California CalFresh (SNAP)
Last updated: October 15, 2026
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income California households buy groceries each month. In California, SNAP is known as CalFresh and is administered by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) through county offices. Benefits are delivered on the Golden State Advantage EBT card.
What is CalFresh?
CalFresh provides monthly food benefits loaded onto a Golden State Advantage EBT card, which works like a debit card at any store that accepts SNAP, and for approved online grocery orders. Benefits can be used for foods like fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, dairy, and bread and cereal. They cannot be used for tobacco, alcohol, vitamins, medicines, or non-food items.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on household size, income, and resources. Working families, older adults, people with disabilities, and others with limited income may qualify. Most adults ages 16 to 59 must follow SNAP work rules. Households where everyone is age 60 or older, or has a disability, may qualify under simplified rules.
California SNAP income limits and maximum benefits (Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027)
These are the SNAP figures in effect from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027, from USDA’s fiscal year 2027 cost-of-living adjustments and SNAP eligibility page. California uses broad-based categorical eligibility, so its gross income limit is higher than the federal 130%: 200% for most households, according to USDA’s June 2026 chart of BBCE states. You may qualify even if your income is close to these amounts; the state agency decides when you apply.
| Household size | Gross monthly income limit (200% of poverty) | Net monthly income limit (100% of poverty) | Maximum monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $3,607 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $4,554 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $5,500 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $6,447 | $3,224 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $7,394 | $3,697 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $8,340 | $4,170 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $9,287 | $4,644 | $1,841 |
| Each additional person (households of 9 to 17) | +$947 | +$474 | +$225 |
| 18 or more people | +$947 for each person over 8 | +$474 for each person over 8 | $3,887 |
Households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability do not have to meet the gross limit, but must meet the net limit (USDA). Net income is income after allowed deductions, such as 20% of earnings and a standard deduction ($217 for households of 1 to 3 in the 48 states and D.C.). The maximum benefit is for a household with no countable income; most households get less.
How we figured the gross limits: we take the HHS 2026 poverty guideline ($15,960 a year for one person), multiply by the percentage, divide by 12 and round up to the next dollar, the same rounding USDA uses for its own SNAP tables. California’s own published table may differ by a dollar or two. The net limits and maximum benefits are USDA’s published figures.
How to apply
You can apply for CalFresh in several ways. After applying, you will complete an interview and provide documents to verify income and household details.
Apply online
Create an account and apply at BenefitsCal.com, where you can also check your case and upload documents.
Apply by phone
Call 2-1-1 or your county office for help applying and to request free language assistance.
Apply by mail or in person
You can also submit an application by mail or at a local CDSS office.
Official source
This guide is based on information from the official program source: California CDSS — CalFresh. Income limits and benefit amounts can change; always confirm current figures with CDSS.
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