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How CalFresh Can Help

CalFresh helps Californians with grocery money each month so you can go from feeling stressed to supported.

Fuel Your Future with CalFresh


You don’t have to be totally broke to apply for CalFresh. It’s one more smart way to help make ends meet when you’re between jobs or have a side job.

Don’t Miss Out on Food Benefits

Not sure if you qualify for CalFresh? Get answers to common questions.

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How old do you have to be to apply?

People over 18 can apply either for themselves or as a household. Even if you live with parents or roommates who are working, you may still be eligible.

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Can you qualify if you earn some income?

You can be unemployed long-term or short-term, or making a little money and still be eligible. In fact, many people on CalFresh work part-time in food service, ride sharing, dog walking, or similar jobs.

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Can you qualify if you own a home or a car?

Items like your house and car typically aren’t counted as income. The same goes for savings. CalFresh is designed to help you keep your savings for things like your mortgage or college tuition.

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Is there a limit to the number of people who get benefits?

There’s no limit to how many people or families get help. About 4.8 million Californians in 2.6 million households receive CalFresh Food benefits now, and there’s nearly 2 million more Californians who are eligible but haven’t yet signed up. So, everyone who qualifies will receive them.

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Do you have to pay back the benefits?

CalFresh Food benefits are not a loan so you don’t have to worry about paying them back.

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Is it hard to apply?

Applying is easy and only takes 10 minutes. You can start the process by visiting GetCalFresh.org to fill out an application. Within a week, you’ll get a call from the county for a short interview. If you’re approved, you'll

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How do I use the CalFresh card?

It works just like any other debit card. You can use it at most major grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and to order groceries online from your favorite places like Amazon.com. Plus, your dollars double to a certain value at many farmers markets.

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Get CalFresh

Get help buying more food when you need it most. Apply for CalFresh in just 10 minutes.

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SSI Benefits and CalFresh

Are you on SSI? Don’t miss out on food benefits. You may be eligible for CalFresh.

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Even More Info

Get complete information about all of CalFresh’s different programs and resources.

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Food Benefits for Immigrants

Are you an immigrant age 55 or older? You may soon be eligible for The California Food Assistance Program (CFAP).