from CalFresh.
Log into your BenefitsCal account to view your case details online.
Contact your local county office for direct assistance.

For issues with your EBT card, such as changing your PIN or reporting it lost, call the California EBT Customer Service Center at 877-328-9677.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in California

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in California. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current balance.

Download the Benny app. After you sign up with your phone or email and link your card, your Food and Cash balances appear on the dashboard. The app also gives you automatic cashback on EBT purchases at many stores.
Visit the official California EBT Cardholder Website. Select the cardholder login, enter your card number, and provide your user ID and password. Your separate Food and Cash balances will show on the account balance screen.
Call the 24-hour customer service line at 877-328-9677. After you select a language, the automated system will prompt you for your full card number and PIN. The system then reads your current Food and Cash balances aloud.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

A late deposit almost always traces back to an issue with authorization or processing at the state or county level, rather than a problem with your EBT card itself.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

A missing or incomplete SAR-7, overdue annual recertification, or other paperwork gaps can stop the county from issuing benefits. The same delay occurs if requested proofs like identity, residency, or income were not returned on time. Your benefits will be held until the necessary documents are on file and your case is updated.

Pending Case Changes or Reviews

Reporting new information, such as a change in income, a job loss, or someone moving in or out, often triggers a manual review. Benefits do not load until a county worker reviews and clears the new information, which can temporarily pause your deposit.

State or County-Level System Issues

Technical problems can sometimes cause widespread delays for a day or two. These issues might include scheduled EBT or BenefitsCal system maintenance, a data-conversion project, or a failed nightly batch run. Counties may stagger releases while correcting the error.

Monthly Reconciliation Holds

When county accounting screens show a mismatch, the system may pause that day’s CalFresh and CalWORKs files. This can happen if an over-issuance, duplicate issuance, or a funding problem is detected. Deposits are held until the issue is reconciled.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused CalFresh and CalWORKs balances automatically carry over each month. You do not lose your benefits just because a new deposit cycle begins. As long as you use your card, the full amount remains available indefinitely.

However, your account must remain active. If there are no transactions for about 60 days, your account is flagged as dormant and a notice is mailed. After 90 days of inactivity, the benefits are moved offline.

Offline benefits are not lost but must be restored by request before you can use your card again. If the funds remain offline for another 180 days, or about nine months of total non-use, they are permanently expunged. This rule applies to both food and cash balances.

Federal rules integrated into California’s EBT system require this nine-month expungement. To be safe, make at least one purchase or withdrawal every three months to prevent your balance from being taken offline.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. It’s a challenging situation, but it doesn't mean you're out of options. There are several immediate strategies you can use to secure more food assistance if you face a shortage before your next deposit.

Apply for Emergency CalFresh

Call your county CalFresh office or log in to BenefitsCal and state that you need “Expedited Service.” You only need to provide your name, address, income from the last 30 days, and cash on hand to begin the screening.
If your gross monthly income is under $150 and liquid resources are under $100, or if housing costs exceed your remaining funds, the county must interview you the same day. Per the expedited service rules, benefits must be loaded within three calendar days.
Ask the staff to put the allotment on your existing EBT card to avoid waiting for a new one in the mail.
If you applied after the 15th of the month, remind the worker that rules require them to provide both the first and second month’s allotments at once.
Submit any postponed verifications within 30 days so your ongoing benefits are not interrupted, as detailed in the program handbook.

Reevaluate Your CalFresh Allotment

Gather proof of the change, such as a new pay stub, a higher rent receipt, a utility shut-off notice, or a new household member’s ID. You can then choose “Report a Change” in BenefitsCal, call your worker, or submit a voluntary SAR-3 form.
Request a “supplemental issuance” if your income dropped by over $50 or you added a household member. The county must issue the extra food money within ten days or with your next deposit, according to mid-period reporting rules.
Confirm your Income Reporting Threshold is now lower than your new income. If it is, the higher benefit amount will continue for the rest of the six-month reporting period, based on mid-period action regulations.
Check BenefitsCal after ten days to verify the new amount and request a written Notice of Action for your records.

Mine End-of-Distribution Surplus from Food Banks

Use statewide tools to locate pop-up and drive-thru sites. The CA Food Banks “Find Food” map and the 211 California service are excellent resources. Call ahead and ask when volunteers open the “surplus,” “glean,” or USDA TEFAP line, which is usually in the final 15–30 minutes of distribution.
Arrive with reusable bags. Because leftover boxes cannot be stored, staff often let late-arrivals take multiple 10- to 15-pound boxes of shelf-stable items and fresh produce, which can help stretch meals until your next EBT deposit.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback for SNAP-eligible items directly on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more out of your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your EBT benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly budget. For families in California, this schedule helps you manage your grocery shopping and other essential expenses without stress.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if your payment seems to be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in California

In California, CalFresh benefits are distributed over the first ten days of the month. The specific day your benefits are deposited is determined by the last digit of your case number.

Your deposit date corresponds to your case number ending as follows:

Ends in 1: 1st of the month
Ends in 2: 2nd of the month
Ends in 3: 3rd of the month
Ends in 4: 4th of the month
Ends in 5: 5th of the month
Ends in 6: 6th of the month
Ends in 7: 7th of the month
Ends in 8: 8th of the month
Ends in 9: 9th of the month
Ends in 0: 10th of the month

For those receiving cash aid through CalWORKs, payments are sent between the 1st and 3rd of each month, regardless of your case number.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents and is also available online. If you need to find it, you can check a few different places.

Look for the number in the upper right corner of any Notice of Action or other paperwork from CalFresh.
Log into your BenefitsCal account to view your case details online.
Contact your local county office for direct assistance.

For issues with your EBT card, such as changing your PIN or reporting it lost, call the California EBT Customer Service Center at 877-328-9677.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in California

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in California. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current balance.

Download the Benny app. After you sign up with your phone or email and link your card, your Food and Cash balances appear on the dashboard. The app also gives you automatic cashback on EBT purchases at many stores.
Visit the official California EBT Cardholder Website. Select the cardholder login, enter your card number, and provide your user ID and password. Your separate Food and Cash balances will show on the account balance screen.
Call the 24-hour customer service line at 877-328-9677. After you select a language, the automated system will prompt you for your full card number and PIN. The system then reads your current Food and Cash balances aloud.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

A late deposit almost always traces back to an issue with authorization or processing at the state or county level, rather than a problem with your EBT card itself.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

A missing or incomplete SAR-7, overdue annual recertification, or other paperwork gaps can stop the county from issuing benefits. The same delay occurs if requested proofs like identity, residency, or income were not returned on time. Your benefits will be held until the necessary documents are on file and your case is updated.

Pending Case Changes or Reviews

Reporting new information, such as a change in income, a job loss, or someone moving in or out, often triggers a manual review. Benefits do not load until a county worker reviews and clears the new information, which can temporarily pause your deposit.

State or County-Level System Issues

Technical problems can sometimes cause widespread delays for a day or two. These issues might include scheduled EBT or BenefitsCal system maintenance, a data-conversion project, or a failed nightly batch run. Counties may stagger releases while correcting the error.

Monthly Reconciliation Holds

When county accounting screens show a mismatch, the system may pause that day’s CalFresh and CalWORKs files. This can happen if an over-issuance, duplicate issuance, or a funding problem is detected. Deposits are held until the issue is reconciled.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused CalFresh and CalWORKs balances automatically carry over each month. You do not lose your benefits just because a new deposit cycle begins. As long as you use your card, the full amount remains available indefinitely.

However, your account must remain active. If there are no transactions for about 60 days, your account is flagged as dormant and a notice is mailed. After 90 days of inactivity, the benefits are moved offline.

Offline benefits are not lost but must be restored by request before you can use your card again. If the funds remain offline for another 180 days, or about nine months of total non-use, they are permanently expunged. This rule applies to both food and cash balances.

Federal rules integrated into California’s EBT system require this nine-month expungement. To be safe, make at least one purchase or withdrawal every three months to prevent your balance from being taken offline.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. It’s a challenging situation, but it doesn't mean you're out of options. There are several immediate strategies you can use to secure more food assistance if you face a shortage before your next deposit.

Apply for Emergency CalFresh

Call your county CalFresh office or log in to BenefitsCal and state that you need “Expedited Service.” You only need to provide your name, address, income from the last 30 days, and cash on hand to begin the screening.
If your gross monthly income is under $150 and liquid resources are under $100, or if housing costs exceed your remaining funds, the county must interview you the same day. Per the expedited service rules, benefits must be loaded within three calendar days.
Ask the staff to put the allotment on your existing EBT card to avoid waiting for a new one in the mail.
If you applied after the 15th of the month, remind the worker that rules require them to provide both the first and second month’s allotments at once.
Submit any postponed verifications within 30 days so your ongoing benefits are not interrupted, as detailed in the program handbook.

Reevaluate Your CalFresh Allotment

Gather proof of the change, such as a new pay stub, a higher rent receipt, a utility shut-off notice, or a new household member’s ID. You can then choose “Report a Change” in BenefitsCal, call your worker, or submit a voluntary SAR-3 form.
Request a “supplemental issuance” if your income dropped by over $50 or you added a household member. The county must issue the extra food money within ten days or with your next deposit, according to mid-period reporting rules.
Confirm your Income Reporting Threshold is now lower than your new income. If it is, the higher benefit amount will continue for the rest of the six-month reporting period, based on mid-period action regulations.
Check BenefitsCal after ten days to verify the new amount and request a written Notice of Action for your records.

Mine End-of-Distribution Surplus from Food Banks

Use statewide tools to locate pop-up and drive-thru sites. The CA Food Banks “Find Food” map and the 211 California service are excellent resources. Call ahead and ask when volunteers open the “surplus,” “glean,” or USDA TEFAP line, which is usually in the final 15–30 minutes of distribution.
Arrive with reusable bags. Because leftover boxes cannot be stored, staff often let late-arrivals take multiple 10- to 15-pound boxes of shelf-stable items and fresh produce, which can help stretch meals until your next EBT deposit.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback for SNAP-eligible items directly on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more out of your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your EBT benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly budget. For families in California, this schedule helps you manage your grocery shopping and other essential expenses without stress.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if your payment seems to be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in California

In California, CalFresh benefits are distributed over the first ten days of the month. The specific day your benefits are deposited is determined by the last digit of your case number.

Your deposit date corresponds to your case number ending as follows:

Ends in 1: 1st of the month
Ends in 2: 2nd of the month
Ends in 3: 3rd of the month
Ends in 4: 4th of the month
Ends in 5: 5th of the month
Ends in 6: 6th of the month
Ends in 7: 7th of the month
Ends in 8: 8th of the month
Ends in 9: 9th of the month
Ends in 0: 10th of the month

For those receiving cash aid through CalWORKs, payments are sent between the 1st and 3rd of each month, regardless of your case number.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents and is also available online. If you need to find it, you can check a few different places.

Look for the number in the upper right corner of any Notice of Action or other paperwork from CalFresh.
Log into your BenefitsCal account to view your case details online.
Contact your local county office for direct assistance.

For issues with your EBT card, such as changing your PIN or reporting it lost, call the California EBT Customer Service Center at 877-328-9677.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in California

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in California. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current balance.

Download the Benny app. After you sign up with your phone or email and link your card, your Food and Cash balances appear on the dashboard. The app also gives you automatic cashback on EBT purchases at many stores.
Visit the official California EBT Cardholder Website. Select the cardholder login, enter your card number, and provide your user ID and password. Your separate Food and Cash balances will show on the account balance screen.
Call the 24-hour customer service line at 877-328-9677. After you select a language, the automated system will prompt you for your full card number and PIN. The system then reads your current Food and Cash balances aloud.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

A late deposit almost always traces back to an issue with authorization or processing at the state or county level, rather than a problem with your EBT card itself.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

A missing or incomplete SAR-7, overdue annual recertification, or other paperwork gaps can stop the county from issuing benefits. The same delay occurs if requested proofs like identity, residency, or income were not returned on time. Your benefits will be held until the necessary documents are on file and your case is updated.

Pending Case Changes or Reviews

Reporting new information, such as a change in income, a job loss, or someone moving in or out, often triggers a manual review. Benefits do not load until a county worker reviews and clears the new information, which can temporarily pause your deposit.

State or County-Level System Issues

Technical problems can sometimes cause widespread delays for a day or two. These issues might include scheduled EBT or BenefitsCal system maintenance, a data-conversion project, or a failed nightly batch run. Counties may stagger releases while correcting the error.

Monthly Reconciliation Holds

When county accounting screens show a mismatch, the system may pause that day’s CalFresh and CalWORKs files. This can happen if an over-issuance, duplicate issuance, or a funding problem is detected. Deposits are held until the issue is reconciled.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused CalFresh and CalWORKs balances automatically carry over each month. You do not lose your benefits just because a new deposit cycle begins. As long as you use your card, the full amount remains available indefinitely.

However, your account must remain active. If there are no transactions for about 60 days, your account is flagged as dormant and a notice is mailed. After 90 days of inactivity, the benefits are moved offline.

Offline benefits are not lost but must be restored by request before you can use your card again. If the funds remain offline for another 180 days, or about nine months of total non-use, they are permanently expunged. This rule applies to both food and cash balances.

Federal rules integrated into California’s EBT system require this nine-month expungement. To be safe, make at least one purchase or withdrawal every three months to prevent your balance from being taken offline.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. It’s a challenging situation, but it doesn't mean you're out of options. There are several immediate strategies you can use to secure more food assistance if you face a shortage before your next deposit.

Apply for Emergency CalFresh

Call your county CalFresh office or log in to BenefitsCal and state that you need “Expedited Service.” You only need to provide your name, address, income from the last 30 days, and cash on hand to begin the screening.
If your gross monthly income is under $150 and liquid resources are under $100, or if housing costs exceed your remaining funds, the county must interview you the same day. Per the expedited service rules, benefits must be loaded within three calendar days.
Ask the staff to put the allotment on your existing EBT card to avoid waiting for a new one in the mail.
If you applied after the 15th of the month, remind the worker that rules require them to provide both the first and second month’s allotments at once.
Submit any postponed verifications within 30 days so your ongoing benefits are not interrupted, as detailed in the program handbook.

Reevaluate Your CalFresh Allotment

Gather proof of the change, such as a new pay stub, a higher rent receipt, a utility shut-off notice, or a new household member’s ID. You can then choose “Report a Change” in BenefitsCal, call your worker, or submit a voluntary SAR-3 form.
Request a “supplemental issuance” if your income dropped by over $50 or you added a household member. The county must issue the extra food money within ten days or with your next deposit, according to mid-period reporting rules.
Confirm your Income Reporting Threshold is now lower than your new income. If it is, the higher benefit amount will continue for the rest of the six-month reporting period, based on mid-period action regulations.
Check BenefitsCal after ten days to verify the new amount and request a written Notice of Action for your records.

Mine End-of-Distribution Surplus from Food Banks

Use statewide tools to locate pop-up and drive-thru sites. The CA Food Banks “Find Food” map and the 211 California service are excellent resources. Call ahead and ask when volunteers open the “surplus,” “glean,” or USDA TEFAP line, which is usually in the final 15–30 minutes of distribution.
Arrive with reusable bags. Because leftover boxes cannot be stored, staff often let late-arrivals take multiple 10- to 15-pound boxes of shelf-stable items and fresh produce, which can help stretch meals until your next EBT deposit.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback for SNAP-eligible items directly on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more out of your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your EBT benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly budget. For families in California, this schedule helps you manage your grocery shopping and other essential expenses without stress.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if your payment seems to be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in California

In California, CalFresh benefits are distributed over the first ten days of the month. The specific day your benefits are deposited is determined by the last digit of your case number.

Your deposit date corresponds to your case number ending as follows:

Ends in 1: 1st of the month
Ends in 2: 2nd of the month
Ends in 3: 3rd of the month
Ends in 4: 4th of the month
Ends in 5: 5th of the month
Ends in 6: 6th of the month
Ends in 7: 7th of the month
Ends in 8: 8th of the month
Ends in 9: 9th of the month
Ends in 0: 10th of the month

For those receiving cash aid through CalWORKs, payments are sent between the 1st and 3rd of each month, regardless of your case number.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents and is also available online. If you need to find it, you can check a few different places.

Look for the number in the upper right corner of any Notice of Action or other paperwork from CalFresh.
Log into your BenefitsCal account to view your case details online.
Contact your local county office for direct assistance.

For issues with your EBT card, such as changing your PIN or reporting it lost, call the California EBT Customer Service Center at 877-328-9677.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in California

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in California. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current balance.

Download the Benny app. After you sign up with your phone or email and link your card, your Food and Cash balances appear on the dashboard. The app also gives you automatic cashback on EBT purchases at many stores.
Visit the official California EBT Cardholder Website. Select the cardholder login, enter your card number, and provide your user ID and password. Your separate Food and Cash balances will show on the account balance screen.
Call the 24-hour customer service line at 877-328-9677. After you select a language, the automated system will prompt you for your full card number and PIN. The system then reads your current Food and Cash balances aloud.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

A late deposit almost always traces back to an issue with authorization or processing at the state or county level, rather than a problem with your EBT card itself.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

A missing or incomplete SAR-7, overdue annual recertification, or other paperwork gaps can stop the county from issuing benefits. The same delay occurs if requested proofs like identity, residency, or income were not returned on time. Your benefits will be held until the necessary documents are on file and your case is updated.

Pending Case Changes or Reviews

Reporting new information, such as a change in income, a job loss, or someone moving in or out, often triggers a manual review. Benefits do not load until a county worker reviews and clears the new information, which can temporarily pause your deposit.

State or County-Level System Issues

Technical problems can sometimes cause widespread delays for a day or two. These issues might include scheduled EBT or BenefitsCal system maintenance, a data-conversion project, or a failed nightly batch run. Counties may stagger releases while correcting the error.

Monthly Reconciliation Holds

When county accounting screens show a mismatch, the system may pause that day’s CalFresh and CalWORKs files. This can happen if an over-issuance, duplicate issuance, or a funding problem is detected. Deposits are held until the issue is reconciled.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused CalFresh and CalWORKs balances automatically carry over each month. You do not lose your benefits just because a new deposit cycle begins. As long as you use your card, the full amount remains available indefinitely.

However, your account must remain active. If there are no transactions for about 60 days, your account is flagged as dormant and a notice is mailed. After 90 days of inactivity, the benefits are moved offline.

Offline benefits are not lost but must be restored by request before you can use your card again. If the funds remain offline for another 180 days, or about nine months of total non-use, they are permanently expunged. This rule applies to both food and cash balances.

Federal rules integrated into California’s EBT system require this nine-month expungement. To be safe, make at least one purchase or withdrawal every three months to prevent your balance from being taken offline.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. It’s a challenging situation, but it doesn't mean you're out of options. There are several immediate strategies you can use to secure more food assistance if you face a shortage before your next deposit.

Apply for Emergency CalFresh

Call your county CalFresh office or log in to BenefitsCal and state that you need “Expedited Service.” You only need to provide your name, address, income from the last 30 days, and cash on hand to begin the screening.
If your gross monthly income is under $150 and liquid resources are under $100, or if housing costs exceed your remaining funds, the county must interview you the same day. Per the expedited service rules, benefits must be loaded within three calendar days.
Ask the staff to put the allotment on your existing EBT card to avoid waiting for a new one in the mail.
If you applied after the 15th of the month, remind the worker that rules require them to provide both the first and second month’s allotments at once.
Submit any postponed verifications within 30 days so your ongoing benefits are not interrupted, as detailed in the program handbook.

Reevaluate Your CalFresh Allotment

Gather proof of the change, such as a new pay stub, a higher rent receipt, a utility shut-off notice, or a new household member’s ID. You can then choose “Report a Change” in BenefitsCal, call your worker, or submit a voluntary SAR-3 form.
Request a “supplemental issuance” if your income dropped by over $50 or you added a household member. The county must issue the extra food money within ten days or with your next deposit, according to mid-period reporting rules.
Confirm your Income Reporting Threshold is now lower than your new income. If it is, the higher benefit amount will continue for the rest of the six-month reporting period, based on mid-period action regulations.
Check BenefitsCal after ten days to verify the new amount and request a written Notice of Action for your records.

Mine End-of-Distribution Surplus from Food Banks

Use statewide tools to locate pop-up and drive-thru sites. The CA Food Banks “Find Food” map and the 211 California service are excellent resources. Call ahead and ask when volunteers open the “surplus,” “glean,” or USDA TEFAP line, which is usually in the final 15–30 minutes of distribution.
Arrive with reusable bags. Because leftover boxes cannot be stored, staff often let late-arrivals take multiple 10- to 15-pound boxes of shelf-stable items and fresh produce, which can help stretch meals until your next EBT deposit.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback for SNAP-eligible items directly on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more out of your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your EBT benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly budget. For families in California, this schedule helps you manage your grocery shopping and other essential expenses without stress.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if your payment seems to be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in California

In California, CalFresh benefits are distributed over the first ten days of the month. The specific day your benefits are deposited is determined by the last digit of your case number.

Your deposit date corresponds to your case number ending as follows:

Ends in 1: 1st of the month
Ends in 2: 2nd of the month
Ends in 3: 3rd of the month
Ends in 4: 4th of the month
Ends in 5: 5th of the month
Ends in 6: 6th of the month
Ends in 7: 7th of the month
Ends in 8: 8th of the month
Ends in 9: 9th of the month
Ends in 0: 10th of the month

For those receiving cash aid through CalWORKs, payments are sent between the 1st and 3rd of each month, regardless of your case number.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents and is also available online. If you need to find it, you can check a few different places.

Look for the number in the upper right corner of any Notice of Action or other paperwork from CalFresh.
Log into your BenefitsCal account to view your case details online.
Contact your local county office for direct assistance.

For issues with your EBT card, such as changing your PIN or reporting it lost, call the California EBT Customer Service Center at 877-328-9677.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in California

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in California. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current balance.

Download the Benny app. After you sign up with your phone or email and link your card, your Food and Cash balances appear on the dashboard. The app also gives you automatic cashback on EBT purchases at many stores.
Visit the official California EBT Cardholder Website. Select the cardholder login, enter your card number, and provide your user ID and password. Your separate Food and Cash balances will show on the account balance screen.
Call the 24-hour customer service line at 877-328-9677. After you select a language, the automated system will prompt you for your full card number and PIN. The system then reads your current Food and Cash balances aloud.

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Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

A late deposit almost always traces back to an issue with authorization or processing at the state or county level, rather than a problem with your EBT card itself.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

A missing or incomplete SAR-7, overdue annual recertification, or other paperwork gaps can stop the county from issuing benefits. The same delay occurs if requested proofs like identity, residency, or income were not returned on time. Your benefits will be held until the necessary documents are on file and your case is updated.

Pending Case Changes or Reviews

Reporting new information, such as a change in income, a job loss, or someone moving in or out, often triggers a manual review. Benefits do not load until a county worker reviews and clears the new information, which can temporarily pause your deposit.

State or County-Level System Issues

Technical problems can sometimes cause widespread delays for a day or two. These issues might include scheduled EBT or BenefitsCal system maintenance, a data-conversion project, or a failed nightly batch run. Counties may stagger releases while correcting the error.

Monthly Reconciliation Holds

When county accounting screens show a mismatch, the system may pause that day’s CalFresh and CalWORKs files. This can happen if an over-issuance, duplicate issuance, or a funding problem is detected. Deposits are held until the issue is reconciled.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused CalFresh and CalWORKs balances automatically carry over each month. You do not lose your benefits just because a new deposit cycle begins. As long as you use your card, the full amount remains available indefinitely.

However, your account must remain active. If there are no transactions for about 60 days, your account is flagged as dormant and a notice is mailed. After 90 days of inactivity, the benefits are moved offline.

Offline benefits are not lost but must be restored by request before you can use your card again. If the funds remain offline for another 180 days, or about nine months of total non-use, they are permanently expunged. This rule applies to both food and cash balances.

Federal rules integrated into California’s EBT system require this nine-month expungement. To be safe, make at least one purchase or withdrawal every three months to prevent your balance from being taken offline.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

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What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. It’s a challenging situation, but it doesn't mean you're out of options. There are several immediate strategies you can use to secure more food assistance if you face a shortage before your next deposit.

Apply for Emergency CalFresh

Call your county CalFresh office or log in to BenefitsCal and state that you need “Expedited Service.” You only need to provide your name, address, income from the last 30 days, and cash on hand to begin the screening.
If your gross monthly income is under $150 and liquid resources are under $100, or if housing costs exceed your remaining funds, the county must interview you the same day. Per the expedited service rules, benefits must be loaded within three calendar days.
Ask the staff to put the allotment on your existing EBT card to avoid waiting for a new one in the mail.
If you applied after the 15th of the month, remind the worker that rules require them to provide both the first and second month’s allotments at once.
Submit any postponed verifications within 30 days so your ongoing benefits are not interrupted, as detailed in the program handbook.

Reevaluate Your CalFresh Allotment

Gather proof of the change, such as a new pay stub, a higher rent receipt, a utility shut-off notice, or a new household member’s ID. You can then choose “Report a Change” in BenefitsCal, call your worker, or submit a voluntary SAR-3 form.
Request a “supplemental issuance” if your income dropped by over $50 or you added a household member. The county must issue the extra food money within ten days or with your next deposit, according to mid-period reporting rules.
Confirm your Income Reporting Threshold is now lower than your new income. If it is, the higher benefit amount will continue for the rest of the six-month reporting period, based on mid-period action regulations.
Check BenefitsCal after ten days to verify the new amount and request a written Notice of Action for your records.

Mine End-of-Distribution Surplus from Food Banks

Use statewide tools to locate pop-up and drive-thru sites. The CA Food Banks “Find Food” map and the 211 California service are excellent resources. Call ahead and ask when volunteers open the “surplus,” “glean,” or USDA TEFAP line, which is usually in the final 15–30 minutes of distribution.
Arrive with reusable bags. Because leftover boxes cannot be stored, staff often let late-arrivals take multiple 10- to 15-pound boxes of shelf-stable items and fresh produce, which can help stretch meals until your next EBT deposit.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback for SNAP-eligible items directly on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more out of your EBT benefits.