CalFresh
Do you need help buying groceries? You’re not alone. Our team at Feeding San Diego can help determine whether you qualify for CalFresh, also known as SNAP benefits. If you do, our specialists make enrollment as easy as possible. Schedule a call with one of our team members today to get support with your CalFresh application.
**Calfresh, formerly known as food stamps, is not currently a public charge and will not affect your or your family’s immigration status. For more information or questions, please schedule an appointment with our Calfresh team or contact us directly at 858-863-6635.**
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.
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. For example, if you live in a two-person household with a gross monthly income of less than $3,408, you likely qualify for CalFresh benefits.
The chart at the end of the page 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.
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.
If you already applied on your own and missed your phone interview, you can reschedule by calling the ACCESS line at (833) 246-6948 or by contacting 2-1-1.
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.
If you already applied on your own and missed your phone interview, you can reschedule by calling the ACCESS line at (833) 246-6948 or by contacting 2-1-1.
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.
If you’re experiencing hunger, CalFresh may be able to help. See if you’re eligible today.
If your family receives Calfresh, you may be eligible for these programs:
| 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 |
