The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in California is set to release its benefits for low-income individuals and families in a new schedule.

CalFresh is distributed through an electronic benefits transfer or EBT card, which acts like a prepaid debit card that is automatically loaded each month with the amount of the recipient's benefit, according to a Go Banking Rates report.

The state of California distributes SNAP benefits on the first 10 days of the month, with the specific day being connected to the last number of the recipient's case number.

If the case number ends with 1, the recipient's EBT card will be loaded on March 1 with the amount of benefit. For those with a case number ending with 0, the benefit will be distributed on the 10th day of the month.

The amount of benefit that will be sent will depend on the size of the household that qualifies. The state of California has named its benefits card the Golden State Advantage EBT card.

In addition, people may qualify for expedited service if they are seasonal farmworkers and also have less than $100 on hand right now.

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CalFresh and Safeway

Safeway became the first grocery retailer in San Francisco to allow CalFresh recipients to purchase goods online for both pickup and delivery using SNAP benefits.

Safeway's program also removes minimum cart fees as well as the 25-cent charge for bags. The program is set to be introduced in the Bay Area before spreading to the rest of Northern California later this year, according to The San Francisco Standard report.

CalFresh recipients can choose an EBT debit card as their payment method on the Safeway website. In addition, they can keep track of eligible products and view their SNAP benefits online.

However, CalFresh recipients cannot purchase non-food products such as alcohol, and medicines. Hot prepared foods cannot be bought as well with the SNAP EBT card.

Wendy Gutshall, Safeway's government affairs director for Northern California, said that the new service is about creating easy access to the shopping experience for everyone.

Gutshall said that it is also about providing options to people, whether they choose to order through their e-commerce platforms or when shopping at their stores.

Safeway said there are some minor issues reported with the rollout of the use of the SNAP program. Customers are advised to contact its grocery delivery customer service department at (877) 505-4040 if they are experiencing technical difficulties.

California SNAP Benefits 2022 Guidelines

CalFresh provides aid to individuals and families with low incomes, particularly seniors, disabled people, and households with children.

In addition, people who are employed or unemployed, homeless individuals, students, SSI recipients, and immigrants can also be covered by the benefits.

People can apply online at GetCalFresh.org.

Most grocery stores, farmer markets, and retail food outlets accept CalFresh benefits, according to a CUESA fact sheet.

The benefits can also be used to purchase prepared meals through the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program for people who are 60 years of age or older, disabled, or homeless.

READ MORE: SNAP Benefits 2022 Schedule for California, Florida, Texas and More: When to Get Food Assistance Each Month 

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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