Details
CalFresh is California’s name for federal food benefits — SNAP elsewhere. It is a state programme delivered by county welfare and human services departments, and the income test is more generous than most people assume.
The income limit: generally 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
Most households can earn up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and still qualify, under a rule called Modified Categorical Eligibility. Some households are held to a lower limit of 130% of the FPL.
The California Department of Social Services publishes the gross monthly income limits each federal fiscal year. For October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 they are:
- 1 person — $2,610
- 2 people — $3,526
- 3 people — $4,442
- 4 people — $5,360
- 5 people — $6,276
- 6 people — $7,192
- 7 people — $8,110
- 8 people — $9,026
Each additional person adds $918. These are gross monthly figures, before deductions.
Gross is not the whole test
Because certain expenses are deducted before the final determination, households above a headline figure sometimes still qualify. Being near the line is a reason to apply, not a reason not to.
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How to apply
Apply online at BenefitsCal, the state’s application portal. You can also download a paper application and submit it to your local County Welfare Department. Either route lands with your county, which processes the case, conducts the interview and issues benefits.
The CalFresh programme site holds the current eligibility rules.
Your county runs the case
Because counties administer CalFresh, your county’s office is where the interview is scheduled, documents are submitted, and problems are resolved — even though the rules are statewide. Contact details differ by county.
Recertification
CalFresh is not indefinite. Households must recertify periodically and report certain changes in between. Missing a recertification deadline is one of the most common reasons benefits stop for households that are still eligible.
Income limits are revised each federal fiscal year, in October. The figures above are for FFY 2026 — check the source for the current year.