Confused about CalFresh and CalWORKs December 2025 deposit dates - is it the same day?

CalFresh and CalWORKs follow different deposit schedules. CalFresh benefits are distributed over the first 10 days of each month based on the last digit of your case number. CalWORKs is typically distributed between the 1st-3rd of the month. December 18th isn't a standard deposit date for either program, unless there's been a special announcement for 2025 I haven't seen yet.

nope Dec 18 is wrong info!! my sister works for the county and CalFresh still goes by last digit of ur case # even in december. CalWORKs is always first 3 days of month. whoever told u that was probably confused with some other benefit or something

To clarify, both programs follow their regular schedules in December 2025: - CalFresh: Benefits are issued from the 1st through the 10th based on the last digit of your case number (0 & 1 on 1st, 2 on 2nd, etc.) - CalWORKs: Benefits are loaded during the first three days of the month The December 18th date might be referring to emergency allotments or supplements that were issued during the pandemic, but those ended back in early 2023. The only exception would be if there's a system update or technical issue that causes a delay, but no such announcement has been made for December 2025.

i think they mightve been talking about the december STIMULUS that theres rumors about?? not regular benefits. saw something on facebook about a special december payment for low income families but not sure if its real

I had SUCH a nightmare trying to get accurate info about my benefits last month! Kept calling the county CalFresh number and either waiting 2+ hours or getting disconnected. FINALLY used Claimyr.com and got through to an actual person in under 10 mins who confirmed my exact deposit date. They have a demo video if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 - saved me so much stress since I was also trying to figure out if my reporting period was changing.

THIS HAPPENED TO ME LAST YEAR!!! Someone told me benefits were delayed till Dec 20 so I budgeted for that, but then they came on my regular day (the 7th) and I'd already borrowed money I didn't need to!!! The county NEVER changes the schedule without sending official notices in the mail and through BenefitsCal. Don't trust random people at the store!!!!

btw if ur ever confused about ur dates just check the BenefitsCal app, it usually shows ur next payment date for both programs if u get both

One additional clarification: While regular issuance dates follow the standard schedule, supplemental benefits (if you had a change in circumstances mid-month and qualify for additional benefits) might be issued on different dates. These supplements can sometimes come later in the month, which might explain what the person was referring to. However, your regular monthly CalFresh benefit will still follow the standard schedule based on your case number's last digit, and CalWORKs will still be in the first three days of December 2025.

sorta related but did anyone get the letter about the new EBT card design? mine still hasnt come and they said all cards would be replaced by november

Just wanted to add that you can also check your exact benefit deposit date by logging into your BenefitsCal account online or calling the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. They'll tell you your specific issuance date based on your case number without having to wait on hold for the county office. The automated system is usually pretty quick and accurate for basic info like deposit dates!

Just to pile on with everyone else's advice - December 18th is definitely wrong! I've been on CalFresh for 3 years and the dates have NEVER changed for holidays. My case number ends in 8 so I always get mine on the 8th of every month, including December. The county would send official notices weeks in advance if they were changing anything that major. Stick with your normal schedule and don't let random grocery store conversations mess with your budget planning!