CalFresh FAQs
APPLYING
Do I have to go into the office to apply or to complete the interview? No. You can apply for and receive CalFresh benefits without ever going into the CalFresh office. You can apply online, complete your interview over the phone, and have your EBT card mailed to you.
Does it cost money to apply for CalFresh? No. Applying for CalFresh is free and does not require a credit check.
Will I have to get fingerprinted? If you are only applying for CalFresh you will not be fingerprinted. If you are applying for another program you may be fingerprinted.
How long will it take to know if I’ve been approved? In most cases, the county has 30 days after you turn in your application to determine if you will get CalFresh. During the 30 days, the county will interview you. The interview will be either over the phone or in person.
ELIGIBILITY
What if I own a car? You can own a car and still qualify for CalFresh.
What if I have a job? You can have a job and still qualify for CalFresh.
What if I own my home? You can own the home you live in and still qualify for CalFresh.
What if I am homeless? You can qualify for CalFresh even if you do not have a home, address, or place to cook. People without homes can often get benefits within three days.
What if no one in my household is a U.S. citizen?
You may still qualify if you or someone in your household has a Green Card, or is a lawful permanent resident (LPR). For additional information see the USDA Food and Nutrition Service policy on Non-Citizen Eligibility at
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligibility/citizen/non-citizen-policy.
Can I qualify if I do not have a family? Individuals can qualify for CalFresh. You do not have to have children to qualify.
Can I get CalFresh if I am in the military? If you meet the eligibility requirements you can qualify for CalFresh if you are in the military.
I live with roommates, but we buy separate groceries. Will we be a household of 1 or 2? For CalFresh purposes, a household is defined as an individual, couple, or family that purchases and prepares food together, meets certain income guidelines, and has U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency. If each roommate purchases and prepares food separately, each will be a household of one.
I am 21 and live with my parents; can I apply for CalFresh as my own household? People who must apply together include:
- A married couple who lives together
- Children under 22 living with their biological, adoptive, or stepparent(s)
- An unmarried couple living together with a common child
STUDENTS
Can I get CalFresh if I’m in college? You may be able to qualify, see the CalFresh homepage for more information. Even if you do not qualify, others in your household may.
I am approved for work study, but I do not have a work study job. Could I be eligible for CalFresh? Work study meets student eligibility if you are a college student between the ages of 18 and 49, enrolled half-time and you have approved (accepted or awarded) federal or state work study, anticipate working, and have not refused a work assignment.
Do I need to work 20 hours per week to meet student eligibility? Working and being paid for at least 20 hours per week is a student eligibility, but there are other exemptions students can meet in lieu of working: (any one of the following)
- having approved (awarded or accepted) federal or state work study
- received Cal Grant A or B (TANF) and met additional qualifications
- enrolled in a state funded program that increases employability
- enrolled in a program that increases employability for current and former foster youth
- exerting parental control over a dependent household member
- participating in CalFresh Employment and Training Program, or Job Opportunities and Basic Skills
- be a recipient of CalWORKs or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.
I am an out-of-state student, but I reside in California for the school year, can I be eligible for Calfresh? Out-of-state students may still be eligible for CalFresh if residing in California for the school year. The student would need to apply for CalFresh benefits in their county of residency.
What does NOT count as income?
Financial Aid Programs:
- Pell Grants, Cal Grants
- Federal/state college work study
- Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
- Stafford/Perkins loans
- Educational assistance such as deferred payment loans, private grants or scholarship, if earmarked for allowable educational expenses
Other money sources:
- Bills paid directly by parents (where the student never handles the money)
- Personal loans that need to be paid back
- CalFresh is not considered income and does not affect taxes or financial aid
What counts as income?
- Earned income (wages, self-employment)
- Unearned income, like money/allowances from others
- Stipends
- Foster Youth Benefits if student receives money directly
- Military/Veteran Families; some counted and others not counted as income
IMMIGRANTS
Will applying for or receiving CalFresh impact my family’s immigration status? No, applying for CalFresh will not impact you or your family’s immigration status.
SNAP Policy on Non-Citizen Eligibility
Changes to the Public Charge Rule: As of March 9, 2021, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that CalFresh is no longer considered part of the Public Charge Rule. For more information, refer to the materials provided by the California Health and Human Services Agency in both English and Spanish, along with guidance to additional links and legal aid resources at the links below.
Public Charge Fact Sheet (pdf)
SENIORS and DISABLED PEOPLE
Are the medical expenses of seniors and disabled people considered in determining eligibility? Yes, there are special rules and deductions for seniors (60 years or older) and disabled people. Visit the section on Seniors and Disabled Households for more information.
SSI RECIPIENTS
Can people who receive SSI/SSP receive CalFresh? As of June 1, 2019 people who receive Supplemental Security Income are eligible for CalFresh in California.
BENEFITS
How do I use my CalFresh benefits? CalFresh benefits are issued on an EBT card that works like a debit card. You can use it at most grocery stores, including online through Amazon and Walmart Groceries, and many farmers markets.
When will I receive my CalFresh benefits? In all California counties, except Los Angeles, benefits are issued on the day of the month as the last digit on the card. See here for more information.
If I get CalFresh am I taking benefits away from other people? Everyone who qualifies for CalFresh will get benefits. In California, there are about 4 million people who are eligible but not receiving CalFresh. For every $5 of CalFresh spent in a community, another $9 of local economic activity is generated. This helps support jobs and businesses in your community.
How much will I get each month? The amount of CalFresh you get depends on many things, including your household’s size, income, and costs. The average CalFresh household gets over $300 each month.
Will I have to pay back the benefits? You will not have to pay back any benefits you were eligible to receive. If there is a mistake and you receive more than you are eligible for, you will be responsible for paying that amount back.
I lost my EBT card. How do I get another one? Call 1-877-328-9677 to report your EBT card lost or stolen.
Will CalFresh affect my financial aid or taxes? CalFresh is not considered income and so it does not affect your financial aid or taxes.
MOVING
I just moved to another city in California. Who should I tell so that I keep getting CalFresh? If you moved to a city in the same county you lived in before, update your address with the CalFresh office right away. This will ensure you will still get important notices about your CalFresh. If you moved to a different county, contact the CalFresh office in your new county right away and request an Inter-County Transfer. The county can transfer your case and you should not have to reapply.