CalFresh
Do you need help putting food on the table? You’re not alone. Our team at Feeding San Diego is here to help determine whether you qualify for nutrition assistance. If you do, our specialists make CalFresh enrollment as easy as possible.
What Is CalFresh?
CalFresh (nationally known as SNAP) is a public benefits food assistance program that provides qualifying households with an EBT debit card to buy groceries. EBT cards are reloaded automatically each month with CalFresh benefits. Participants can use the card to buy food at the grocery store, online, and at certain farmer’s markets. Navigate this map to find participating online stores.
The amount of benefits a household receives depends on its size, countable income, and monthly expenses, such as housing and utilities.
Do I Qualify for CalFresh Benefits?
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’re eligible to apply.
Do you need help putting food on the table? You’re not alone. Our team at Feeding San Diego is here to help determine whether you qualify for nutrition assistance. If you do, our specialists make CalFresh enrollment as easy as possible.
What Is CalFresh?
CalFresh (nationally known as SNAP) is a public benefits food assistance program that provides qualifying households with an EBT debit card to buy groceries. EBT cards are reloaded automatically each month with CalFresh benefits. Participants can use the card to buy food at the grocery store and certain farmer’s markets. The amount of benefits a household receives is dependent on the household size, countable income, and monthly expenses, such as housing and utilities.
Do I Qualify for CalFresh Benefits?
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’re eligible to apply.
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income | *Monthly CalFresh Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,510 | $23 – $292 |
| 2 | $3,408 | $23 – $536 |
| 3 | $4,304 | $23 – $768 |
| 4 | $5,200 | $23 – $975 |
| 5 | $6,098 | $23 – $1,158 |
| 6 | $6,994 | $23 – $1,390 |
| 7 | $7,890 | $23 – $1,536 |
| 8 | $8,788 | $23 – $1,756 |
| Each additional member | +$898 | + $220 |
*Your monthly CalFresh benefit will vary depending on your gross income, household size, and monthly expenses. Contact our team to learn more.
| Household Size |
Gross Monthly Income |
Maximum Monthly CalFresh Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,148 | $250 |
| 2 | $2,904 | $459 |
| 3 | $3,660 | $658 |
| 4 | $4,418 | $835 |
| 5 | $5,174 | $992 |
| 6 | $5,930 | $1,190 |
| 7 | $6,688 | $1,316 |
| 8 | $7,444 | $1,504 |
| Each additional member | +$758 | +$188 |
Do you have questions or issues with an existing case or pending application?
No problem! Call our CalFresh team at 858.863.6635 or e-mail calfreshteam@feedingsandiego.org.
CalFresh Flexibilities
- Verbal signatures will be accepted for applications, verifications, and Release of Information forms until September 30, 2022.
- Initial and recertification interviews, along with face-to-face interviews, are waived until September 30, 2022.
CalFresh Emergency Allotments (EA)
Due to Covid-19, every household should receive a minimum of $95 extra per month. Emergency Allotments are approved by the state on a month-by-month basis and automatically deposited on your EBT card. For July 2022 Emergency Allotments, the deposit will arrive on August 21, 2022. You can view a calendar of Emergency Allotment disbursements here.
CalFresh Interviews Are Back: What to Expect
Great news! Starting April 2nd, 2024, CalFresh interviews are back in place to help determine your eligibility for benefits. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:
Scheduling Your Interview:
- Once you submit your CalFresh application, the county will mail you a letter with the date and time of your phone interview with a caseworker.
During Your Interview:
- The caseworker will call you up to three times if you don’t answer the first time.
- The interview will be short and focus on clarifying your application details and any questions you might have.
- If they need any documents from you, the caseworker will let you know during the call and send a follow-up notice with details.
What Happens if I Miss My Interview?
Don’t worry if you miss the call! You can reschedule your interview by calling the ACCESS line at (833) 246-6948 or by contacting 2-1-1. It’s important to attend your interview, as missing it could lead to a denial of your CalFresh application.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth interview process and get on your way to receiving CalFresh benefits!
Myths About CalFresh
Fact: There can be multiple “CalFresh Households” under one roof. The most important thing that determines if people can apply separately is whether or not they buy and prepare food together.
Fact: You can own a house and a car and still be eligible for CalFresh.
Fact: You don’t need to have children to qualify for CalFresh.
Fact: As of June 2019, people receiving SSI are now eligible for CalFresh benefits.
Fact: In California, many non-citizen groups are eligible for CalFresh, including Legal Permanent Residents, U-Visa holders, victims of trafficking, and other qualified immigrants. At this time, undocumented people do not qualify for CalFresh. However, only one person in the household needs to be a citizen or qualified immigrant to be eligible for CalFresh. Find more information on CalFresh/SNAP eligibility for non-citizens.
Fact: 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. Learn more.
Fact: Many college students are eligible for CalFresh under special student eligibility criteria. For CalFresh defines a college student as someone aged 18 to 49 and is enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education. Most students qualify if they meet at least one of the following: approved for work-study, receive Cal Grant A or B, work at least 20 hours/week or more, have a $0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC), have a dependent, receive CalWorks, or are in certain employment/training programs. Learn more about college student eligibility.
