Who can get SNAP in California

California's SNAP program (called CalFresh) has specific rules about who can receive benefits. You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to non-citizen, live in California, and have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Your household's income and resources must fall below the limits California sets each month.

Non-citizens can receive CalFresh if they are lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, or in certain other immigration categories. Undocumented immigrants cannot receive CalFresh, though their U.S.-born children can. If you are unsure about your immigration status and how it affects your situation, the county welfare office can discuss this confidentially.

You do not need to own a home or have a job to receive CalFresh. Students, seniors, people with disabilities, and unemployed adults can all receive benefits if they meet the income and resource rules. Some groups—like certain students and people in drug treatment programs—have additional restrictions, but most people who fall below the income limit can participate.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or may have access to non-citizen, live in California, and have a valid Social Security number or ITIN to receive CalFresh.
  • Your household's gross monthly income must be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line, and your resources cannot exceed $2,750 for most households or $4,250 if someone is age 60 or older.
  • California counts income from work, unemployment, Social Security, child support, and most other sources when determining whether you meet the income limit.
  • You must report changes in income, household size, or address to your county welfare office within 10 days to keep your benefits active.

Income limits and how California counts money

CalFresh uses gross monthly income to determine whether your household qualifies. Gross income means what you earn before taxes or deductions are taken out. For 2024, the gross income limit for a single person is $1,691 per month; for a family of three, it is $3,481 per month. These amounts change yearly, and your county welfare office has the current limits for your household size.

California counts income from employment, self-employment, unemployment benefits, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), veterans benefits, child support, and most other regular payments. It also counts income from rental property, interest, and dividends. Some income does not count—for example, the first $20 per month of unearned income and the first $65 per month of earned income are excluded, plus 50 percent of remaining earned income.

If your income is above the gross limit but you have high expenses like rent, utilities, or medical costs, you may still receive a small benefit. California allows deductions for housing costs, dependent care, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and other costs. Your county welfare office will calculate these deductions when you report your situation.

Resource limits and what counts as assets

CalFresh limits how much money and property your household can own. For most households, the resource limit is $2,750. If your household includes someone age 60 or older or someone who is blind or disabled, the limit is $4,250. Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles—though one vehicle per household does not count, and a home you live in does not count.

Some resources do not count toward the limit. Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs are excluded. Life insurance policies with a face value under $1,500 do not count. Household goods, personal items, and tools used for work are also excluded. If you own a vehicle worth more than $15,000, the amount over $15,000 counts as a resource.

You do not have to spend down your resources to zero to receive CalFresh. If you are just over the limit, you can still receive benefits in some cases. Report your actual resources to your county welfare office, and they will tell you whether you meet the requirement.

How to report your situation to the county

To begin the process, contact your county welfare office or go to the CalFresh website to find your local office. You will need to provide information about your household size, income, resources, immigration status, and living situation. You can report this information in person, by phone, by mail, or online through the county's system.

Bring documents that show your income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. Bring proof of residency in California, such as a utility bill or lease. Bring your Social Security card or ITIN documentation and proof of citizenship or may have access to non-citizen status. If you receive other benefits like SSI or unemployment, bring those award letters.

The county will review your information and send you a notice within 30 days. If you are found to meet the requirements, your CalFresh benefits will start within 30 days of your report date. If the county needs more information, they will contact you and give you time to provide it.

Changes you must report to keep benefits active

Once you receive CalFresh, you must report certain changes within 10 days. Report changes in income, such as a new job, a raise, or loss of employment. Report changes in household size, such as someone moving in or out. Report changes in your address or phone number. Report changes in expenses if you are receiving a benefit based on deductions for housing or medical costs.

You must also report if you move out of California or if your immigration status changes. If you receive other benefits like SSI or unemployment, report changes in those benefits to your county welfare office. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment, which the county may ask you to repay.

Your county welfare office will send you a notice each year asking you to confirm that your information is still correct. This is called recertification. You must respond by the important date or your benefits will stop. If your situation has not changed, you can recertify by phone, mail, or online in most cases.

Work requirements and exemptions

California requires most adults ages 16 to 59 without dependents to work or participate in a work program to receive CalFresh. This is called the able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) rule. However, many people are exempt from this requirement. You are exempt if you are age 60 or older, pregnant, caring for a child under age 6, disabled, or a parent or caretaker of a dependent child.

If you are subject to the work requirement, you must work at least 20 hours per week, participate in a work program, or do a combination of both. Work programs include job training, job search, or community service. Your county welfare office can tell you which programs are available in your area. If you do not meet the work requirement, your benefits will stop after three months.

Some counties have exemptions or deferrals for people in specific situations, such as those experiencing homelessness or those in areas with high unemployment. Ask your county welfare office whether you may be exempt or deferred from the work requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get CalFresh if I am homeless?

Yes. You do not need a permanent address to receive CalFresh. You can use a shelter address, a friend's address, a post office box, or a general delivery address. You will need to show proof that you live in California. Tell your county welfare office that you are homeless so they can connect you with additional resources.

What happens if I earn too much money to receive CalFresh?

If your gross income exceeds the limit, you will not receive CalFresh. However, if you have high expenses like rent or medical costs, you may still receive a small benefit. Report your actual situation to your county welfare office and ask them to calculate whether you meet the limit after deductions.

Can I receive CalFresh while I am in school?

Most full-time students ages 18 to 49 cannot receive CalFresh unless they work at least 20 hours per week, care for a dependent child, or are exempt for another reason. Part-time students and students age 50 or older can receive benefits if they meet the income and resource limits. Ask your county welfare office whether your student status affects your situation.

How long does CalFresh last?

CalFresh continues as long as you remain may be able to access and report changes to your county welfare office. Your benefits are recertified once per year. If your income or household situation changes, your benefits may increase, decrease, or stop. You can receive CalFresh for as long as you need it.

What if the county says I do not meet the requirements?

You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the county's decision. The county will send you a notice explaining why you were denied and how to request a hearing. You can ask for a hearing within 90 days of the notice. At the hearing, you can present documents and explain your situation to an independent hearing officer.