CalFresh (Nutrition Assistance)

CalFresh (Nutrition Assistance)

If you are finding it difficult to afford the nutritious food your family needs, CalFresh Program (formerly known as Food Stamps) may help you. CalFresh provides monthly benefits that help low-income individuals and households buy healthy and nutritious food. Households authorized to receive CalFresh will have their benefits added onto a plastic card called an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that can be used to buy food at most grocery and convenience stores or other authorized paces, as well as some farmers markets.

The amount of CalFresh benefits issued depends on household size, countable income, and certain living expenses such as housing and utilities. Households that have an immediate need for food may apply for Expedited Service. (Additionally, check out what the Emergency Food Pantries have to offer—see the link below.)

All U.S. citizens and children of Legal Permanent Residents may qualify to receive CalFresh benefits, regardless of where the parents were born. Parents may also qualify for benefits if they meet all other program guidelines. Individuals with no children also may qualify.

Applications may be submitted either in person, by mail, drop off, or fax at (559) 685-3545. You may also apply over the phone by calling our Call Center at 1-800-540-6680 or apply online at www.BenefitsCal.com.  If you do not have all the information to complete the application, you may submit an incomplete application with just your name, address, and signature and an Eligibility Worker can assist you in finishing the application.

 

Do you have any physical, mental, or emotional conditions that make it hard for you to apply for benefits or meet program requirements?  We can give extra help. We call this type of help a reasonable accommodation. The law protects people with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities as well as others with serious health problems (42 U.S.C. § 12132). For more information, contact your worker. You can reach the Civil Rights Coordinator at TCCivilRights@tularecounty.ca.gov or (559) 624-8078 as well as visit https://tchhsa.org/eng/human-services/civil-rights1/.

Related Documents & Links

CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program
CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) offers options for individuals who may have difficulty preparing meals for themselves or do not have a place to store and cook food. 

Apply for Benefits
Apply for Benefits
California Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
CalFresh Application Form
CalFresh Application Form
CalFresh Simplified Application for the Elderly
CalFresh Simplified Application for the Elderly
EBT Online Frequently Asked Questions
EBT Online Frequently Asked Questions

EBT online frequently asked questions.

EBT Pamphlet
EBT Pamphlet

Click here for a pamphlet about EBT.