Apply for CalFresh

If you meet the requirements, you may qualify for Expedited Service and will receive your CalFresh benefits within three (3) days from the date of your application.​

Yes, CalFresh benefits cannot be used to purchase:

• Any non-food item such as pet food; soaps, paper products, and household supplies; and grooming items and cosmetics.
• Alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.
• Vitamins and medicines.
• Any food that will be eaten in the store.
• Any food marketed to be heated in the store.

Yes, but you may be required to participate in a work or training program.

Yes, you may be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits even if you work if you are low income. Income limits vary depending on the number of persons in your household and their ages.​

No, some noncitizens may be eligible to CalFresh, but even if you aren’t eligible to CalFresh, other members of your family may be eligible.

After all necessary information is provided and verified for eligibility, you should receive your CalFresh benefits within 30 days from the date of your application.​

Beginning June of 2019, individuals receiving or authorized to receive SSI/SSP are eligible for CalFresh, provided all other eligibility criteria are met.

Yes, you can complete a paper application and mail it to, or drop it off at, any TAD district office.  For an application in English, click here.  For an English application in large print, click here.  For an application in Spanish click here.  For a Spanish application in large print, click here.

CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase:

• Foods for human consumption.
• Seeds and plants to grow food for household use.

If you are 60 years old or over, or have a verified disability, you are not required to look for work. You may also be eligible to claim high medical bills that health insurance doesn’t cover.

The amount of CalFresh benefits you can receive is based on the number of people in your household, the total amount of your household’s income, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Thrifty Food Plan. The Thrifty Food Plan is a government estimate of how much it costs to provide a household with nutritious, low-cost meals.

The Department of Public Health provides a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program: 1-800-472-2321.

The statewide Restaurant Meals Program provides elderly, disabled and/or homeless households with the option to purchase prepared meals at authorized vendors using CalFresh benefits. To identify participating restaurants in your area, click here.