California Benefit

CalFresh

Also known as: California Food Stamps, SNAP (California)

CalFresh is California's version of SNAP, providing monthly food benefits to eligible low-income households via an EBT card.

At a Glance

  • Gross monthly income must be at or below 200% of theFederal Poverty Level (California uses Broad-...
  • Must be a California resident.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant.California extends benefits to some immigrant categ...
  • Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18-49must meet work requirements. California ...
  • + 1 more requirements below

Eligibility Requirements

Gross Income

Required

Gross monthly income must be at or below 200% of theFederal Poverty Level (California uses Broad-BasedCategorical Eligibility).

household_income_fpl ≤ 200 percent

California Residency

Required

Must be a California resident.

state_residency = CA

Citizenship/Immigration

Required

Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant.California extends benefits to some immigrant categoriesnot covered federally.

citizenship_status in [us_citizen, permanent_resident, refugee, asylee, trafficking_victim, cuban_haitian_entrant]

ABAWD Work Requirements

Required

Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18-49must meet work requirements. California has obtained waiversfor many counties.

age between 18 and 49

Exempt if any:

  • OR county_abawd_waiver = true
  • OR has_disability = true
  • OR has_dependent_child = true

Student Eligibility

College students must meet additional criteria unless exempt(working 20+ hrs/week, work-study, CalWORKs, etc.).

is_college_student = true

All of:

  • AND student_exemption_reason in

Ruleset effective: 2024-10-01

Quick Info

Agency
CDSS
Category
Food assistance
Last Verified
2026-01-13

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Visit the official application portal to get started.

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Official Sources

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