CalFresh FAQs

CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps)

 

 


How can I apply for CalFresh benefits?                                                                                                                                              
There are a different ways to apply for benefits:

  • Call our toll free number at 1-800-540-6880 to apply by telephone
  • Complete an online application using www.benefitscalwin.org
  • Visit your local TulareWORKs office in person to complete an application

 


What can CalFresh benefits be used to purchase?

CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase:

  • Foods for human consumption
  • Seeds and plants to grow food for household use


Is there anything I can't purchase with CalFresh benefits?

CalFresh benefits cannot be used to purchase:

  • Any non-food item such as pet food, soaps, paper products, household supplies, grooming items or cosmetics
  • Alcoholic beverages or tobacco products
  • Vitamins and medicines
  • Any food that has been pre-cooked in the store
  • Any food marketed to be heated in the store


Who can receive CalFresh benefits?

Any individual or family may be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits, whether or not you work, if you have a low income.


What is the amount of CalFresh benefits I will receive?

The amount of CalFresh benefits a low-income person or family can receive is based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Thrifty Food Plan. The plan estimates how much it costs to provide a household with nutritious, low-cost meals. The estimates are revised every year to keep pace with changes in food prices. If your household meets the programs eligibility tests, the amount of CalFresh you receive will also depend on the number of people in your household and on the amount of monthly income left after certain deductions are subtracted. For most households, CalFresh are only part of their food budgets; they must spend some of their own cash along with their CalFresh in order to buy enough food for a month.  The chart below shows the maximum allotment that a household may receive in benefits:

Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Max. Allotment $200 $367 $526 $668 $793 $952 $1052 $1202 $1352

 

 

 

 

 


How soon can I get my CalFresh benefits after I apply?

If you qualify for CalFresh, you will get them no later than 30 days from the date the office received the application. If your household has little or no money and needs help right away, let the CalFresh office know, because you may be able to get CalFresh within 3 days.



What is the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP)?

CFAP is a state-funded CalFresh Program for legal permanent non-citizens residing in the U.S., and who are determined ineligible for Federal CalFresh benefits solely due to their immigration status.


If I am receiving SSI/SSP, can I also receive CalFresh benefits?

If you are receiving SSI/SSP, you cannot receive CalFresh benefits in California. However, your family may be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits.


What if I'm also applying for CalWORKs?

If you are applying for public assistance such as California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), you may apply for CalFresh benefits at the same time.


What happens after I apply?

After you have turned in your application, a worker will hold a private interview with you or another member of your household.
During the interview, the worker will explain the program rules and help you complete any parts of the application that you have not filled out. The worker will also ask you for proof of certain information you have provided. Ask the worker to explain anything you don't understand.


What if I can't get to the office for an interview?

Most interviews are held over the phone.



What are some of the basic eligibility rules?

Listed below are some of the basic eligibility rules and the kinds of proof you may need during your interview. Your case may be processed faster if you bring the proof with you to the interview.
If you have trouble finding the documents you need, the worker will help you. If the documents are not available, you may give the name of someone, such as your employer, who can confirm your statements.

1) Citizenship - U.S. citizens, legally permanent aliens, and certain other legal aliens may qualify. If members of your household are not U.S. citizens, you will have to provide proof of their alien status from the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Members whose citizenship is in question cannot qualify for CalFresh benefits until proof is obtained that they are U.S. citizens.

2) Social Security Number - You will have to provide a Social Security number for every household member, including children. If any household member does not have a Social Security number, he or she will have to apply for one. If you are otherwise eligible for CalFresh, you can receive them for a limited time while you are waiting for your Social Security number.
Work roles - With certain exceptions, able-bodied people between 16 and 60 years of age must register for work, accept an offer of suitable work, and participate in an employment and training program as required by the State.

3) Students - Many college students are not eligible to receive CalFresh. However, able-bodied students between the ages of 18 and 60 who are enrolled in college at least half time may be eligible if they:

  • Receive California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
  • Work at least 20 hours a week
  • Participate in an on-the-job training program
  • Participate in a Federal work-study program during the school year
  • Care for a dependent under the age of 6
  • Care for a dependent between the ages of 6 and 12 when adequate child care is not available
  • Study through a program under the Job Training Partnership Act


4)Persons on strike - Households with persons who are on strike because of a labor dispute are not eligible unless they were eligible the day before the strike and continue to be eligible at the time of application. Eligible households cannot receive a higher allotment because of a decrease in the income of the striking member.

5) Resources - Under CalFresh rules, some resources are counted and some are not. The worker will explain which are counted.
Some resources that will not be counted are:

  • Your home and surrounding lot
  • Household goods and personal belongings
  • Life insurance policies
  • Examples of resources that will be counted are:
  • Cash and money in checking and savings accounts
  • Stocks and bonds
  • Land and buildings, other than the home and lot, that do not produce income


6) Income - Under CalFresh rules, almost all types of income are counted. Only households with income at or below certain limits will qualify for CalFresh. You must provide proof of all household members. Examples of proof include latest pay stubs or a statement from your employer; benefits letters from Social Security, Veteran's Administration, unemployment compensation, or pensions.
Deductions - After adding all your household's countable income, the worker will subtract certain deductions. The total must fall below certain limits, depending on your household's size, for your household to be eligible for CalFresh. The following deductions are allowed for all households:

  • A standard deduction
  • A 20-percent deduction from the income you earn
  • A deduction for the actual cost of dependent care and a portion of high shelter expenses. There is a maximum on the amount of shelter expenses that may be deducted.
  • Households with members who are disabled or age 60 or older may qualify for a deduction for medical costs that are incurred by people who are disabled, or age 60 or older. These costs are deductible only if they are not covered by insurance, a government program, or some other source.
  • Households with elderly or disabled members can also deduct a portion of the high shelter costs without being subject to the limit that apples to other households.


How do I know if I qualified?

After your interview, the CalFresh office will send you a notice.
If you do not qualify for CalFresh, the notice will tell you why.
If you do qualify for CalFresh, the notice will explain how much CalFresh benefits you will get. It will also tell you how many months you can get benefits before you must reapply.
If the office finds that you are eligible, you will get your benefits no later than 30 days from the date you applied, unless you qualify for faster service. CalFresh benefits in this County will be mailed to the participant.


How do I use the CalFresh Benefits?

You can spend CalFresh benefits like cash at most stores that sell food, using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The cashier may require you to show
CalFresh I.D.

CalFresh benefits may only be used for food items, and for plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat.  Sales tax cannot be charged on eligible items purchased with CalFresh.

To speak with a county representative regarding the CalFresh program:

1-800-540-6880