California Benefits Guide: March 2026 Payment Dates and Rules

Thousands of families across California’s 58 counties rely on CalWORKs and CalFresh to help make ends meet.

While CalWORKs provides cash assistance for things like housing, utilities, and clothing, CalFresh (commonly known as food stamps) helps families buy healthy food.
 

When will you receive your benefits?

For March 2026, CalFresh benefits are loaded onto EBT cards during the first 10 days of the month. Your specific payment date depends on the last digit of your case number.
 

• If your case number ends in 1: You receive benefits on March 1.
• If your case number ends in 2: You receive benefits on March 2.
• If your case number ends in 3: You receive benefits on March 3.
• If your case number ends in 4: You receive benefits on March 4.
• If your case number ends in 5: You receive benefits on March 5.
• If your case number ends in 6: You receive benefits on March 6.
• If your case number ends in 7: You receive benefits on March 7.
• If your case number ends in 8: You receive benefits on March 8.
• If your case number ends in 9: You receive benefits on March 9.
• If your case number ends in 0: You receive benefits on March 10.

CalWORKs cash assistance typically arrives within these same first few days of the month.
 

What can you buy with your EBT card?

You can use your CalFresh benefits to buy most grocery staples and items used to produce food.
 

• Allowed items: Bread, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. You can also buy seeds and plants to grow your own food.
• Restricted items: You cannot use CalFresh to buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, pet food, cleaning supplies, or hot, ready-to-eat meals.

 

Where can you use your card?

Your EBT card works in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and some U.S. territories. Just look for the Quest® symbol at the checkout. Please note that EBT cards currently do not work in Puerto Rico.
 

What to do if there is a problem

 

• Missing Payment: If your benefits do not arrive on your scheduled date, contact your local county social services office. The state does not handle individual cases directly, so your local office is the best place to get help.
• Lost or Stolen Card: If your card is missing, call the EBT Customer Service Center immediately at (877) 328-9677 to cancel your card and protect your remaining balance.

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Subscribe to secure your food stamps and learn more about this government benefit.