If you’re a CalFresh recipient, good news: benefits are increasing next month thanks to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for fiscal year 2026. Effective October 1, 2025, California will implement higher CalFresh maximum allotments, new deductions, and updated income eligibility standards.
This article covers exact amounts, how the changes work, important dates, and what you need to know to prepare.
What Is COLA & Why It Matters for CalFresh
- COLA stands for Cost-of-Living Adjustment. It adjusts SNAP/CalFresh benefits to account for inflation, rising food costs, and updated cost estimates (notably via the Thrifty Food Plan).
- These increases ensure households receive more assistance when the cost of groceries and essentials climbs. Benefits, income thresholds, and deductions are all affected.
Key Dates & Payment Schedule
| Event | Date / Activity |
|---|---|
| COLA Goes into Effect | October 1, 2025 (Start of Fiscal Year 2026) |
| CalFresh Deposits Begin | October 1–10, 2025, based on last digit of case number |
| Maximum Allotments in Effect Until | September 30, 2025 (previous rates) |
What the New Benefit Amounts Will Be
Here are the updated maximum monthly allotments by household size for the 48 contiguous states & DC under CalFresh starting October 1, 2025:
| Household Size | New Maximum Allotment FY 2026 | Increase Over FY 2025 Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $298 | + $6 over $292 |
| 2 people | $546 | + $10 over $536 |
| 3 people | $785 | + $17 over $768 |
| 4 people | $994 | + $19 over $975 |
| 5 people | $1,183 | + $25 over $1,158 |
| 6 people | $1,421 | + $31 over $1,390 |
| 7 people | $1,571 | + $35 over $1,536 |
| 8 people | $1,789 | + $33 over $1,756 |
| Each Additional Member Above 8 | +$218 per person |
Other Important Changes: Income Limits & Deductions
- Income Eligibility Standards have increased. For example, a single-person household’s net monthly income limit is raised; gross income limits for SNAP eligibility are higher.
- Standard deductions are also increasing. For households of size 1-3, 4, 5, and 6+ people, the deductions are higher under the new FY 2026 rules.
- Maximum excess shelter deductions and homeless shelter deductions are also greater. These reduce how much of your income is counted, thereby increasing your net income eligibility and possibly your benefit amount.
Who Will See the Increase—and Who Might Not
- Households already receiving the maximum benefit for their household size will see the full adjustment.
- If your income is near eligibility limits, or if your benefit is less than maximum due to net income after deductions, the increase may be smaller. Your individual increase depends on your income, expenses, and your household’s deductions (rent, utilities, medical, etc.).
- Households with elderly or disabled members often have additional medical/expense deductions, which can help them benefit more from the raise.
Starting October 1, 2025, CalFresh benefits in California will increase under the fiscal year 2026 COLA, raising monthly maximums, income eligibility thresholds, and deductions. These changes help households cope with rising food and living costs.
If you receive CalFresh, make sure your information is current, so you benefit fully. Mark your calendar for early October’s payment schedule and check your allotment to see your new benefit amount.
FAQs
When will the new CalFresh benefit rates actually show up in my account?
Rates will increase October 1, 2025, and beneficiaries receive their payments scheduled between October 1-10, depending on the last digit of their case number.
Do I need to apply or do anything to get the increased benefit?
No. The COLA increase is automatic for eligible households. You’ll receive the higher maximum if you qualify; just ensure your case is active and your income/household info is up to date.
What if my household doesn’t get the maximum allotment now?
Even if you’re not at the maximum, you may still see some increase, since deductions and income limits rise too. But the boost will be proportionally less than the maximum difference.
