In February 2026, CalFresh—California’s implementation of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—will continue to provide critical food assistance to millions of low-income individuals and families across the state.
This article outlines the CalFresh payment schedule for February 2026, including key payment dates and the expected benefit amounts for households. Understanding these schedules ensures recipients can plan their monthly expenses and access benefits in a timely manner.
CalFresh February 2026 Schedule
| Key Fact | Detail/Statistic |
|---|---|
| Benefit Issuance Dates | Benefits issued between February 1–10, 2026 |
| Distribution Method | Based on last digit of case number |
| Maximum Monthly Benefits | Varies by household size, up to $1,421 for 6+ people |
| Check Your Payment Date | Based on the last digit of your case number |
CalFresh Payment Schedule for February 2026
In California, CalFresh benefits are distributed on specific dates each month based on the last digit of your case number. February 2026 payments will be made between February 1–10, and recipients can expect their benefits to be loaded onto their EBT cards (Electronic Benefit Transfer) overnight, typically by early morning.
Here’s the breakdown of the schedule for February 2026:
- Case # ending in 1: February 1
- Case # ending in 2: February 2
- Case # ending in 3: February 3
- Case # ending in 4: February 4
- Case # ending in 5: February 5
- Case # ending in 6: February 6
- Case # ending in 7: February 7
- Case # ending in 8: February 8
- Case # ending in 9: February 9
- Case # ending in 0: February 10
Recipients can access their benefits immediately after the funds are loaded, generally early in the morning of the scheduled day. This system ensures a more even distribution of payments and helps avoid large-scale delays or bottlenecks.
How Are CalFresh Benefit Amounts Determined?
The amount of CalFresh benefits a household is eligible to receive depends on several factors. The most significant of these include:
- Household Size: Larger households receive higher benefits.
- Income Level: The lower a household’s income, the higher the benefit.
- Deductions: Allowable expenses, such as rent, utilities, and childcare, are deducted from the household’s income when determining eligibility.
- Maximum Monthly Benefits: The USDA sets maximum benefit amounts annually, which are adjusted for inflation. For 2025–2026, these amounts vary depending on household size:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $298 |
| 2 people | $546 |
| 3 people | $785 |
| 4 people | $994 |
| 5 people | $1,183 |
| 6 people | $1,421 |
| 7 people | $1,571 |
| Additional member | +$218 per person |
The benefit calculation considers your gross monthly income, subtracts deductions, and applies a formula to determine your monthly allotment. Even those with part-time jobs or who earn income may still qualify for some benefits depending on their circumstances.
If your household’s monthly income is close to or below the federal poverty line, the likelihood of receiving higher benefits increases. Recipients should be aware that the COVID-19-related emergency allotments have ended in some states, though California is still providing emergency benefits in some cases.
Why Payment Timing Matters
The payment dates are essential for budgeting and ensuring that recipients can effectively manage their monthly food expenses. With payments being made during the first 10 days of the month, households can plan ahead to purchase groceries early and have enough funds for the remainder of the month. Here are a few key reasons why knowing the payment schedule matters:
- Preventing Running Out of Benefits: With consistent and predictable payment schedules, recipients are less likely to run out of benefits before the end of the month.
- Strategic Shopping: Knowing when payments arrive helps families purchase items when they have sufficient funds.
- Budgeting for Other Expenses: CalFresh recipients often have multiple expenses (like rent, utilities, etc.), so knowing when benefits will be available helps with overall budgeting.
The early-month payment schedule also benefits families in avoiding gaps in assistance caused by delays or issues with benefit processing.
Changes to CalFresh in 2026
Though the basic payment structure remains consistent, a few key updates have been made in 2026. These changes are largely due to evolving federal guidelines and the need to address issues like food insecurity, inflation, and public health.
New Federal Guidelines for Work Requirements
One significant change in 2026 is the update to federal work requirements for certain recipients. These guidelines could affect those between 18 and 49 years old who are not disabled or caring for children. This rule mandates that individuals within this age group participate in work or training programs to maintain eligibility for food assistance.
While these rules do not affect all recipients, some CalFresh households may see a reduction or temporary suspension of benefits if the work requirements are not met.
Continued Emergency Allotments
While California ended emergency benefits for many recipients in 2025, some areas may continue to see emergency allotments based on the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
These additional funds have significantly helped families throughout the country during the economic downturn. However, recipients are advised to stay informed as these emergency benefits may continue to phase out.
What to Do if Your Benefits Are Delayed or Incorrect
If your CalFresh benefits do not appear as scheduled, follow these steps:
- Wait until the next day: Most benefits are loaded overnight. If you don’t see the deposit, wait until the following day.
- Check your balance: You can log in to your BenefitsCal account to check your available balance and payment history.
- Contact your county office: If your benefits still haven’t arrived, contact your local county social services office. They will be able to resolve the issue and provide assistance in case of discrepancies.
If there is a delayed payment, your county office may provide you with an emergency food assistance card or offer alternative options until the issue is fixed.
Apply for CalFresh in 2026
If you are new to CalFresh, you can apply through:
- BenefitsCal website
- County Social Services Offices
- By phone or in person: In some cases, local agencies will accept applications via phone or through physical visits.
Eligibility depends on several factors such as income, household size, and expenses like rent and utilities. Applicants can receive up to $1,421 per month in benefits, depending on their circumstances.
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The CalFresh payment schedule for February 2026 follows a consistent timeline from February 1 to February 10, based on your case number’s last digit. The program provides much-needed financial assistance to low-income households, helping recipients afford groceries and basic food items.
With increased focus on eligibility, including new federal work requirements, recipients must stay informed to ensure timely and accurate benefit receipt.
FAQs About CalFresh February 2026 Schedule
Q: When do I receive my CalFresh benefits for February 2026?
A: The payment will be made between February 1 and February 10, based on the last digit of your case number. For example, if your case number ends in 1, your payment will be made on February 1.
Q: How much will I get in CalFresh benefits?
A: The amount depends on your household size and income. For example, a household of four could receive up to $994 per month, while a household of six could get up to $1,421. Additional deductions apply based on monthly expenses.
Q: How do I check if my benefits were issued correctly?
A: You can check your EBT balance through the BenefitsCal website or call your county’s social services office for verification.
