SNAP benefits in California: Exact payment dates in September 2023
California has begun distributing SNAP food benefits for the month of September. Find out the exact dates for CalFresh payments in the state.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that, in coordination with state governments, provides benefits to low-income families to buy food.
These benefits are deposited onto an electronic benefits transfer card, which works like a debit card to buy food at certain authorized establishments.
This program is administered by each state, so some aspects of the benefits may vary, such as the program’s name. Also, because it’s run by the states, payment dates may not be uniform throughout the country. Some states often send money in batches based on name, Social Security number, or case number.
SNAP benefits in California: Exact payment dates in September 2023
In the case of the state of California, SNAP is known as CalFresh. These payments are sent during the first 10 days of each month based on the last digit of each beneficiary's case number. This is the California SNAP benefit payment schedule for September 2023:
Last digit of case number 1: September 1
READ ALSO: What to know about the Housing Choice Voucher program
READ ALSO: How to apply for unemployment benefits
SNAP benefits: how much is sent each month?
Amounts sent depend on household size, as well as other income factors and other requirements. In California, the average payment for a member is $196 per month.
These are the maximum amounts that are awarded in the 48 contiguous United States, including the District of Columbia, depending on the number of family members:
For recipients living in Alaska, the maximum is $1,172 for urban families of 4, $1,494 for rural 1 residents, and $1,819 for rural 2 residents. In Hawaii, the maximum is $1,794 for a family of 4.
These amounts will be in effect until the end of September, and in October, the maximum amounts for which you can be eligible will increase. These are the maximum amounts that will be awarded in the 48 contiguous United States, including the District of Columbia, as of October 1 of this year.
The maximum allowances for a family of four will range from $1,248 to $1,937 in Alaska. The maximum allowances for a family of four in Hawaii will drop to $1,759.