EBT Deposit Schedule in California (2025)

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Knowing your EBT deposit date helps you budget and plan your grocery shopping effectively. This prevents running out of funds for food and other necessities, giving you peace of mind throughout the month.

This guide will walk you through when to expect your monthly benefits and what to do if your deposit is delayed.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in California

In California, CalFresh benefits are distributed based on the last digit of your case number. Your deposit date corresponds to that final digit as follows:

If your case number ends in 1, benefits arrive on the 1st of the month.
If your case number ends in 2, benefits arrive on the 2nd of the month.
If your case number ends in 3, benefits arrive on the 3rd of the month.
If your case number ends in 4, benefits arrive on the 4th of the month.
If your case number ends in 5, benefits arrive on the 5th of the month.
If your case number ends in 6, benefits arrive on the 6th of the month.
If your case number ends in 7, benefits arrive on the 7th of the month.
If your case number ends in 8, benefits arrive on the 8th of the month.
If your case number ends in 9, benefits arrive on the 9th of the month.
If your case number ends in 0, benefits arrive on the 10th of the month.

Cash aid benefits, like CalWORKs, are deposited between the 1st and 3rd of each month, regardless of your case number. For card questions or to report a lost card, call the California EBT Customer Service Center at 877-328-9677.

How To Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents and is also available online. You can find your number in a few places:

Look in the upper right corner of any CalFresh notice you received from the county.
Sign in to your BenefitsCal account to see your case details.
If you still need help, use the California SNAP office locator to contact your county office.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm your deposit has arrived. For a complete list of options, check out our guide on checking EBT balance. Here are three of the most convenient methods:

Log in to the California EBT Cardholder Website with your 16-digit card number and password. Once you're in, navigate to the 'Account Balance' section to see your current food and cash benefit totals, along with your recent transaction history.
The Benny app shows your real-time food and cash balance after a quick setup. The app also gives you automatic cashback when you use your EBT card for eligible purchases at participating retailers like Walmart and Costco.
Call the 24/7 customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. After selecting your language, you will be prompted to enter your EBT card number and PIN. The automated system will then state your current food and cash account balances.

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 for CalFresh or CalWORKs rarely points to a problem with your EBT card. Instead, the delay almost always stems from an issue that has interrupted the authorization, verification, or funding process at the county or state level.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

A gap in your paperwork is a common culprit. A missing or incomplete SAR-7 form, an overdue annual recertification, or failure to provide requested proofs can stop the county from issuing benefits. Your case file must be complete before payments can resume.

Pending Case Changes or Reviews

If you recently reported a change in your circumstances, your benefits may be on hold. New income, a job loss, or someone moving into or out of your home often triggers a manual review. Deposits will not proceed until a caseworker has cleared the new information.

State or County-Level System Issues

Sometimes the delay is caused by a technical problem on the government's end. Scheduled system maintenance for EBT or BenefitsCal, a data-conversion project, or a failed nightly batch can push all deposits back by a day or two while the error is corrected.

Fraud or Identity Theft Flags

Your account could be temporarily locked if the EBT network or county investigators detect suspicious activity. Unusual withdrawals or a skimming alert can trigger a hold on your benefits while the claim is verified to protect your account.

Program Sanctions or Overpayment Offsets

Your deposit might seem late when it has actually been reduced or stopped for the month. This can happen due to a work-rule sanction, a child-support intercept, or an agreement to repay a previous overpayment, making it appear as if the entire deposit is missing.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits automatically carry over to the next month. Your food and cash balances remain on your card, so you do not lose them just because a new issuance cycle begins.

To keep the account active, you must use your card periodically. If there are no transactions for 90 days, the state moves your benefits offline. You must then request to have them restored before you can use them again.

After about nine total months of non-use, the funds are permanently expunged and cannot be recovered. This policy, based on federal SNAP rules, applies to both food and cash balances, so making a small transaction every few months prevents any loss.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your monthly EBT deposit stretch requires more than just careful shopping. It's about building a routine of smart planning and intentional spending to avoid running short before your next deposit arrives.

Adopting a few new habits can significantly increase your buying power.

Use a Balance and Cashback App

Before you shop, open the Benny app. It shows your real-time CalFresh balance and gives automatic cashback on EBT-eligible items at stores like Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s. This extra rebate helps stretch each dollar, while the live balance keeps you from overspending mid-month.

Double Your Produce Money

You can double your money for produce with Market Match at participating farmers markets. Just swipe your EBT card at the market’s information booth. You will receive an equal amount in free tokens, often up to $15 per day, to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Activate the Restaurant Meals Program

If you are over 60, have a disability, or are homeless, ask your county to activate the Restaurant Meals Program. This flag on your EBT card lets you buy meals at low-cost restaurants like Subway or KFC. It can reduce spending on expensive convenience groceries and save on utility bills from cooking.

Hunt for Costco Markdowns

At Costco, look for price tags ending in .97 or bearing an asterisk. These secret price codes signal a manager markdown on an item that is already discounted. Prioritize buying meat or pantry items with these tags and freeze what you will not use immediately.

Combine Sales and Store Hacks

Don't pay full price later in the month for something that was on sale earlier. Ask for a rain check on out-of-stock sale items to lock in the lower price. Also, learn the unadvertised clearance codes at other grocery chains, which work similarly to Costco's system.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

It can be stressful when your EBT balance is gone before the month is over, leaving you in a tight spot. This is a common challenge, but you are not without recourse. Several strategies can help you secure food until your next benefit deposit arrives.

Apply for Emergency CalFresh

If your balance hits zero, you may qualify for emergency CalFresh benefits. This is also known as “Expedited Service” and can provide food assistance within days.

Call your county office or log in to BenefitsCal to request “Expedited Service.” You only need to provide basic information like your name, address, and recent income to begin the screening process.
The county must interview you the same day if your monthly gross income is under $150 and you have less than $100 in cash, or if your housing costs are more than your available funds. According to program guidelines, benefits must be issued within three calendar days.
Ask the staff to load the funds onto your current EBT card to avoid waiting for a new one in the mail.
If you apply after the 15th of the month, remind the worker that rules require them to issue the first and second month’s benefits at once.
Submit any required verifications within 30 days to prevent your ongoing benefits from being interrupted, per county documentation rules.

Reevaluate Your CalFresh Allotment

If your income has recently dropped or your expenses have gone up, you can report these changes to potentially increase your monthly CalFresh amount.

Gather proof of the change, such as a new pay stub, a higher rent receipt, or a utility notice. Report the change through the BenefitsCal website, by calling your worker, or by submitting a voluntary SAR-3 form.
Request a “supplemental issuance” if your income fell by over $50 or you added a household member. The county must provide the extra funds within ten days or with your next deposit, as outlined in the rules for voluntary mid-period reporting.
Confirm your Income Reporting Threshold is now lower than your new income. This will keep your benefit amount higher for the rest of the reporting period.
Check BenefitsCal after ten days to see the new amount. You can also request a written Notice of Action detailing the mid-period actions for your records.

Find Surplus Food Bank Boxes

Local food banks can be a great resource to bridge the gap in the last few days before your EBT card reloads. Many offer surplus boxes at the end of their distribution times.

Use statewide tools like the CA Food Banks “Find Food” locator and 211 California to find nearby sites. Call ahead to ask when they distribute their “surplus” or “glean” boxes, which is often in the last 15-30 minutes.
Bring your own reusable bags. Staff often allow people to take multiple boxes of produce and shelf-stable items, as they cannot store the leftovers.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

The free Benny app lets you check your EBT balance and get cashback from stores like Target and Walmart. To use it, link your EBT card. After shopping, scan your receipt to get money back for eligible items directly on your card.

Download Benny to better manage your spending and get more from your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing your EBT deposit date helps you budget and plan your grocery shopping effectively. This prevents running out of funds for food and other necessities, giving you peace of mind throughout the month.

This guide will walk you through when to expect your monthly benefits and what to do if your deposit is delayed.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in California

In California, CalFresh benefits are distributed based on the last digit of your case number. Your deposit date corresponds to that final digit as follows:

If your case number ends in 1, benefits arrive on the 1st of the month.
If your case number ends in 2, benefits arrive on the 2nd of the month.
If your case number ends in 3, benefits arrive on the 3rd of the month.
If your case number ends in 4, benefits arrive on the 4th of the month.
If your case number ends in 5, benefits arrive on the 5th of the month.
If your case number ends in 6, benefits arrive on the 6th of the month.
If your case number ends in 7, benefits arrive on the 7th of the month.
If your case number ends in 8, benefits arrive on the 8th of the month.
If your case number ends in 9, benefits arrive on the 9th of the month.
If your case number ends in 0, benefits arrive on the 10th of the month.

Cash aid benefits, like CalWORKs, are deposited between the 1st and 3rd of each month, regardless of your case number. For card questions or to report a lost card, call the California EBT Customer Service Center at 877-328-9677.

How To Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents and is also available online. You can find your number in a few places:

Look in the upper right corner of any CalFresh notice you received from the county.
Sign in to your BenefitsCal account to see your case details.
If you still need help, use the California SNAP office locator to contact your county office.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm your deposit has arrived. For a complete list of options, check out our guide on checking EBT balance. Here are three of the most convenient methods:

Log in to the California EBT Cardholder Website with your 16-digit card number and password. Once you're in, navigate to the 'Account Balance' section to see your current food and cash benefit totals, along with your recent transaction history.
The Benny app shows your real-time food and cash balance after a quick setup. The app also gives you automatic cashback when you use your EBT card for eligible purchases at participating retailers like Walmart and Costco.
Call the 24/7 customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. After selecting your language, you will be prompted to enter your EBT card number and PIN. The automated system will then state your current food and cash account balances.

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 for CalFresh or CalWORKs rarely points to a problem with your EBT card. Instead, the delay almost always stems from an issue that has interrupted the authorization, verification, or funding process at the county or state level.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

A gap in your paperwork is a common culprit. A missing or incomplete SAR-7 form, an overdue annual recertification, or failure to provide requested proofs can stop the county from issuing benefits. Your case file must be complete before payments can resume.

Pending Case Changes or Reviews

If you recently reported a change in your circumstances, your benefits may be on hold. New income, a job loss, or someone moving into or out of your home often triggers a manual review. Deposits will not proceed until a caseworker has cleared the new information.

State or County-Level System Issues

Sometimes the delay is caused by a technical problem on the government's end. Scheduled system maintenance for EBT or BenefitsCal, a data-conversion project, or a failed nightly batch can push all deposits back by a day or two while the error is corrected.

Fraud or Identity Theft Flags

Your account could be temporarily locked if the EBT network or county investigators detect suspicious activity. Unusual withdrawals or a skimming alert can trigger a hold on your benefits while the claim is verified to protect your account.

Program Sanctions or Overpayment Offsets

Your deposit might seem late when it has actually been reduced or stopped for the month. This can happen due to a work-rule sanction, a child-support intercept, or an agreement to repay a previous overpayment, making it appear as if the entire deposit is missing.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits automatically carry over to the next month. Your food and cash balances remain on your card, so you do not lose them just because a new issuance cycle begins.

To keep the account active, you must use your card periodically. If there are no transactions for 90 days, the state moves your benefits offline. You must then request to have them restored before you can use them again.

After about nine total months of non-use, the funds are permanently expunged and cannot be recovered. This policy, based on federal SNAP rules, applies to both food and cash balances, so making a small transaction every few months prevents any loss.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your monthly EBT deposit stretch requires more than just careful shopping. It's about building a routine of smart planning and intentional spending to avoid running short before your next deposit arrives.

Adopting a few new habits can significantly increase your buying power.

Use a Balance and Cashback App

Before you shop, open the Benny app. It shows your real-time CalFresh balance and gives automatic cashback on EBT-eligible items at stores like Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s. This extra rebate helps stretch each dollar, while the live balance keeps you from overspending mid-month.

Double Your Produce Money

You can double your money for produce with Market Match at participating farmers markets. Just swipe your EBT card at the market’s information booth. You will receive an equal amount in free tokens, often up to $15 per day, to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Activate the Restaurant Meals Program

If you are over 60, have a disability, or are homeless, ask your county to activate the Restaurant Meals Program. This flag on your EBT card lets you buy meals at low-cost restaurants like Subway or KFC. It can reduce spending on expensive convenience groceries and save on utility bills from cooking.

Hunt for Costco Markdowns

At Costco, look for price tags ending in .97 or bearing an asterisk. These secret price codes signal a manager markdown on an item that is already discounted. Prioritize buying meat or pantry items with these tags and freeze what you will not use immediately.

Combine Sales and Store Hacks

Don't pay full price later in the month for something that was on sale earlier. Ask for a rain check on out-of-stock sale items to lock in the lower price. Also, learn the unadvertised clearance codes at other grocery chains, which work similarly to Costco's system.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

It can be stressful when your EBT balance is gone before the month is over, leaving you in a tight spot. This is a common challenge, but you are not without recourse. Several strategies can help you secure food until your next benefit deposit arrives.

Apply for Emergency CalFresh

If your balance hits zero, you may qualify for emergency CalFresh benefits. This is also known as “Expedited Service” and can provide food assistance within days.

Call your county office or log in to BenefitsCal to request “Expedited Service.” You only need to provide basic information like your name, address, and recent income to begin the screening process.
The county must interview you the same day if your monthly gross income is under $150 and you have less than $100 in cash, or if your housing costs are more than your available funds. According to program guidelines, benefits must be issued within three calendar days.
Ask the staff to load the funds onto your current EBT card to avoid waiting for a new one in the mail.
If you apply after the 15th of the month, remind the worker that rules require them to issue the first and second month’s benefits at once.
Submit any required verifications within 30 days to prevent your ongoing benefits from being interrupted, per county documentation rules.

Reevaluate Your CalFresh Allotment

If your income has recently dropped or your expenses have gone up, you can report these changes to potentially increase your monthly CalFresh amount.

Gather proof of the change, such as a new pay stub, a higher rent receipt, or a utility notice. Report the change through the BenefitsCal website, by calling your worker, or by submitting a voluntary SAR-3 form.
Request a “supplemental issuance” if your income fell by over $50 or you added a household member. The county must provide the extra funds within ten days or with your next deposit, as outlined in the rules for voluntary mid-period reporting.
Confirm your Income Reporting Threshold is now lower than your new income. This will keep your benefit amount higher for the rest of the reporting period.
Check BenefitsCal after ten days to see the new amount. You can also request a written Notice of Action detailing the mid-period actions for your records.

Find Surplus Food Bank Boxes

Local food banks can be a great resource to bridge the gap in the last few days before your EBT card reloads. Many offer surplus boxes at the end of their distribution times.

Use statewide tools like the CA Food Banks “Find Food” locator and 211 California to find nearby sites. Call ahead to ask when they distribute their “surplus” or “glean” boxes, which is often in the last 15-30 minutes.
Bring your own reusable bags. Staff often allow people to take multiple boxes of produce and shelf-stable items, as they cannot store the leftovers.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

The free Benny app lets you check your EBT balance and get cashback from stores like Target and Walmart. To use it, link your EBT card. After shopping, scan your receipt to get money back for eligible items directly on your card.

Download Benny to better manage your spending and get more from your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing your EBT deposit date helps you budget and plan your grocery shopping effectively. This prevents running out of funds for food and other necessities, giving you peace of mind throughout the month.

This guide will walk you through when to expect your monthly benefits and what to do if your deposit is delayed.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in California

In California, CalFresh benefits are distributed based on the last digit of your case number. Your deposit date corresponds to that final digit as follows:

If your case number ends in 1, benefits arrive on the 1st of the month.
If your case number ends in 2, benefits arrive on the 2nd of the month.
If your case number ends in 3, benefits arrive on the 3rd of the month.
If your case number ends in 4, benefits arrive on the 4th of the month.
If your case number ends in 5, benefits arrive on the 5th of the month.
If your case number ends in 6, benefits arrive on the 6th of the month.
If your case number ends in 7, benefits arrive on the 7th of the month.
If your case number ends in 8, benefits arrive on the 8th of the month.
If your case number ends in 9, benefits arrive on the 9th of the month.
If your case number ends in 0, benefits arrive on the 10th of the month.

Cash aid benefits, like CalWORKs, are deposited between the 1st and 3rd of each month, regardless of your case number. For card questions or to report a lost card, call the California EBT Customer Service Center at 877-328-9677.

How To Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents and is also available online. You can find your number in a few places:

Look in the upper right corner of any CalFresh notice you received from the county.
Sign in to your BenefitsCal account to see your case details.
If you still need help, use the California SNAP office locator to contact your county office.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm your deposit has arrived. For a complete list of options, check out our guide on checking EBT balance. Here are three of the most convenient methods:

Log in to the California EBT Cardholder Website with your 16-digit card number and password. Once you're in, navigate to the 'Account Balance' section to see your current food and cash benefit totals, along with your recent transaction history.
The Benny app shows your real-time food and cash balance after a quick setup. The app also gives you automatic cashback when you use your EBT card for eligible purchases at participating retailers like Walmart and Costco.
Call the 24/7 customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. After selecting your language, you will be prompted to enter your EBT card number and PIN. The automated system will then state your current food and cash account balances.

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 for CalFresh or CalWORKs rarely points to a problem with your EBT card. Instead, the delay almost always stems from an issue that has interrupted the authorization, verification, or funding process at the county or state level.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

A gap in your paperwork is a common culprit. A missing or incomplete SAR-7 form, an overdue annual recertification, or failure to provide requested proofs can stop the county from issuing benefits. Your case file must be complete before payments can resume.

Pending Case Changes or Reviews

If you recently reported a change in your circumstances, your benefits may be on hold. New income, a job loss, or someone moving into or out of your home often triggers a manual review. Deposits will not proceed until a caseworker has cleared the new information.

State or County-Level System Issues

Sometimes the delay is caused by a technical problem on the government's end. Scheduled system maintenance for EBT or BenefitsCal, a data-conversion project, or a failed nightly batch can push all deposits back by a day or two while the error is corrected.

Fraud or Identity Theft Flags

Your account could be temporarily locked if the EBT network or county investigators detect suspicious activity. Unusual withdrawals or a skimming alert can trigger a hold on your benefits while the claim is verified to protect your account.

Program Sanctions or Overpayment Offsets

Your deposit might seem late when it has actually been reduced or stopped for the month. This can happen due to a work-rule sanction, a child-support intercept, or an agreement to repay a previous overpayment, making it appear as if the entire deposit is missing.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits automatically carry over to the next month. Your food and cash balances remain on your card, so you do not lose them just because a new issuance cycle begins.

To keep the account active, you must use your card periodically. If there are no transactions for 90 days, the state moves your benefits offline. You must then request to have them restored before you can use them again.

After about nine total months of non-use, the funds are permanently expunged and cannot be recovered. This policy, based on federal SNAP rules, applies to both food and cash balances, so making a small transaction every few months prevents any loss.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your monthly EBT deposit stretch requires more than just careful shopping. It's about building a routine of smart planning and intentional spending to avoid running short before your next deposit arrives.

Adopting a few new habits can significantly increase your buying power.

Use a Balance and Cashback App

Before you shop, open the Benny app. It shows your real-time CalFresh balance and gives automatic cashback on EBT-eligible items at stores like Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s. This extra rebate helps stretch each dollar, while the live balance keeps you from overspending mid-month.

Double Your Produce Money

You can double your money for produce with Market Match at participating farmers markets. Just swipe your EBT card at the market’s information booth. You will receive an equal amount in free tokens, often up to $15 per day, to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Activate the Restaurant Meals Program

If you are over 60, have a disability, or are homeless, ask your county to activate the Restaurant Meals Program. This flag on your EBT card lets you buy meals at low-cost restaurants like Subway or KFC. It can reduce spending on expensive convenience groceries and save on utility bills from cooking.

Hunt for Costco Markdowns

At Costco, look for price tags ending in .97 or bearing an asterisk. These secret price codes signal a manager markdown on an item that is already discounted. Prioritize buying meat or pantry items with these tags and freeze what you will not use immediately.

Combine Sales and Store Hacks

Don't pay full price later in the month for something that was on sale earlier. Ask for a rain check on out-of-stock sale items to lock in the lower price. Also, learn the unadvertised clearance codes at other grocery chains, which work similarly to Costco's system.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

It can be stressful when your EBT balance is gone before the month is over, leaving you in a tight spot. This is a common challenge, but you are not without recourse. Several strategies can help you secure food until your next benefit deposit arrives.

Apply for Emergency CalFresh

If your balance hits zero, you may qualify for emergency CalFresh benefits. This is also known as “Expedited Service” and can provide food assistance within days.

Call your county office or log in to BenefitsCal to request “Expedited Service.” You only need to provide basic information like your name, address, and recent income to begin the screening process.
The county must interview you the same day if your monthly gross income is under $150 and you have less than $100 in cash, or if your housing costs are more than your available funds. According to program guidelines, benefits must be issued within three calendar days.
Ask the staff to load the funds onto your current EBT card to avoid waiting for a new one in the mail.
If you apply after the 15th of the month, remind the worker that rules require them to issue the first and second month’s benefits at once.
Submit any required verifications within 30 days to prevent your ongoing benefits from being interrupted, per county documentation rules.

Reevaluate Your CalFresh Allotment

If your income has recently dropped or your expenses have gone up, you can report these changes to potentially increase your monthly CalFresh amount.

Gather proof of the change, such as a new pay stub, a higher rent receipt, or a utility notice. Report the change through the BenefitsCal website, by calling your worker, or by submitting a voluntary SAR-3 form.
Request a “supplemental issuance” if your income fell by over $50 or you added a household member. The county must provide the extra funds within ten days or with your next deposit, as outlined in the rules for voluntary mid-period reporting.
Confirm your Income Reporting Threshold is now lower than your new income. This will keep your benefit amount higher for the rest of the reporting period.
Check BenefitsCal after ten days to see the new amount. You can also request a written Notice of Action detailing the mid-period actions for your records.

Find Surplus Food Bank Boxes

Local food banks can be a great resource to bridge the gap in the last few days before your EBT card reloads. Many offer surplus boxes at the end of their distribution times.

Use statewide tools like the CA Food Banks “Find Food” locator and 211 California to find nearby sites. Call ahead to ask when they distribute their “surplus” or “glean” boxes, which is often in the last 15-30 minutes.
Bring your own reusable bags. Staff often allow people to take multiple boxes of produce and shelf-stable items, as they cannot store the leftovers.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

The free Benny app lets you check your EBT balance and get cashback from stores like Target and Walmart. To use it, link your EBT card. After shopping, scan your receipt to get money back for eligible items directly on your card.

Download Benny to better manage your spending and get more from your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing your EBT deposit date helps you budget and plan your grocery shopping effectively. This prevents running out of funds for food and other necessities, giving you peace of mind throughout the month.

This guide will walk you through when to expect your monthly benefits and what to do if your deposit is delayed.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in California

In California, CalFresh benefits are distributed based on the last digit of your case number. Your deposit date corresponds to that final digit as follows:

If your case number ends in 1, benefits arrive on the 1st of the month.
If your case number ends in 2, benefits arrive on the 2nd of the month.
If your case number ends in 3, benefits arrive on the 3rd of the month.
If your case number ends in 4, benefits arrive on the 4th of the month.
If your case number ends in 5, benefits arrive on the 5th of the month.
If your case number ends in 6, benefits arrive on the 6th of the month.
If your case number ends in 7, benefits arrive on the 7th of the month.
If your case number ends in 8, benefits arrive on the 8th of the month.
If your case number ends in 9, benefits arrive on the 9th of the month.
If your case number ends in 0, benefits arrive on the 10th of the month.

Cash aid benefits, like CalWORKs, are deposited between the 1st and 3rd of each month, regardless of your case number. For card questions or to report a lost card, call the California EBT Customer Service Center at 877-328-9677.

How To Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents and is also available online. You can find your number in a few places:

Look in the upper right corner of any CalFresh notice you received from the county.
Sign in to your BenefitsCal account to see your case details.
If you still need help, use the California SNAP office locator to contact your county office.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm your deposit has arrived. For a complete list of options, check out our guide on checking EBT balance. Here are three of the most convenient methods:

Log in to the California EBT Cardholder Website with your 16-digit card number and password. Once you're in, navigate to the 'Account Balance' section to see your current food and cash benefit totals, along with your recent transaction history.
The Benny app shows your real-time food and cash balance after a quick setup. The app also gives you automatic cashback when you use your EBT card for eligible purchases at participating retailers like Walmart and Costco.
Call the 24/7 customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. After selecting your language, you will be prompted to enter your EBT card number and PIN. The automated system will then state your current food and cash account balances.

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 for CalFresh or CalWORKs rarely points to a problem with your EBT card. Instead, the delay almost always stems from an issue that has interrupted the authorization, verification, or funding process at the county or state level.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

A gap in your paperwork is a common culprit. A missing or incomplete SAR-7 form, an overdue annual recertification, or failure to provide requested proofs can stop the county from issuing benefits. Your case file must be complete before payments can resume.

Pending Case Changes or Reviews

If you recently reported a change in your circumstances, your benefits may be on hold. New income, a job loss, or someone moving into or out of your home often triggers a manual review. Deposits will not proceed until a caseworker has cleared the new information.

State or County-Level System Issues

Sometimes the delay is caused by a technical problem on the government's end. Scheduled system maintenance for EBT or BenefitsCal, a data-conversion project, or a failed nightly batch can push all deposits back by a day or two while the error is corrected.

Fraud or Identity Theft Flags

Your account could be temporarily locked if the EBT network or county investigators detect suspicious activity. Unusual withdrawals or a skimming alert can trigger a hold on your benefits while the claim is verified to protect your account.

Program Sanctions or Overpayment Offsets

Your deposit might seem late when it has actually been reduced or stopped for the month. This can happen due to a work-rule sanction, a child-support intercept, or an agreement to repay a previous overpayment, making it appear as if the entire deposit is missing.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits automatically carry over to the next month. Your food and cash balances remain on your card, so you do not lose them just because a new issuance cycle begins.

To keep the account active, you must use your card periodically. If there are no transactions for 90 days, the state moves your benefits offline. You must then request to have them restored before you can use them again.

After about nine total months of non-use, the funds are permanently expunged and cannot be recovered. This policy, based on federal SNAP rules, applies to both food and cash balances, so making a small transaction every few months prevents any loss.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your monthly EBT deposit stretch requires more than just careful shopping. It's about building a routine of smart planning and intentional spending to avoid running short before your next deposit arrives.

Adopting a few new habits can significantly increase your buying power.

Use a Balance and Cashback App

Before you shop, open the Benny app. It shows your real-time CalFresh balance and gives automatic cashback on EBT-eligible items at stores like Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s. This extra rebate helps stretch each dollar, while the live balance keeps you from overspending mid-month.

Double Your Produce Money

You can double your money for produce with Market Match at participating farmers markets. Just swipe your EBT card at the market’s information booth. You will receive an equal amount in free tokens, often up to $15 per day, to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Activate the Restaurant Meals Program

If you are over 60, have a disability, or are homeless, ask your county to activate the Restaurant Meals Program. This flag on your EBT card lets you buy meals at low-cost restaurants like Subway or KFC. It can reduce spending on expensive convenience groceries and save on utility bills from cooking.

Hunt for Costco Markdowns

At Costco, look for price tags ending in .97 or bearing an asterisk. These secret price codes signal a manager markdown on an item that is already discounted. Prioritize buying meat or pantry items with these tags and freeze what you will not use immediately.

Combine Sales and Store Hacks

Don't pay full price later in the month for something that was on sale earlier. Ask for a rain check on out-of-stock sale items to lock in the lower price. Also, learn the unadvertised clearance codes at other grocery chains, which work similarly to Costco's system.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

It can be stressful when your EBT balance is gone before the month is over, leaving you in a tight spot. This is a common challenge, but you are not without recourse. Several strategies can help you secure food until your next benefit deposit arrives.

Apply for Emergency CalFresh

If your balance hits zero, you may qualify for emergency CalFresh benefits. This is also known as “Expedited Service” and can provide food assistance within days.

Call your county office or log in to BenefitsCal to request “Expedited Service.” You only need to provide basic information like your name, address, and recent income to begin the screening process.
The county must interview you the same day if your monthly gross income is under $150 and you have less than $100 in cash, or if your housing costs are more than your available funds. According to program guidelines, benefits must be issued within three calendar days.
Ask the staff to load the funds onto your current EBT card to avoid waiting for a new one in the mail.
If you apply after the 15th of the month, remind the worker that rules require them to issue the first and second month’s benefits at once.
Submit any required verifications within 30 days to prevent your ongoing benefits from being interrupted, per county documentation rules.

Reevaluate Your CalFresh Allotment

If your income has recently dropped or your expenses have gone up, you can report these changes to potentially increase your monthly CalFresh amount.

Gather proof of the change, such as a new pay stub, a higher rent receipt, or a utility notice. Report the change through the BenefitsCal website, by calling your worker, or by submitting a voluntary SAR-3 form.
Request a “supplemental issuance” if your income fell by over $50 or you added a household member. The county must provide the extra funds within ten days or with your next deposit, as outlined in the rules for voluntary mid-period reporting.
Confirm your Income Reporting Threshold is now lower than your new income. This will keep your benefit amount higher for the rest of the reporting period.
Check BenefitsCal after ten days to see the new amount. You can also request a written Notice of Action detailing the mid-period actions for your records.

Find Surplus Food Bank Boxes

Local food banks can be a great resource to bridge the gap in the last few days before your EBT card reloads. Many offer surplus boxes at the end of their distribution times.

Use statewide tools like the CA Food Banks “Find Food” locator and 211 California to find nearby sites. Call ahead to ask when they distribute their “surplus” or “glean” boxes, which is often in the last 15-30 minutes.
Bring your own reusable bags. Staff often allow people to take multiple boxes of produce and shelf-stable items, as they cannot store the leftovers.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

The free Benny app lets you check your EBT balance and get cashback from stores like Target and Walmart. To use it, link your EBT card. After shopping, scan your receipt to get money back for eligible items directly on your card.

Download Benny to better manage your spending and get more from your EBT benefits.

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Knowing your EBT deposit date helps you budget and plan your grocery shopping effectively. This prevents running out of funds for food and other necessities, giving you peace of mind throughout the month.

This guide will walk you through when to expect your monthly benefits and what to do if your deposit is delayed.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in California

In California, CalFresh benefits are distributed based on the last digit of your case number. Your deposit date corresponds to that final digit as follows:

If your case number ends in 1, benefits arrive on the 1st of the month.
If your case number ends in 2, benefits arrive on the 2nd of the month.
If your case number ends in 3, benefits arrive on the 3rd of the month.
If your case number ends in 4, benefits arrive on the 4th of the month.
If your case number ends in 5, benefits arrive on the 5th of the month.
If your case number ends in 6, benefits arrive on the 6th of the month.
If your case number ends in 7, benefits arrive on the 7th of the month.
If your case number ends in 8, benefits arrive on the 8th of the month.
If your case number ends in 9, benefits arrive on the 9th of the month.
If your case number ends in 0, benefits arrive on the 10th of the month.

Cash aid benefits, like CalWORKs, are deposited between the 1st and 3rd of each month, regardless of your case number. For card questions or to report a lost card, call the California EBT Customer Service Center at 877-328-9677.

How To Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents and is also available online. You can find your number in a few places:

Look in the upper right corner of any CalFresh notice you received from the county.
Sign in to your BenefitsCal account to see your case details.
If you still need help, use the California SNAP office locator to contact your county office.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm your deposit has arrived. For a complete list of options, check out our guide on checking EBT balance. Here are three of the most convenient methods:

Log in to the California EBT Cardholder Website with your 16-digit card number and password. Once you're in, navigate to the 'Account Balance' section to see your current food and cash benefit totals, along with your recent transaction history.
The Benny app shows your real-time food and cash balance after a quick setup. The app also gives you automatic cashback when you use your EBT card for eligible purchases at participating retailers like Walmart and Costco.
Call the 24/7 customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. After selecting your language, you will be prompted to enter your EBT card number and PIN. The automated system will then state your current food and cash account balances.

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 for CalFresh or CalWORKs rarely points to a problem with your EBT card. Instead, the delay almost always stems from an issue that has interrupted the authorization, verification, or funding process at the county or state level.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

A gap in your paperwork is a common culprit. A missing or incomplete SAR-7 form, an overdue annual recertification, or failure to provide requested proofs can stop the county from issuing benefits. Your case file must be complete before payments can resume.

Pending Case Changes or Reviews

If you recently reported a change in your circumstances, your benefits may be on hold. New income, a job loss, or someone moving into or out of your home often triggers a manual review. Deposits will not proceed until a caseworker has cleared the new information.

State or County-Level System Issues

Sometimes the delay is caused by a technical problem on the government's end. Scheduled system maintenance for EBT or BenefitsCal, a data-conversion project, or a failed nightly batch can push all deposits back by a day or two while the error is corrected.

Fraud or Identity Theft Flags

Your account could be temporarily locked if the EBT network or county investigators detect suspicious activity. Unusual withdrawals or a skimming alert can trigger a hold on your benefits while the claim is verified to protect your account.

Program Sanctions or Overpayment Offsets

Your deposit might seem late when it has actually been reduced or stopped for the month. This can happen due to a work-rule sanction, a child-support intercept, or an agreement to repay a previous overpayment, making it appear as if the entire deposit is missing.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits automatically carry over to the next month. Your food and cash balances remain on your card, so you do not lose them just because a new issuance cycle begins.

To keep the account active, you must use your card periodically. If there are no transactions for 90 days, the state moves your benefits offline. You must then request to have them restored before you can use them again.

After about nine total months of non-use, the funds are permanently expunged and cannot be recovered. This policy, based on federal SNAP rules, applies to both food and cash balances, so making a small transaction every few months prevents any loss.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your monthly EBT deposit stretch requires more than just careful shopping. It's about building a routine of smart planning and intentional spending to avoid running short before your next deposit arrives.

Adopting a few new habits can significantly increase your buying power.

Use a Balance and Cashback App

Before you shop, open the Benny app. It shows your real-time CalFresh balance and gives automatic cashback on EBT-eligible items at stores like Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s. This extra rebate helps stretch each dollar, while the live balance keeps you from overspending mid-month.

Double Your Produce Money

You can double your money for produce with Market Match at participating farmers markets. Just swipe your EBT card at the market’s information booth. You will receive an equal amount in free tokens, often up to $15 per day, to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Activate the Restaurant Meals Program

If you are over 60, have a disability, or are homeless, ask your county to activate the Restaurant Meals Program. This flag on your EBT card lets you buy meals at low-cost restaurants like Subway or KFC. It can reduce spending on expensive convenience groceries and save on utility bills from cooking.

Hunt for Costco Markdowns

At Costco, look for price tags ending in .97 or bearing an asterisk. These secret price codes signal a manager markdown on an item that is already discounted. Prioritize buying meat or pantry items with these tags and freeze what you will not use immediately.

Combine Sales and Store Hacks

Don't pay full price later in the month for something that was on sale earlier. Ask for a rain check on out-of-stock sale items to lock in the lower price. Also, learn the unadvertised clearance codes at other grocery chains, which work similarly to Costco's system.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

It can be stressful when your EBT balance is gone before the month is over, leaving you in a tight spot. This is a common challenge, but you are not without recourse. Several strategies can help you secure food until your next benefit deposit arrives.

Apply for Emergency CalFresh

If your balance hits zero, you may qualify for emergency CalFresh benefits. This is also known as “Expedited Service” and can provide food assistance within days.

Call your county office or log in to BenefitsCal to request “Expedited Service.” You only need to provide basic information like your name, address, and recent income to begin the screening process.
The county must interview you the same day if your monthly gross income is under $150 and you have less than $100 in cash, or if your housing costs are more than your available funds. According to program guidelines, benefits must be issued within three calendar days.
Ask the staff to load the funds onto your current EBT card to avoid waiting for a new one in the mail.
If you apply after the 15th of the month, remind the worker that rules require them to issue the first and second month’s benefits at once.
Submit any required verifications within 30 days to prevent your ongoing benefits from being interrupted, per county documentation rules.

Reevaluate Your CalFresh Allotment

If your income has recently dropped or your expenses have gone up, you can report these changes to potentially increase your monthly CalFresh amount.

Gather proof of the change, such as a new pay stub, a higher rent receipt, or a utility notice. Report the change through the BenefitsCal website, by calling your worker, or by submitting a voluntary SAR-3 form.
Request a “supplemental issuance” if your income fell by over $50 or you added a household member. The county must provide the extra funds within ten days or with your next deposit, as outlined in the rules for voluntary mid-period reporting.
Confirm your Income Reporting Threshold is now lower than your new income. This will keep your benefit amount higher for the rest of the reporting period.
Check BenefitsCal after ten days to see the new amount. You can also request a written Notice of Action detailing the mid-period actions for your records.

Find Surplus Food Bank Boxes

Local food banks can be a great resource to bridge the gap in the last few days before your EBT card reloads. Many offer surplus boxes at the end of their distribution times.

Use statewide tools like the CA Food Banks “Find Food” locator and 211 California to find nearby sites. Call ahead to ask when they distribute their “surplus” or “glean” boxes, which is often in the last 15-30 minutes.
Bring your own reusable bags. Staff often allow people to take multiple boxes of produce and shelf-stable items, as they cannot store the leftovers.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

The free Benny app lets you check your EBT balance and get cashback from stores like Target and Walmart. To use it, link your EBT card. After shopping, scan your receipt to get money back for eligible items directly on your card.

Download Benny to better manage your spending and get more from your EBT benefits.