California’s CalFresh program, which operates as the state version of SNAP benefits, has officially rolled out its Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for fiscal year 2026. This annual update is designed to ensure that food assistance keeps pace with rising prices, allowing households to maintain basic purchasing power. The latest adjustment increases the maximum CalFresh benefits and updates several deductions that influence how much support each family receives.
CalFresh COLA 2026: What the Adjustment Means
The Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2026 increases the maximum monthly allotments for households across the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. This revision is based on predefined economic formulas meant to keep benefits aligned with inflation.
Why This Increase Matters
The new limits reflect a clear rise compared to the previous fiscal year. Every household category—from single individuals to large families—will see higher caps under the CalFresh COLA 2026 update. These changes apply automatically to active cases that meet eligibility guidelines.
Standard Deduction Changes
Along with the updated maximum benefit amounts, COLA 2026 also adjusts standard deductions, which play an important role in calculating each household’s final benefit. Factors such as:
- Income
- Household size
- Rent and shelter costs
- Approved expenses
all influence the real CalFresh benefit a family receives. As inflation continues to increase the cost of food and essentials, these updates help households maintain more stable access to nutrition.
When the New CalFresh Benefits Begin
Starting December 2025 and throughout the entire fiscal year 2026, eligible participants will receive CalFresh benefits according to the updated limits. Payments are issued monthly based on the CalFresh payment schedule, which is determined by the last digit of each case number.
Updated Maximum CalFresh Allotments (10/01/2025 – 09/30/2026)
Many families will notice a benefit increase beginning in December. Below are the official maximum amounts under the 2026 CalFresh COLA:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
Example: Family of Four
A household of four can receive up to $994 per month, but only families with little to no income qualify for the maximum amount. Families with earnings will receive a reduced amount after deductions.
Why November 2025 CalFresh Benefits Were Delayed
In November 2025, a federal government shutdown disrupted the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP and CalFresh. This led to a temporary suspension in benefit distribution.
What Happened During the Shutdown
- Regular payments scheduled for November 1–10 were interrupted.
- Many recipients did not receive food benefits on their expected dates.
- Counties struggled to restore payments, causing delays of varying lengths.
- Outstanding benefits were eventually processed once government functions resumed.
The delays created significant uncertainty for thousands of families relying on CalFresh food assistance for daily groceries.
CalFresh Payments Return to Normal in December
With the federal government back in operation, CalFresh is set to follow the regular payment schedule in December 2025 and moving into fiscal year 2026.
What Beneficiaries Can Expect
- Payments will be issued according to the case number’s last digit.
- The COLA 2026 increases will be included automatically.
- No additional delays linked to the shutdown are expected.
- Households affected in November should receive full benefits moving forward.
Participants are encouraged to check their EBT card balances on their deposit dates.
CalFresh Payment Schedule for December 2025
Here is the deposit timetable according to the last digit of the case number:
| Case Number Last Digit | Deposit Date (December) |
|---|---|
| 1 | December 1 |
| 2 | December 2 |
| 3 | December 3 |
| 4 | December 4 |
| 5 | December 5 |
| 6 | December 6 |
| 7 | December 7 |
| 8 | December 8 |
| 9 | December 9 |
| 0 | December 10 |
This schedule ensures beneficiaries receive their CalFresh benefits consistently and without further interruption.
The Social Security Administration has officially confirmed the 2026 Social Security Increase Confirmed: New Monthly Rates for Retirees, Spouses, Survivors & Disabled, bringing welcomed financial relief to millions of Americans. This updated payment boost will raise monthly benefits across all major groups, helping retirees manage rising costs, supporting spouses and survivors with improved stability, and offering higher disability payments for those unable to work. The announcement ensures that vulnerable households receive stronger, more reliable income in 2026.
Conclusion
The CalFresh COLA 2026 update brings meaningful changes for California households that rely on SNAP-style food assistance. With increased maximum allotments, revised deductions, and a return to normal payment schedules after the November disruption, families can expect more stability heading into the new fiscal year. As inflation continues to impact essential living costs, these adjustments help ensure that CalFresh maintains its critical role in supporting food security for millions of Californians. Beneficiaries are encouraged to review their new benefit amounts and verify deposits according to their case number schedule.
FAQs
1. When will the new CalFresh COLA 2026 amounts take effect?
The updated benefit amounts begin in December 2025 and continue throughout fiscal year 2026.
2. Why were CalFresh payments delayed in November 2025?
A federal government shutdown temporarily halted USDA operations, disrupting SNAP/CalFresh benefit distribution.
3. Will everyone receive the maximum CalFresh benefit under COLA 2026?
No. Only households with little to no income qualify for the maximum amount. Income and deductions determine the final benefit.