Low-income families can apply for the variety of resources offered by the state of California.
One of these resources is tied to a cash assistance for the purchase of food called CalFresh.
Here we tell you what it is.
What is the CalFresh program?
The CalFresh program (formerly called Food Stamps) is a program that aims to improve the nutrition of low-income families.
The goal of the program is to increase their purchasing power so that they can buy enough food to meet their household needs.
What are the registration requirements for CalFresh?
- Your gross household income is less than $150 per month and cash on hand or in the bank is less than $100.
- Your combined gross monthly household income and available resources are less than your monthly rent or mortgage plus utilities.
- Receiving Supplemental Security Income/State Supplement Payment (SSI/SSP)
- Receive CalWORKS or General Relief benefits
- Your household includes a migrant or seasonal agricultural worker and you are homeless.
- You are a US citizen, legal resident or immigrant who meets certain criteria.
To avoid having to resort to credit cards or loans to cover an unexpected expense, these recommendations can help you build that savings base. Video by Jacqueline Mata. For more information, visit cnbc.com/espanol
How long does it take to be approved for a CalFresh benefit?
The person can be approved for benefits within 30 days of receiving the application. In urgent cases, the approval could be given in 3 days.
If you are eligible for CalFresh support, you will receive a debit card Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT).
You can use your EBT card to buy food at participating grocery stores, order groceries online for pickup or delivery at participating grocery stores and at participating farmers’ markets.
56% of Americans could not cover an unexpected expense of $1,000 with their savings account, according to a Bankrate survey. Here are three steps you can take today to build an emergency fund.
Is there a deadline for applying to CalFresh?
There is no application limit for benefits since the CalFresh program is available year-round.
Where can people apply for CalFresh?
People can apply for benefits in three ways:
- On lineby clicking here.
- By telephone, by calling the Customer Service Center (CSC) at (866) 613-3777. will assist you, Monday to Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- In person, in any constituency or extension site of the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). To locate one of the Los Angeles County offices, Click here.
- There are also organizations in Los Angeles County that can help people apply. For a list of them, Click here.