CalFresh Basic Eligibility

 

Basic Eligibility Information

• Income and Household Information:
• • Who do you purchase and prepare food with? Use this number of people in your household to determine which row to use on the chart below.
  • Using this row, is your household under the gross monthly income limit? If you meet these requirements, go on to Question 2.

Determine Your CalFresh Allotment (Effective 10/1/18 - 9/30/19)
Number of People in Household	Gross Monthly Income	Max CalFresh Allotment*
1	$2,128	$204
2	$2,874	$374
3	$3,620	$535
4	$4,368	$680
5	$5,114	$807
Determine Your CalFresh Allotment (Effective 10/1/20 - 9/30/21)

Household = a person living alone or a group of people living together who purchase and prepare food together. *Minimum amount is $16/month.

• Citizenship:

• • Does your household include at least one US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR)?
    • If YES, go to Question 3.
    • If NO, you are most likely not eligible for CalFresh benefits
    • If unsure Click Here for Immediate Assistance
  • If you have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status, you are most likely not eligible for CalFresh benefits, even with a work VISA or SSN.
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations:

• • Do you receive Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)?
    • If YES, you are most likely not eligible for CalFresh benefits.
      • Please note: If you answered YES, but others in your household do NOT receive FDPIR, they may still be eligible for CalFresh benefits.
    • If NO, go to Question 4.
• Additional Meals:

• • Do you or does anyone in your household receive more than half (11 or more) of meals per week from another source?
    • If YES, you are most likely not eligible for CalFresh benefits
    • If NO, go to Question 5.
• Age:

• • Are you over the age of 49?
    • If YES skip to Question 7.
    • If NO, go to Question 6.
• Student Status:

• • Is anyone in your household a college student per CalFresh standards (enrolled at least half-time (typically 6+ units)?
    • If YES, visit the college student eligibility page for additional eligibility information.
    • If NO, go to Question 7.
• You may be eligible for CalFresh benefits.
• • Call 760-921-5500 or stop by the front desk in the John O. Crain College Services Building (Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) or in the Student Success Lab (during operational hours) and get support.

 

Additional Considerations:

• Is anyone in your household over 60 or disabled? If yes, make sure to add "medical deduction" on your application.
• Does anyone in your household have a child aged 0-5? If yes, you may also be eligible for WIC. Visit the WIC Locator Page or your local WIC office for more details.