Your guide to food benefits.
Apply for food stamps (CalFresh) with advice from pros.
Official State of California CalFresh partner.
Apply nowOpens BenefitsCal.com, California's official benefits application. Learn about BenefitsCal.
Chat with usGet live help Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm PT.
Already started your application?
Upload requested documents
Missed interviews and other issues
Were you affected by fires, power shut offs, or other disasters?
If you already get CalFresh benefits, you can request replacement benefits for food you lost. If you don't already get CalFresh, learn more about Disaster CalFresh.
What if I need help now?
If you need food now, you can find your local food bank(opens in a new tab) .How does it work?
1. Apply
Apply on BenefitsCal.com(opens in a new tab) . Your county will call you within a week or two for an eligibility interview.
2. Get money for food
If approved, you will get an EBT card for groceries within 10 days.
3. Buy groceries
EBT cards work like a debit card. You can use them in most food stores and farmers' markets(opens in a new tab)What will I need?
Proof of identification.
Proof of any income.
Proof of immigration status.
for non-citizens
You'll need to submit proof within 30 days of applying. In addition to these required documents, there may be other optional documents that could increase your benefit amount.
Frequently asked questions.
Your county case worker will figure out if you qualify based on:
- Income: How much money your household makes from jobs or other sources (like Social Security, unemployment, SSI/SSDI). Learn more about the income limits.(opens in a new tab)
- Expenses: What you spend on rent, utilities, child support, etc.
- Household size: Who you live and make or buy food with.
Because eligibility is complex, we recommend you apply(opens in a new tab) .
You can view your case status on BenefitsCal.com(opens in a new tab) .
- First log in or create an account(opens in a new tab) .
- Select "Link a case" and follow the instructions on the screen. Wait for 3 hours or until the next business day.
- When your case is linked, select "View Case Details" to find your case status.
Its okay. Your county case worker may try to call you again in the next couple of days. You can also call your county(opens in a new tab) to reschedule your interview by leaving a voicemail.
Make sure you pick up all calls until you're finished applying. Calls from the county may come from a blocked, unknown, or "Spam Likely" number.