CalFresh (SNAP) Emergency Resources
Resources for residents experiencing food insecurity during the federal government shutdown.
What You Need to Know
Full November CalFresh Benefits: On November 6, a federal judge ordered the federal government to pay full CalFresh (SNAP) benefits for November. The U.S. Department of Justice has since appealed the decision, which could further delay payments. The State of California reported[External] some people have started to receive their CalFresh benefits, but it may take more time before everyone gets their full amount. Payment depends on federal action.
How to Check Your CalFresh Balance: Balances can be checked 24 hours a day by calling 877-328-9677 or online through the EBT Cardholder portal.[External]
Why Benefits Were Delayed: The federal government shutdown paused the CalFresh benefits from being issued on November 1.
Who Loads Your Benefits: Only the State of California can issue or reload CalFresh (EBT) benefits. Counties cannot load or expedite payments.
Existing Funds Still Work: Any CalFresh funds already on your EBT card remain available for use.
Stay Current with Your Case: To avoid future interruptions, continue submitting required forms and recertifications (SAR 7) on time.
Other Benefit Programs: CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and WIC are not affected by the shutdown and continue operating normally in November.
Fake EBT App Warning
Beware of predatory apps targeting EBT cardholders.
California will never charge to use the official EBT app, ebtEDGE.
DO:
- Delete any unofficial EBT apps, including the third-party app, "EBT edge - food stamps."
- Only use the official app: FIS ebtEDGE (free, secure, verified).
DO NOT:
- Use or download any unofficial EBT apps or provide payment to access your EBT benefits.
Help Protect Your Benefits with the ebtEDGE app!
The ebtEDGE Mobile App is now available for download from the Apple App Store for iPhone or the Google Play Store for Android devices.
The current Cardholder Website (www.ebt.ca.gov) upgraded to the ebtEDGE Mobile Application and Web-enabled Cardholder Portal. This new portal gives California EBT Cardholders more control of their card(s) and introduces new security features. California EBT Cardholders are now able to download the ebtEDGE Mobile App from the Apple App Store for iPhone or the Google Play Store for Android devices.
The edbEdge app features enhanced security features such as:
1. Manage PIN: Ability to change EBT card PIN whenever and as often as needed.
2. Card Freeze/Unfreeze: Ability to lock or “Freeze” access to benefits on your EBT card and unlock or “Unfreeze” access to your EBT card, in real-time.
3. Transaction Blocking (Out-of-State or Internet Purchases): Ability to block transactions from occurring Out-of-State and/or Internet Purchases, and the EBT Cardholder can turn these features on and off using a computer or mobile device.
4. Request a Replacement Card: Ability to request a replacement card if the card is compromised, damaged, lost, or stolen.
5. Biometrics Access: EBT Cardholders are encouraged to use biometric access such as Touch ID or Facial Recognition enabled on your mobile device to securely log in.
CalFresh Benefit Replacement for Food Loss
Are you a CalFresh recipient experienced food loss due to a fire, flood, power outage lasting more than 4 hours or other disaster?
You can request a partial replacement of your CalFresh benefits if your food was lost due to a fire, flood or power outage lasting more than 4 hours.
For food loss resulting from fire, flood, disaster or a power outage lasting more than 4 hours you have 10 days from the date of the event to report the food loss and request CalFresh benefits replacement.
Call our Eligibility Worker or Call Center at (877) 410-8817 or come into one of our office locations.
How do I request replacement of my CalFresh Food benefits?
You need to complete, sign, and submit a form called “CF 303” to your local Public Assistance office. Include your contact information and a short description of how your food was lost. Include the date and time of the event that caused the food loss.
Apply at BenefitsCal.com
You can apply for CalFresh online for free by visiting BenefitsCal.com!
What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the CalFresh program that provides qualified applicants with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that may be used in participating grocery stores to supplement your food purchases. This new program is going to be replacing Food Stamps and continue to help those that need it. Eligibility for the program depends on residency, citizenship or immigration status, income, resources/assets, and other factors. The EBT card is used just like a debit card so it's discrete and no cash has to be moved.
For additional information about the program please come talk to a representative today for a quick chat about eligibility. Or, view the brochure Applying for CalFresh and visit the California Department of Social Services website at http://www.calfresh.ca.gov/
Application Process
Apply in person, online (BenefitsCal.com), mail, fax or phone. The minimum requirements to begin your application are your name, address and signature! A worker will contact you to discuss your situation, schedule an interview and ask for additional verifications such as income, identification and anything else needed to proceed with processing your application.
CalFresh Expedited Services
CalFresh Expedited Service means you can get your CalFresh in three days.
You are eligible to CalFresh Expedited Service if:
- Your household has less than $150.00 in monthly gross income and does not have assets (resources) over $100.00; or
- Your household’s total monthly income and resources are less than the monthly rent or mortgage, and utilities; or
- You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker and you do not have assets (resources) over $100.00.
CalFresh Urgent Service
You may be eligible to receive urgent CalFresh benefits within three days if:
- The combination of their gross monthly income and cash resources is less than their monthly rent or mortgage and utility costs;
- Your household has less than $150 in gross monthly income and cash resources of $100 or less; or
- You or someone in your household are migrant workers or seasonal farmworkers who are homeless, and your cash resources are $100 or less.
BenefitsCal is here!
BenefitsCal.com is a new simple way for customers to apply for, view, and renew benefits for health coverage, food and cash assistance.
BenefitsCal is the first statewide automated site built by and for the people of California. Together, we benefit.
BenefitsCal will make it easier than ever to:
- Apply online
- Renew your benefits
- Upload documents
- Report changes
- Connect with a caseworker
BenefitsCal supports applications for
- CalFresh
- Medi-Cal/County Medical Services Program (CMSP)
- CalWORKS
- General Aid/General Relief (GA/GR)
- Disaster CalFresh
- Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
Visit BenefitsCal.com today to apply.
PREVENT EBT FRAUD!
Prevent your benefits from being stolen: do not share your EBT card number or PIN. We will never contact you to ask you to provide your card or PIN numbers. Please report all fraudulent activity to Marin County Public Assistance.
PREVENT EBT CARD FRAUD!
Prevent your benefits from being stolen: Do not share your EBT card number or PIN code. We will never contact you to ask for your card number or PIN.
Stop EBT Fraud!
Prevent your benefits from being stolen: Do not share your EBT card number or PIN. We will never contact you to ask for your card number or PIN.
