According to Marca , CalFresh Food, California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is designed to assist low-income residents in purchasing healthy food. Eligible participants can use CalFresh benefits at a variety of food outlets, including grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and some restaurants.
Eligibility for CalFresh is determined based on household size, income, and certain maintenance expenses. Once an application is submitted, the local county office reviews the case and evaluates the household’s circumstances. If immediate assistance is needed, applicants can apply for expedited services, which ensures that benefits are available within three days of the application submission.
How to Apply and Approval Process
To apply for CalFresh, applicants must submit their application and schedule a telephone or in-person interview with a county eligibility worker. During the interview, the worker may ask for additional documentation to verify income, citizenship, or other factors if they cannot be electronically confirmed.
After the interview, applicants will receive a Notice of Action (NOA) by mail within 30 days, informing them whether their application was approved. If approved, applicants will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in the mail or can arrange to pick up the card from a county office.
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Ongoing Eligibility and Reviews
Once enrolled, beneficiaries are required to update their household information every six months. This includes reporting any changes in income, rent, or other factors that may affect their eligibility. If the required updates are not submitted, benefits may be suspended.
Additionally, most households will have an annual interview with the county, either by phone or in person. Households with disabled individuals or those headed by seniors (over 60) may have interviews less frequently, at the county’s discretion.
The CalFresh program operates under strict federal quality control guidelines, ensuring that each household receives the correct benefits after a thorough review of their case.
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