Who is Eligible for CalFresh?
CalFresh helps millions of California individuals, families, couples, college students, Veterans, and immigrant families. You may be eligible for CalFresh if you are a California resident and meet some core requirements.
Citizenship
CalFresh does not affect immigration status.
A household may be eligible for CalFresh if at least one member is:
- A U.S. citizen
- A lawful permanent resident (LPR) or is applying for LPR renewal
Tip: Other types of immigrant statuses are eligible. Reach out to a County Eligibility Worker to learn more.
A household may be eligible for CalFresh if at least one member is:
- A U.S. citizen
- A lawful permanent resident (LPR) or is applying for LPR renewal
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.
Will using CalFresh affect the immigration status of anyone in my household?
- CalFresh does not affect immigration status or make you a public charge.
- CalFresh does not share information with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
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.
Will using CalFresh affect the immigration status of anyone in my household?
- CalFresh does not affect immigration status or make you a public charge.
- CalFresh does not share information with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
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 | $2,148 |
| 2 | $2,904 |
| 3 | $3,660 |
| 4 | $4,418 |
| 5 | $5,174 |
| 6 | $5,930 |
| 7 | $6,688 |
| 8 | $7,444 |
| Each Additional Member | +$748 |
CDSS Eligibility and Issuance Requirements
(Last updated September 2022)
College 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.