Frequently Asked Questions

• Nationally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps)
• Provides monthly financial assistance for food
• Millions of Californians use it to increase their food budgets and buy the food they need

Income requirements must meet the household size after all allowable deductions, such as childcare and medical expenses.

CDSS Eligibility and Issuance Requirements (Last updated September 2025)

• Many people who use CalFresh have a job or work multiple jobs.
• You can work part-time or full-time or be unemployed and still be eligible as long as you meet income requirements.

• Items you own like a house, car, and savings do NOT typically count as income.
• CalFresh helps you keep your savings for important things like your mortgage or college tuition.

• If you are eligible, you will expect to receive your benefits on an EBT card within 30 days.
• The CalFresh EBT card works just like a debit card at many stores you already visit.
• In store or online, select EBT Food, and enter your pin.

• Your benefit amount is based on household size, income, and expenses.
• “Household size” is the number of people you buy and share food with.

CDSS Eligibility and Issuance Requirements (Last updated September 2025)

CalFresh benefits auto-load to your EBT card each month.

• You can use CalFresh at many grocery and convenience stores such as Ralphs, Vons, Vallarta, and more.
• Order online for pickup or delivery with online retailers like Amazon and Instacart. CalFresh does not support delivery fees.
• Dollars double to a certain value at many farmers markets.

• Use CalFresh to buy food items such as meats, fruits, vegetables, packaged goods, and more.
• CalFresh cannot be used to buy hot or prepared food, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or things you can’t eat or drink.
• Find eligible stores with the CalFresh EBT Locator.

CalFresh will not affect any of your other benefits.

• Proof of Identity (like driver’s license, state ID card, student ID).
• Proof of income (like recent pay stubs or unemployment benefits)
• Proof of expenses (like medical costs or childcare)
• Proof of immigration status (for immigrants)

Step 1: Complete the application

• In person at a CalFresh office
• Online: benefitscal.com
• By Phone: 1-877-847-3663

Step 2: Submit documents within 30 days of applying

• Identification: state ID, driver’s license, etc.
• Income: pay stubs or a statement from your employer, etc.
• Immigration status (for immigrants): Lawful permanent resident (LPR) card or other immigration documents like an I-94, etc.

Step 3: Wait for an Interview

• Look out for a phone call from a CalFresh worker in 1–2 weeks to confirm the details of your application.
• The call may come from an unfamiliar number, or it may be marked as potential spam

Step 4: Benefits arrive within 30 days

• The state must process applications within 30 days.
• If there aren’t any issues or questions with your application, you can expect to have your CalFresh card within the month.