CalFresh Eligibility: Can You Collect Benefits While on Unemployment in California?

According to Marca, CalFresh, California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides essential food benefits to families with low incomes who meet specific eligibility criteria. This program is designed to assist individuals and families in accessing the nutrition they need.

Who is Eligible for CalFresh?

CalFresh benefits are available to various groups, including:

• Individuals Living Alone: Those who buy and prepare their food separately are eligible.
• Roommates: Individuals living together who buy and prepare their meals together can qualify.
• Parents and Children: Parents living with children over 21, as well as those with younger children (married or single, with or without children), can apply.
• Adult Children: Adult children (aged 22 or over) living with their parents may have a separate household if they buy and prepare food independently.
• Single Women and Mothers: Women or mothers with children residing in a Battered Women’s Shelter can also apply.

How Quickly Can You Access Benefits?

Food benefits may be available within three business days after submitting an application, provided that you meet all CalFresh requirements and can provide identification.

Economic Requirements for CalFresh Eligibility

To qualify for CalFresh, applicants must meet specific economic criteria, including:

• Low Monthly Income: Earning less than $150 a month and having less than $100 available right now.
• Income and Expense Limitations: Having a combination of monthly income and available money that is less than your monthly rent and utility bills.
• Migrant or Seasonal Farmworkers: Migrant or seasonal farmworkers must have less than $100 available right now.

Impact of Job Loss on CalFresh Application

If you have recently lost your job, you can still apply for CalFresh benefits. The county will consider the final payments you received during the last 30 days to determine your initial benefit amount.

If you have some income, your ongoing benefits will be based on that income, rather than what you previously earned. It’s advisable to keep proof of any income received within the last 30 days.

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While it’s not mandatory to provide proof of job loss, submitting a letter or screenshot from your employer confirming the cessation of work can help expedite your application. Alternatively, you can write a letter detailing your last day of work, including your signature and the date of submission.

If you still have a job but your hours have been reduced or you are currently not being paid, indicate your employment status as “yes” in your application, and clarify that your current income is $0.

Can You Receive CalFresh and Unemployment Benefits Simultaneously?

Yes, you can receive both CalFresh support and unemployment benefits at the same time, provided that your unemployment income does not exceed the maximum limits set by CalFresh. When applying for CalFresh, the program can assist you in calculating whether your unemployment benefits will affect your eligibility.

Additionally, receiving CalFresh support does not impact your unemployment benefits. If you have a pending unemployment claim and have not received your first payment, you do not need to report this on your CalFresh application.

However, if you are currently receiving CalFresh and have started receiving unemployment benefits or if your unemployment amount has changed, it is essential to contact your county office to report this change and seek guidance on any necessary next steps.