CalFresh (California SNAP)

CalFresh is California's food program, the state's name for SNAP. It puts monthly money on an EBT card that you use like a debit card at the grocery store. You apply through BenefitsCal, the state's official benefits site. You can also apply by phone at 1-877-847-3663, or in person at your county office. GetCalFresh.org used to take applications, but it stopped after June 30, 2025. It now sends you to BenefitsCal and offers free information and live help.

California uses a higher income line than many states. The gross monthly limit is about 200 percent of the federal poverty level. For the year that runs October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, that limit is $2,610 a month for one person, $3,526 for two, $4,442 for three, and $5,360 for four. Add $918 for each extra person. Meeting the income line does not mean you are approved. The county decides your case.

A household with little or no income gets the most. The maximum monthly benefit is $298 for one person, $546 for two, $785 for three, and $994 for four, up to $1,789 for eight. Add $218 for each extra person. Your actual amount depends on your income and your costs, so most households get somewhere below the maximum.

The county has 30 days to approve or deny your application. If you have very little income or cash on hand, you may qualify for expedited service and get benefits within 3 days. You will have an interview as part of the process. By default it is a phone call from a county worker, but you can ask for an in-person interview instead.

Approved benefits go on the Golden State Advantage EBT card, which works at approved stores in all 50 states. The EBT helpline is (877) 328-9677. People who get SSI or SSP can also get CalFresh, a change that started June 1, 2019. College students enrolled at least half-time can qualify if they meet an exemption, such as working an average of 20 hours a week, having work-study, caring for a child under 12, or getting CalWORKs.

After you are approved, you file a SAR 7 report about six months later to keep your benefits current. If you are 60 or older, have a disability, or are homeless, the Restaurant Meals Program lets you buy prepared meals at approved restaurants. It runs statewide in all 58 counties. If the county denies you or cuts your benefits, you have 90 days to ask for a state hearing, online, by mail, or by calling (800) 743-8525.