Veterans can buy more groceries with CalFresh

Join the California Veterans who receive CalFresh every month.

CalFresh is a California food benefits program that helps Veterans expand their grocery budget so they can buy more fresh and healthy foods. Whether it’s eggs, fresh veggies, or fruit, CalFresh helps Veterans and their families bring more food to the table.

More Money for More Healthy Food

Use CalFresh at most grocery and convenience stores, farmers markets, and even online.*

Works With Other Benefits

Even if you receive benefits like the GI Bill, Unemployment, and Social Security, you may be eligible.

Easy to Use

The CalFresh EBT card works like a debit card, and you don’t have to pay it back.

*At participating locations. CalFresh cannot be used to pay for delivery fees at this time. For more information, go to: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ebt-online

Eligibility

Veterans may be eligible even if they receive other benefits

How is CalFresh eligibility determined?

The main qualification is:

Income:
Income limits are based on your household size.
Household size:
Your “household” is the number of people you buy and share food with.
Example: If you live with two roommates, but you buy food and cook for only yourself, your household size is one. If you split the cost of groceries and share meals together, your household size is three.
Talk to an expert:
If you need help calculating your income, reach out to a CalFresh expert at a CalFresh Outreach Office, or see the gross income chart on the general eligibility page.

You Could Still Be Eligible …

Even if you are receiving other benefits (including VA, GI Bill, Disability, Unemployment, Social Security)
Regardless of marital or family status
Even if you earn some income
Even if you own a home or car

Tips for Applying

3 Tips to Keep in Mind When Applying

1

If eligible, your CalFresh benefits will arrive within 30 days after you apply.
2

If your VA disability rating or compensation amount is pending, you can still complete the application.
3

If you are at least 60 years old or have a disability, you are not subject to the gross income test when determining CalFresh eligibility. However, all households must still meet the net income test of 100% of the Federal Poverty Level for the household size.

If eligible, your CalFresh benefits will arrive within 30 days after you apply.

If your VA disability rating or compensation amount is pending, you can still complete the application.

If you are at least 60 years old or have a disability, you are not subject to the gross income test when determining CalFresh eligibility. However, all households must still meet the net income test of 100% of the Federal Poverty Level for the household size.