What is CalFresh?
The CalFresh Program (federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps) helps low-income households increase their food-buying power to meet their household’s nutritional needs.
CalFresh benefits are issued monthly through Electronic Benefit Transfer, also known as the EBT card.
Who is CalFresh for?
CalFresh is for people with low-income who meet federal income eligibility rules and want to add to their budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table.
Who is eligible for CalFresh?
- a resident of California
- a US citizen, or a permanent resident for five years (certain restrictions apply)
- a person with a qualified immigration status
- annual household income below the amounts in the table below (based on the household situation)
- a person who is 60+ or disabled may have a higher income and still qualify (see below for eligibility rules)
CalFresh Eligibility Rules for Elderly (60+) or Disabled Individuals
There is no gross income limit for individuals who are elderly (60+) or disabled. There is, however, a net income limit of 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Elderly or disabled individuals are also subject to resource limit of $3,750.
CalFresh Income and Benefit Chart for 10/1/2021 - 9/30/2022
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (200% of Poverty Level) | Net Monthly Income (100% of Poverty Level) | Maximum Monthly Benefit(Minimum $20) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,148 | $1,074 | $250 |
| 2 | $2,904 | $1,452 | $459 |
| 3 | $3,660 | $1,830 | $658 |
| 4 | $4,418 | $2,209 | $835 |
| 5 | $5,174 | $2,587 | $992 |
| 6 | $5,930 | $2,965 | $1,190 |
| 7 | $6,688 | $3,344 | $1,316 |
| 8 | $7,444 | $3,722 | $1,504 |
| Each additional member | + $758 | $379 | + $188 |
What can you purchase with CalFresh?
CalFresh can be used to buy any food or food product that is produced for human consumption. The exception to this is hot foods or lunch counter items prepared or heated in the store.
In addition, CalFresh benefits cannot be used to buy non-food items like soap, toilet paper, shampoo, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, vitamins or medicines, and pet food.
However, you can use your California EBT Card to purchase seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce food.
Where can you use your EBT card?
Retail stores - to find a store that accepts EBT card, visit: CA EBT Locator
CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program – If you are homeless, disabled or 60 years of age or older, you can use your CalFresh EBT card to purchase hot, prepared food at some restaurants.
To find restaurants that accept EBT cards:
Local Farmers’ Markets
When you use your CalFresh EBT card at a Market Match participating farmers’ market, you can double your money, up to $10 free per day.
You can also purchase groceries online for home delivery using EBT card at Amazon and Walmart. Safeway, Albertsons, and Vons also accept EBT payments online.
See EBT Online Flyer.
Discounts with your EBT card
- Discounted Amazon Prime memberships for customers who receive CalFresh or Medicaid benefits
- Discounted museum admission
- Free cell phones and service
How to apply for CalFresh?
Apply online:
- www.GetCalFresh.org
- http://www.mybenefitscalwin.org
- Apply by phone - call the CalFresh Information Line (877-847-3663), or
- Apply at your local county office
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance?
- You can check your EBT card balance and buying history on the CardHolder Portal, or
- Call: 877-328-9677
