No, you do not have to be on Public Assistance to receive CalFresh. Many recipients of CalFresh are employed, seniors, or disabled individuals who need assistance purchasing nutritious food.
If you qualify for CalFresh, you will receive benefits no later than 30 days from the date the county receives your application. If you have very little or no income and liquid resources, you may be eligible to receive Expedited Service CalFresh within 3 days.
A household of one can receive up to $204 per month in CalFresh benefits. Please see the CalFresh benefit table for more information.
Households can use CalFresh to buy;
Fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy products
Breads and cereals
Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat
Yes. Check our Eligibility page for more information.
Liquid resources such as cash, checking and savings accounts are not counted in the CalFresh program.
If you are disabled or age 60 or older, you may have others assist you with purchasing food with your CalFresh benefits and cooking when needed.
Also, if you are disabled, aged 60 or older, and/or homeless you can buy prepared meals under the Restaurant Meals Program.