Resources for Calfresh Recipients
The CalFresh Program — formerly known as Food Stamps and also known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — provides resources for people and families in need so they can shop for groceries using an EBT card (like a debit card). CalFresh is designed to help families buy a greater amount of healthy, nutritious food each month.
New Public Charge Rule Protects Access to Calfresh and Medical
Some families worry that using public benefits could hurt their chance of getting a green card. New legislation protects immigrant’s access to public programs that will not impact their citizenship status.
Contact Us For An Appointment
Apply to receive up to $251 a month per household member on an EBT card. Call 760-775-3663 or make an appointment online.
FIND Food Bank has a CalFresh Outreach & Case Management Program to help connect people and families who are food-insecure to additional resources for their household.
For more information or assistance with this process, please call 760-775-3663. We are always happy to help.
Do I qualify for CalFresh?
Most people qualify for CalFresh if their total gross income is less than the income limit for their household size. The chart below will help you determine if you are eligible to apply for CalFresh.
*Oct. 1, 2022 – Sept. 30, 2023, due to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment, monthly SNAP benefits increased by an average of $281 per person
Income Guidelines (Oct 1st, 2023-Sep 30th,2024):
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income | Net Monthly Income | Maximum CalFresh Allotment |
| 1 | $2,430 | $2,065 | $291 |
| 2 | $3,288 | $2,722 | $535 |
| 3 | $4,144 | $3,365 | $766 |
| 4 | $5,000 | $3,985 | $973 |
| 5 | $5,858 | $4,518 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $6,714 | $5,039 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $7,570 | $5,559 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $8,428 | $6,080 | $1,751 |
| Each additional member | +$858 | +$429 | +$219 |
Apply Yourself!
If you feel comfortable navigating the CalFresh application and submitting your documents on your own, fill out your own CalFresh application.
CalFresh Myths & Facts
If the temporary increase in monthly SNAP benefits ends after 2021, how will I budget for food?
The average benefit per person will drop by $82 per month which means planning meals within your budget is best. Take advantage of FIND Food Bank and our partner agencies, find food near you to help supplement your grocery budget. Apply for other benefits such as WIC and the Child Tax Credit. Contact us if you are unsure what you qualify for.
I have an income and make money, can I still get CalFresh Food benefits?
Yes, you can:
- Earn money from working, self-employment, or your own business.
- Get unemployment benefits.
- Get general assistance/relief.
- Get child support.
- Get disability benefits.
- Get Social Security benefits.
- Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/State Supplementary Payment (SSP) benefits.
- Have money in savings, retirement accounts, or education accounts.
*Check the income eligibility requirements in the chart above to see what benefits you qualify for.
If you are an older adult (over 60 years old) or person with a disability, tell your county social service worker. The table may not apply to you. You can earn more money and be eligible.
Can I still receive CalFresh Food Benefits if I am an immigrant?
A household can get CalFresh if at least one person (including children):
- Has U.S. citizenship
- Has a green card (for any length of time)
- Has refugee or asylum status
- Has, or is applying for, a U-Visa or T-Visa
- Is an applicant for VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) relief
- Is a Cuban or Haitian entrant
If you are not eligible because of your immigration status, you can always apply on behalf of other household members, like U.S. born children. Immigrant parents and immigrant children may qualify if they have or are applying for a valid Social Security Number.
Does CalFresh participation cost California taxpayers more money?
Actually, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds the CalFresh program. Every $1 in CalFresh benefits generates $1.79 in local economic activity.
Do you have to be on welfare to qualify for CalFresh?
No, you do not have to be on welfare to be able to utilize the CalFresh program. People who are employed but do not make enough to cover all living expenses can qualify for CalFresh (eligibility depends on the number in your household and monthly income).
If you live in the same home or pay rent together, do you need to apply for CalFresh together?
No, there can be multiple “CalFresh Households” under one roof. The most important thing that determines whether people can apply separately is if they buy and prepare food together.
Do you have to be a U.S. Citizen to be eligible for CalFresh?
No, in California, many non-citizen groups are eligible for CalFresh: Legal Permanent Residents, U-Visa holders, victims of trafficking, and other qualified immigrants. Only one person in the household needs to be a citizen or qualified immigrant to be eligible for CalFresh. Learn more about the SNAP Policy for Non-Citizens.
Will CalFresh affect an applicant’s public charge determination?
As of March 9, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer consider participation in Medi-Cal (except for long-term care), public housing, or CalFresh as part of the public charge determination.
If my household receives SSI (Supplemental Security Income) am I still eligible for CalFresh?
Yes, As of June 2019, people receiving SSI are now eligible for CalFresh benefits.
Do I qualify for CalFresh if I own a home or a car?
Yes, you can own a house and a car and still be eligible for CalFresh.
