California finally approved food stamps program for those receiving SSI CalFresh is a free nutrition assistance program that helps boost food budgets for low-income individuals and families. Food benefits for one person range between $15 to $192 per month. If you are 22 or older and live with your parents, but you buy and prepare more than half your food separate from your parents, you can still apply for just yourself to buy your own food. Your other benefits will not be impacted.
If approved, you will receive a debit card (Golden State Advantage Card/EBT Card) with a PIN # that you can use to purchase only food items at discount food chains, Costco, grocery stores or farmers markets that may accept the card. The usual benefit is about $130/month. You can apply easily on line at GetCalFresh.org or call 8002238383. You will then have a phone appt with an eligibility worker at a later date.
https://www.getcalfresh.org/en/ssi
Will my SSI payments change?
No, there will be no change in payments from the Social Security Administration.
How much will I get?
A county worker will determine your exact benefit amount by looking at your income and comparing it to your expenses. The more you can prove in expenses, like rent or medical expenses, the higher your benefit amount will be.
What if I live with other people already on CalFresh?
If you live and buy food with people who already get CalFresh, you can be added to the CalFresh household at the next reporting date. If you want to be added sooner, contact your county in June. Learn more about adding SSI recipients to CalFresh households.
How can I help someone else apply?
You can use GetCalFresh.org to help someone else apply, just answer the questions as if you were them. Helpers can also be given special permissions. If you are a community assister and plan to enroll multiple people as part of your job, learn about GetCalFresh for CBOs.
Where can I get a paper application?
Contact your county office through the CalFresh food information line at 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD) to find out how to apply on paper. The form is available here.
Where can I apply in person?
You can find your county office by entering your zip code at the CalFresh Food Office Locator Website. You can also call the CalFresh food information line: 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD).
In addition to SSI, I also get social security retirement benefits or SSDI (Social Security Disability), can I still apply?
Yes, if you get any amount of SSI you can now apply for CalFresh food benefits, even if you get other income from the Social Security Administration.