The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program is a crucial lifeline for low-income families in California.
It provides monthly financial assistance to help with essential living expenses. These payments ensure that families have the support they need to cover basic necessities like food, housing, and utilities.
If you rely on CalWORKs benefits, it’s important to know when your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card will be funded. Here’s the payment schedule for February 2025 and essential details about how the program works.
Benefits
Unlike some assistance programs that issue payments weekly, CalWORKs payments are distributed monthly. Funds are typically loaded onto recipients’ EBT cards between the 1st and 10th of each month.
If the 1st of the month falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are usually deposited on the last business day before that date. For February 2025, all payments will be made between February 1 and February 10, based on the last digit of your county case number.
Payment Schedule
| Last Digit of Case Number | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | February 1 |
| 2 | February 2 |
| 3 | February 3 |
| 4 | February 4 |
| 5 | February 5 |
| 6 | February 6 |
| 7 | February 7 |
| 8 | February 8 |
| 9 | February 9 |
| 0 | February 10 |
Payments
CalWORKs benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which functions like a debit card. You can use it at grocery stores that accept SNAP or food stamps, farmers markets, and ATMs displaying the Quest® symbol in California and all other U.S. states.
Additionally, retail locations with signs for EBT, SNAP, or Food Stamps also accept payments through this program.
One important note is that California EBT cards cannot be used in Puerto Rico at this time. If you’re unsure whether a store accepts EBT, look for a sign or ask the store manager before making a purchase.
Who Qualifies
To receive CalWORKs assistance, families must meet specific income and eligibility requirements. The household must have at least one child deprived of parental support due to absence, disability, or death of a parent. Families where both parents are present but unemployed may also qualify for benefits.
Additionally, relatives caring for a foster child may be eligible for assistance. The amount of aid a family receives depends on household income, the number of eligible members, and any special circumstances that may apply.
CalWORKs does more than just provide financial aid—it also offers supportive services that help families work toward financial independence. If you’re a recipient, be sure to check your case number and payment date to know when your benefits will arrive this February!
FAQs
When will I receive my CalWORKs payment in February 2025?
Payments are made between February 1 and February 10, based on your case number.
How do I check my CalWORKs balance?
You can check your balance online, at an ATM, or by calling the EBT customer service number.
Can I use my EBT card outside of California?
Yes, you can use it in all 50 states, but not in Puerto Rico.
What stores accept EBT payments?
Most grocery stores, farmers markets, and ATMs displaying the Quest® symbol accept EBT.
Do I need to apply every month for CalWORKs?
No, once approved, you receive payments monthly as long as you remain eligible.
