The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in California, known as CalFresh, provides monthly benefits to low-income households to purchase healthy food. Benefits are issued via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, accepted at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers. CalFresh helps reduce food insecurity and ensures access to nutritious meals for Californians.
Use the CalFresh Eligibility Calculator on website to estimate your benefits, provided you meet California’s eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for California CalFresh Benefits
To qualify for CalFresh, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Income: Household income must align with federal poverty guidelines.
- Household Size: Determined by individuals who live and eat together.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal resident.
- Residency: Must reside in California.
- Work Requirements: Certain adults must meet work obligations unless exempt.
- Assets: Most households are not subject to asset limits, but specific rules apply for some.
Households with members aged 60+ or with disabilities may qualify under modified income and asset rules. Contact your local county human services office or the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) for precise details.
California CalFresh Income Guidelines (2025)
Eligibility is based on gross (pre-tax) and net (post-deduction) income. The 2025 income limits, aligned with federal poverty guidelines, are as follows:
Gross Income Limit (200% of Federal Poverty Level)
California uses a higher gross income threshold (200% of the federal poverty level) for most households:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,878 |
| 2 | $3,894 |
| 3 | $4,910 |
| 4 | $5,926 |
| 5 | $6,942 |
| 6 | $7,958 |
| 7 | $8,974 |
| 8 | $9,990 |
| Each Add’l | +$1,016 |
Gross Income Limit for Elderly/Disabled (165% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households where all members are 60+ or disabled have slightly different limits:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,375 |
| 2 | $3,210 |
| 3 | $4,045 |
| 4 | $4,880 |
| 5 | $5,715 |
| 6 | $6,550 |
| 7 | $7,385 |
| 8 | $8,220 |
| Each Add’l | +$835 |
Net Income Limit (100% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households exceeding gross income limits may qualify after deductions:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,439 |
| 2 | $1,946 |
| 3 | $2,453 |
| 4 | $2,960 |
| 5 | $3,467 |
| 6 | $3,974 |
| 7 | $4,481 |
| 8 | $4,988 |
| Each Add’l | +$507 |
Income Sources
Countable income includes:
- Earned: Wages, self-employment income.
- Unearned: Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, pensions.
Asset Rules for California CalFresh
Most CalFresh households are not subject to asset limits. However, households with elderly (60+) or disabled members who exceed the gross income threshold (165% of the federal poverty level) must meet an asset cap of $4,250. Countable assets include:
- Cash and bank accounts
- Secondary properties (excluding primary residence)
- Stocks, bonds, mutual funds
Non-Countable Assets:
- Primary home
- Household goods (e.g., furniture, appliances)
- Retirement accounts
- Most vehicles (California excludes all vehicles used for transportation)
Defining a CalFresh Household
A CalFresh household includes individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together, such as:
- Spouses
- Children under 22 living with parents
Individuals living together but buying and preparing food separately may qualify as separate households. Disabled seniors may form a separate household if their combined income with others is below 165% of the federal poverty level.
Work Rules for Able-Bodied Adults (ABAWDs)
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), aged 18–52, must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week, or
- Participate in an approved employment or training program (e.g., through California’s Employment Development Department).
Non-compliance limits benefits to 3 months within a 3-year period, unless the county has a waiver (many California counties are currently waived due to high unemployment).
Exemptions:
- Under 18 or over 52
- Pregnant
- Caring for a dependent child
- Physically or mentally unable to work
Deductions to Improve Eligibility
Deductions reduce countable income, increasing eligibility chances:
- Standard Deduction: $204 (1-3 people), $291 (6+)
- Earned Income: 20% deduction
- Dependent care expenses
- Court-ordered child support payments
- Medical expenses over $35/month (for elderly or disabled)
- Shelter costs (up to $672)
- Standard utility allowance (~$497, varies by household)
- Homeless deduction (up to $190.30)
California CalFresh Benefit Amounts (2025)
Maximum monthly allotments by household size:
| Household Size | Monthly CalFresh Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,157 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,755 |
| Each Add’l | +$220 |
Applying for CalFresh in California
Apply through the following methods:
- Online: GetCalFresh.org or BenefitsCal.com
- In-Person: Visit your local county human services office
- Mail: Download and mail the application from your county’s social services website
- Phone: Call your county’s CalFresh office or the statewide line at 1-877-847-3663
An interview (via phone or in-person) is required to complete the application process.
Post-Approval Process
- Receive a CalFresh EBT card.
- Use it to purchase eligible food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or online.
- Benefits are loaded monthly; check balances on receipts, the EBT Edge app, or BenefitsCal.com.
EBT Card Perks
- Amazon Prime: 50% discount for EBT cardholders.
- Museums for All: Free or reduced admission at participating museums.
- Online Shopping: Accepted at Amazon, Walmart, Safeway, and other retailers.
- Farmers’ Markets: Many offer Market Match, doubling EBT dollars for fresh produce.
Items Not Covered by CalFresh
CalFresh benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Hot prepared foods (except in some counties with approved Restaurant Meals Programs)
- Non-food items (e.g., pet food, cleaning supplies)
- Vitamins or medications
Key Information
- Income and benefit limits are updated annually.
- Use the GetCalFresh.org SNAP Calculator to estimate eligibility.
- Apply even if unsure—you may qualify, as California has more flexible rules.
- Emergency CalFresh benefits may be available within 3 days for urgent cases.
Resources
- California CalFresh Information
- GetCalFresh Application Portal
- USDA SNAP Eligibility
- Feeding America Food Bank Locator
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for CalFresh in California?
Apply online at GetCalFresh.org or BenefitsCal.com, in person at a county office, by mail, or call 1-877-847-3663.
What are the 2025 CalFresh income limits?
For a single-person household, the gross monthly income limit is $2,878 (200% FPL). Limits vary by household size.
How long does CalFresh approval take?
Approval takes up to 30 days, but expedited benefits may be issued within 3 days for emergencies.
Can I use my CalFresh EBT card online?
Yes, it’s accepted at retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Safeway for online grocery purchases.
Are there work requirements for CalFresh?
Adults aged 18–52 without dependents must work 20 hours per week or participate in training, unless exempt or in a waived county.
This guide is based on 2025 federal and California CDSS guidelines. Verify details with your local county human services office for accuracy.