CalFresh
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?
Generally, to be eligible for CalFresh, you must be:
- a resident of California and
- a US citizen or qualified immigrant and
- have an annual household income below the income limit in the table below
Note if you are already receiving General Assistance (GA) or CalWORKS, then you are automatically eligible for CalFresh.
The above eligibility rules cover most people, but in certain cases you may still be eligible without meeting all the above rules. For example, some people aged 60+ will still qualify for CalFresh if their income is higher than the gross income limit listed below. Always check with the CalFresh program to determine final eligibility.
CalFresh Income Limits and Maximum Benefits for 10/1/2024 - 9/30/2025
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,510 | $292 |
| 2 | $3,408 | $536 |
| 3 | $4,304 | $768 |
| 4 | $5,200 | $975 |
| 5 | $6,098 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $6,994 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $7,890 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $8,788 | $1,756 |
| Each additional member | + $898 | + $220 |
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:
- 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