Frequently Asked Questions About CalFresh

You may qualify for Expedited Services and receive your CalFresh benefits within three (3) days if you meet the requirements for Expedited Services.

Talk to a CalFresh Eligibility Worker.  Even if you are not eligible for Calfresh benefits, other members of your family may be eligible.  Parents who do not qualify themselves should apply for their children born in the United States.  If you do receive CalFresh benefits, it will not count against you when you apply to become a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.

CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase:

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

Yes. CalFresh benefits cannot be used to purchase:

• Any non-food items, including pet food, soaps, paper products, household supplies, grooming items, and cosmetics.
• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
• Vitamins and medicines.
• Any food that will be eaten in the store.
• Any food marketed to be heated in the store.

Yes, but you may be required to participate in a work or training program.

Yes, if your income does not exceed the eligibility requirements, you may receive CalFresh benefits even if you work.  Income eligibility limits vary depending on the number of persons in your household and their ages. 

You are not required to obtain employment or participate in a work or training program to qualify for CalFresh if your income does not exceed the eligibility requirements and you are either 60 years of age or older, or you qualify as disabled.  Be sure and tell the Eligibility Technician if you are responsible for paying high medical bills that are not covered by insurance because this information may be factored into determining your eligibility for CalFresh benefits.

The amount of Calfresh benefits you may be eligible to receive is based on the number of persons residing in your household, the total amount of your household's income, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Thrifty Food Plan.  The Thrifty Food Plan is an estimate of how much it costs to provide a household with nutritious, low-cost meals.

Starting June 1, 2019, the CalFresh food assistance program expanded to include eligible older adults and people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) benefits. 

There are multiple ways to connect with SSA for new households to apply:

• CALL: (800) 281-9799 to apply by phone,
• CLICK: MyBenefitsCalWIN.org or GetCalFresh.org to apply online, or
• COME IN: Locate your local county office at https://ssa.ocgov.com/page/find-office-location

There are various programs available that provide Cash assistance.

The EBT vendor provides a 24-hour, toll-free, Customer Service helpline. The helpline provides access to an ARU (Automated Response Unit) and access to a Customer Service Representative. Customers may call the helpline for the following:

• To obtain account balance(s)
• To report lost, stolen, or damaged cards
• To request a new card
• To change their Personal Identification Numbers (PIN)