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What is CalFresh?
CalFresh is a program that helps qualifying low-income Californians pay for food each month. It’s part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps. This evolved from a larger federal program started by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 as one of the ways to help lift Americans out of the Great Depression.
In the past, food stamp recipients used glaringly obvious paper coupons printed in different colors than standard dollar bills, with the words “Food Coupon” printed in a large font at the top. Fortunately, food stamps programs have come a long way since then. With the introduction of the CalFresh program, buying groceries with food stamps is far more convenient and discreet at the checkout stand.
These days, CalFresh benefits are loaded onto Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Unless someone in line behind you knows what an EBT card looks like, they’re indistinguishable from any other payment card. And, because EBT cards are used like debit cards, people can also place grocery orders online.
How To Apply for CalFresh:
Contact your County Department of Social Services:
Apply Online or In Person:
The easiest way to apply for CalFresh is on BenefitsCal (https://benefitscal.com/), the online portal. Apply from a PC, mobile phone, or tablet. Here, you can fill out and submit your application, upload documents (proof of income, etc.), track the status of your application, and manage your account.
Click on “Create an Account” in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. Fill in your name, email address, County, etc., and set up a password. Click on “Next” to begin the application process. You can click on the “Apply for Benefits” link at the top of the page, then “Apply Now” to get started.
You’ll need to provide information about your income/assets, household size, California residency, and more. This list includes copies of your driver’s license or other form of identification, check stubs or other proof of income, bank statements, utility bills, documentation of your immigration status, etc.
Do you need help with your application? “Robin” is BenefitsCal’s virtual chatbot. BenefitsCal also has how-to videos, and some county offices have live chat support available during business hours. Otherwise, you can call or visit your local office.
If you have access to the internet and a scanner, you can scan and upload most, if not all, of your documents to BenefitsCal. You can also start the application process online and bring the documents to the Social Services office in person.
If you don’t have access to the internet or a way to upload your documents, you can apply completely in person at your local CalFresh office. You’ll need to bring as many original documents as possible.
After you submit your application, someone will contact you for an interview appointment. The response time varies by County. The application intake and approval process might take 30 days.
If you have an immediate need for food assistance:
Disaster CalFresh:
If you’re a victim of a fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural disaster, you might qualify for Disaster CalFresh. However, current CalFresh recipients don’t qualify for these additional benefits. Call 1-877-847-3663 for more information.
Additional programs you may qualify for if you have CalFresh:
Many California counties offer additional food assistance programs to help ease hunger in their communities—from newborns to seniors.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC):
Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children five years or younger may also qualify for WIC benefits.
Students:
Students still living at home might need to include their parents/guardians or family’s income on the application. However, students living on their own in dorms or other independent housing while attending school might qualify for benefits as their own household.
Farmers’ Markets:
You can use CalFresh at some local farmers’ markets.
How to Find a Participating Farmers’ Market:
CalFresh recipients can visit https://ecologycenter.org/fmfinder/ and enter a market name or an address, city, or zip code. This should bring up a list of farmers’ markets in your area, along with contact information and links to the website and directions.
Not all farmers’ markets accept EBT, so be sure to click on the “Market Match,” “EBT,” or “No Benefits” buttons to narrow down the choices.
Seniors Farmers’ Market Program:
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)_helps income-qualified seniors 60 years and older buy fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at local farmers’ markets.
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