CalFresh (Food Stamps) The CalFresh program, formerly known as Food Stamps, helps people who have little or no income buy nutritious groceries. CalFresh benefits are not cash. They come on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that you can use like a bank debit card to buy food at most grocery stores.
Eligibility
Family Size
Monthly Gross Income Limit
Family Size
Monthly Gross Income Limit
1
$1,180
5
$2,836
2
$1,594
6
$3,249
3
$2,008
7
$3,663
4
$2,422
8
$4,077
Each extra person
+$414
These figures are current as of October 2011
When you apply, you will be asked for information about your residency, citizenship, identity, Social Security Number, income, and property.
To get CalFresh benefits, your income must be under certain limits (see chart above). As of February 1, 2011, there is no longer a property limit for households applying only for CalFresh. For those applying for CalFresh and CalWORKs, the property limit is $2,000 per family or $3,000 per family if a member is over age 60 or has disabilities. The home you live in, and all cars and retirement accounts, are not counted as property when determining eligibility.
Finger Imaging No Longer required for CalFresh applicants. After December 31, 2011, fingerprint imaging for CalFresh will no longer be required. The new legislation, known as AB6, will bring California in line with 47 other states by removing the fingerprint imaging requirement for CalFresh applicants seeking food assistance. Fingerprint imaging is still required for the CalWORKs program.
How to Apply There are many ways to apply for CalFresh:
1) Fill out an online application for CalFresh at Benefits CalWIN
If you are without money for food today, you may qualify for expedited benefits, so please apply in person. For more information about emergency CalFresh benefits, click here.
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