Who Is Eligible for CalFresh?
CalFresh helps millions of California individuals, families, couples, college students, Veterans, and immigrants. You may be eligible for CalFresh if you are a California resident and meet some core requirements.
CalFresh Work and Community Engagement Requirements Have Changed
A quick check to see if your benefits are affected.
To keep receiving benefits, some people who didn’t have to follow CalFresh requirements may now need to.
You may be required to provide proof that you’re working, volunteering, enrolled in school, or participating in approved activities 80 hours per month (or an average of 20 hours per week) to keep receiving CalFresh benefits.
These New Requirements Apply To:
- Adults ages 18–64 without children
- Some people in a CalFresh household with a child age 14 or older
- Some Veterans
- Some people experiencing homelessness
- Some former foster youth
If these changes apply to you, CalFresh benefits may be limited to 3 months unless you meet the requirements or qualify for an exemption. Some people may still be exempt. Find out what applies to you with a quick eligibility screener.
Citizenship
Who Is Eligible for CalFresh?
A household may be eligible for CalFresh if at least one member is:
- A U.S. Citizen
- A U.S. National
- Cuban or Haitian Entrants
- A Green Card holder or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) or is applying for LPR renewal
-
Individuals from COFA (Compact of Free Association) nations. COFA countries include:
- the Republic of the Marshall Islands
- the Federated States of Micronesia
- the Republic of Palau
Note: Certain LPRs without five years of lawful residence in the U.S. must meet one additional condition to be potentially eligible for CalFresh. These conditions include but are not limited to being under 18 years old, being blind or disabled, or having a U.S. military connection.
Tip: Other types of immigrant statuses are eligible. Reach out to a County Eligibility Worker to learn more.
What if people in my household have a different citizen or immigration status?
If you’re eligible for CalFresh but another member of your household isn’t, you can still apply for benefits.
Are Refugees or Asylees eligible for CalFresh?
No. If you are a Refugee and Asylee, you are not eligible for CalFresh. You may become eligible for CalFresh if you adjust your immigration status to LPR/Green Card holder.
What are some resources for noncitizens who will be losing CalFresh eligibility?
If you need food now, you can find your local food bank.
Income
Your income limits are based on your household size.
- Your “household” is the number of people you buy and share food with.
- Certain expenses, like childcare, can be deducted to adjust your income.
- If you need help calculating your income, reach out to a CalFresh expert at a CalFresh Outreach Office.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,610 |
| 2 | $3,526 |
| 3 | $4,442 |
| 4 | $5,360 |
| 5 | $6,276 |
| 6 | $7,192 |
| 7 | $8,110 |
| 8 | $9,026 |
| Each Additional Member | +$918 |
CDSS Eligibility and Issuance Requirements
(Last updated September 2025)
Student Exemption
CalFresh is available for college students too. If you’re a student between the ages of 18 and 49, you may be eligible for the college exemption benefits to help pay for groceries.