Income and household size determine whether you can receive CalFresh

CalFresh (California's name for the federal food stamp program) sets income limits based on your household size. Your household includes everyone who lives with you and buys and cooks food together — not just family members. If your gross monthly income falls below the limit for your household size, you may be able to receive benefits. California also looks at your net income (what remains after certain deductions), which is often lower than your gross income.

The income limits change every October when the federal government adjusts them. As of 2024, a single person can earn up to $1,550 per month gross income and still receive CalFresh. A family of three can earn up to $3,289 per month. These numbers shift annually, so you should check the current limits with your county office or through the CalFresh website before you assume you don't may have access to.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to receive CalFresh, but you must be a California resident and a legal permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or other may have access to immigrant status. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive CalFresh under federal law, though California has created a separate program called CalFresh for Immigrants that covers some undocumented adults age 55 and older.

Key Takeaways

  • Your gross monthly income must fall below your household's income limit, which changes every October and depends on how many people live with you.
  • Your household includes everyone who lives with you and shares food purchases and cooking, regardless of whether they are related to you.
  • You must be a California resident and either a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or other federally may have access to immigrant status.
  • Most people who work, receive unemployment, or get Social Security can still receive CalFresh if their income is low enough.
  • You can receive CalFresh even if you own a car, a home, or have some money in savings — California does not count these assets.

Work requirements and employment status

CalFresh does not require you to be unemployed. You can work part-time or full-time and still receive benefits if your income is low enough. Many people who work at minimum wage or part-time jobs receive CalFresh because their earnings fall below the income limit.

California does have work requirements for some people, but they are narrower than many states. Adults between 16 and 59 without dependents must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a work program to receive benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period. If you are caring for a child, pregnant, disabled, or over 60, you are exempt from this requirement. If you cannot meet the work requirement, you can ask for a waiver based on hardship.

If you receive unemployment insurance, Social Security, disability payments, or workers' compensation, that income counts toward your CalFresh income limit. The same is true for child support, alimony, or money from a roommate or family member who contributes to household expenses.

Asset limits and what California does not count

California removed its asset limit for CalFresh in 2022. This means you can own a car, have a house, or keep money in a savings account and still receive benefits — the program no longer counts these things against you. This is a major difference from many other states and from how CalFresh worked in California before 2022.

Because California has no asset limit, you do not need to spend down your savings or sell your car to become may be able to access. You only need to meet the income requirement and the other basic rules.

Special situations: Students, immigrants, and people in institutions

College and university students can receive CalFresh if they meet the income limit, but they must also work at least 20 hours per week, study at least half-time, and be under 60 years old. Some students are exempt — those who receive work-study, those caring for a dependent child, those with disabilities, and those in certain training programs. If you are a student and unsure whether you may have access to, ask your county office about the specific exemptions.

Immigrants who are not yet permanent residents may still receive CalFresh if they hold certain statuses: refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, certain abused spouses or children, and some other categories set by federal law. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive regular CalFresh but may receive CalFresh for Immigrants if they are 55 or older, blind, or disabled.

People living in institutions — nursing homes, correctional facilities, mental health facilities — cannot receive CalFresh. If you are about to leave an institution, you can apply for CalFresh before you leave, and benefits will start once you are out and living in the community.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be either a U.S. citizen or have a may have access to immigration status. U.S. citizens always may have access to on immigration grounds. Legal permanent residents (green card holders) may have access to. Refugees and asylees may have access to. Certain other statuses also may have access to, including victims of human trafficking, certain abused immigrants, and some others designated by federal law.

If you are not sure whether your immigration status qualifies, bring your immigration documents to your county CalFresh office. Staff can tell you whether you meet the immigration requirement. You do not need to have a Social Security number to receive CalFresh, though you will need to provide one if you have it.

How to find your county office and start the process

CalFresh is administered by your county, not by the state or federal government. Each county has its own office that handles applications and renewals. You can find your county office by visiting the California Department of Social Services website or by calling 1-877-847-3663, which is the statewide CalFresh hotline.

You can apply online through the CalFresh website, by mail, in person at your county office, or by phone. Online is usually the fastest route. You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number if you have one. The county will contact you if they need additional documents.

After you submit your application, the county has 30 days to make a decision. If you are in a crisis and need food right away, you can ask for expedited benefits, which the county must provide within 7 days if you meet the income limit.

What happens if your income changes

If your income increases after you start receiving CalFresh, you must report the change to your county office. Most counties allow you to report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you do not report an increase and the county discovers it during a review, you may have to repay benefits you were not supposed to receive.

If your income decreases — for example, you lose a job or your hours are cut — report that too. Your benefit amount may increase. CalFresh benefits are recalculated based on your current income, so changes in either direction affect what you receive.

Your benefits are reviewed every 12 months. Before your renewal date, the county will send you a notice telling you when to renew. You can renew online, by mail, or in person. If you do not renew by the deadline, your benefits will stop, though you can reapply at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get CalFresh if I own a home or a car?

Yes. California removed its asset limit in 2022, so owning a home, a car, or having money in savings does not disqualify you. Only your income matters for CalFresh may be able to access now.

What if I am undocumented?

You cannot receive regular CalFresh if you are undocumented. However, if you are 55 or older, blind, or disabled, you may be able to receive CalFresh for Immigrants. Contact your county office to learn whether you meet the requirements for this separate program.

Do I have to work to get CalFresh?

Not necessarily. You can be unemployed and receive CalFresh if your income is low enough. If you are a non-disabled adult between 16 and 59 without dependents, you must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in a work program to keep benefits beyond three months in a 36-month period. Caregivers, pregnant people, disabled people, and people over 60 are exempt.

What if I am a student?

Students can receive CalFresh if they work at least 20 hours per week, study at least half-time, are under 60, and meet the income limit. Some students are exempt from the work requirement, including those with disabilities, those caring for a dependent child, and those in certain training programs. Ask your county office whether an exemption applies to you.

How long does it take to get approved?

The county has 30 days to make a decision on your application. If you ask for expedited benefits because you are in a crisis, the county must decide within 7 days if you meet the income limit. You can apply online, by mail, in person, or by phone.