The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California, continues to be a vital resource for millions of families facing food insecurity.
In April 2025, eligible households may receive up to $1,786 in benefits, depending on household size, income, and other factors.
This comprehensive guide explains current eligibility requirements, application processes, and recent program changes to help you determine if you qualify for this essential nutrition assistance.
What is CalFresh SNAP?
CalFresh is California’s implementation of the federal SNAP program, designed to supplement the food budget of low-income individuals and families.
Benefits are distributed monthly through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card and can be used at authorized retailers to purchase eligible food items.
April 2025 Benefit Levels
The maximum monthly benefit amounts for April 2025 vary based on household size:
- 1 person: $291
- 2 people: $535
- 3 people: $766
- 4 people: $973
- 5 people: $1,155
- 6 people: $1,386
- 7 people: $1,532
- 8 people: $1,751
- Each additional person: +$219
The maximum benefit of $1,786 mentioned applies to larger households with eight or more members.
Most households receive less than the maximum amount, as benefits are calculated based on net income and household composition.
Eligibility Requirements
Income Guidelines
To qualify for CalFresh, your household must meet certain income thresholds. As of April 2025, most households must have:
Gross monthly income (before deductions) at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Net monthly income (after allowable deductions) at or below 100% of FPL.
For a family of four in April 2025, this means a gross monthly income limit of approximately $4,802 and a net monthly income limit of around $2,401.
Households with elderly (age 60+) or disabled members may have different income requirements and may qualify for benefits even with higher income levels.
Resource Limits
Generally, households may have up to $4,250 in countable resources (such as cash or money in bank accounts) and still qualify for CalFresh.
Households with at least one member who is elderly or has a disability may have up to $5,750 in resources.
Certain resources are not counted, including:
- Home and lot
- Personal property
- Retirement accounts
- Most vehicles
- Life insurance policies
Work Requirements
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between ages 18-49 must meet work requirements to receive CalFresh benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period. These individuals must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week
- Participate in qualifying education and training activities
- Comply with a workfare program
Exemptions apply for certain individuals, including those:
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Caring for a child or incapacitated household member
- Pregnant
- Exempt from SNAP work requirements
Deductions and Benefit Calculation
Your CalFresh benefit amount is calculated based on your net income after applying allowable deductions:
- Standard deduction – A fixed amount based on household size
- Earned income deduction – 20% of gross earned income
- Dependent care deduction – Actual costs for care of a child or other dependent
- Medical expense deduction – Out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35 for elderly or disabled members
- Child support deduction – Legally obligated child support payments
- Shelter deduction – Housing costs that exceed 50% of adjusted income, up to a maximum limit
How to Apply for CalFresh
Application Methods
You can apply for CalFresh through multiple channels:
- Online: Visit GetCalFresh.org or the BenefitsCal portal
- Phone: Call your county’s social services office or the CalFresh Info Line at 1-877-847-3663
- In-person: Visit your local county social services office
- Mail: Download and print an application from the California Department of Social Services website
Required Documentation
When applying, you’ll need to provide:
- Identification for all household members
- Social Security numbers (if available)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit award letters)
- Proof of expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, childcare, medical expenses)
- Immigration status documentation (for non-citizens)
Application Timeline
Once you submit your application, you can expect:
- An interview within 10 days (by phone or in person)
- A decision within 30 days
- Benefits issued within 30 days of application if approved
- Expedited service (benefits within 3 days) for qualifying households with extremely low income and resources
Recent Program Changes
Several significant changes have affected the CalFresh program in recent years:
- Expanded eligibility for students: Temporary expansions during the pandemic have been partially maintained, allowing more college students to qualify if they meet certain criteria.
- Adjusted benefit calculations: The Thrifty Food Plan, which forms the basis for SNAP benefit calculations, was revised, resulting in modest increases to base benefit amounts.
- Streamlined application processes: Many counties have implemented simplified reporting requirements and extended certification periods to reduce paperwork burden on recipients.
- Integration with other benefits: Enhanced coordination between CalFresh and other assistance programs like Medi-Cal has created more streamlined access to multiple benefits.
Special Populations and Considerations
Elderly and Disabled Individuals
Special provisions exist for households with elderly (60+) or disabled members:
- Higher resource limits
- Uncapped medical expense deductions
- Exemption from gross income test in some cases
- Simplified application processes
College Students
Students enrolled at least half-time in higher education must meet additional criteria to be eligible:
- Work at least 20 hours per week
- Participate in federal or state work-study
- Care for a dependent child under age 6
- Receive certain types of public assistance
- Meet other specific exemptions
Immigrants
Many legal immigrants can qualify for CalFresh. Eligibility depends on:
- Immigration status
- Length of time in the U.S.
- Age
- Disability status
- Military connection
Undocumented immigrants cannot receive benefits themselves but may apply on behalf of eligible household members (such as U.S.-born children).
Using Your CalFresh Benefits
Eligible Food Items
CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
Prohibited Items
Benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Hot prepared foods (with some exceptions)
- Non-food items (pet food, cleaning supplies, hygiene products)
Where to Use Benefits
CalFresh benefits can be used at:
- Supermarkets and grocery stores
- Convenience stores
- Farmers’ markets (many offer matching programs)
- Some online retailers (including Amazon and Walmart in many areas)
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs
Maintaining Your Benefits
Once approved, you’ll need to:
- Complete periodic recertification (typically every 6-12 months)
- Report certain changes in your household circumstances
- Respond to any requests for information
- Use your benefits at least once every 9 months to keep your account active
Additional Food Assistance Resources
Beyond CalFresh, consider these additional resources:
- Food banks and pantries
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program
- School meal programs
- Meals on Wheels for seniors
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program
CalFresh SNAP benefits represent a critical support system for individuals and families facing food insecurity.
With maximum benefits of up to $1,786 for large households in April 2025, this program continues to play an essential role in helping Californians meet their nutritional needs.
By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and recent program changes outlined in this guide, you can determine whether you might qualify for this valuable assistance.
If you think you might be eligible, don’t hesitate to apply through one of the methods described above.
Remember that even if your household doesn’t qualify for the maximum benefit amount, any nutritional assistance can make a meaningful difference in your food security.