CalFresh is a benefits assistance program that helps limited-income individuals and families buy the food they need in order to stay healthy. If you live in the County of El Dorado, California, and need help with CalFresh, we can help. In this post, we will review everything you need to know about CalFresh El Dorado County – including CalFresh eligibility, how to apply for benefits, How to renew your benefits, BenefitsCal login help, and DHS contact information.
Before we get into CalFresh eligibility guidelines, first, we will explain what CalFresh is about and who is eligible to apply.
Next, we will explain each of the eligibility guidelines in detail, including the income limit, which is the most important.
We will then walk you through the 3 ways you can apply for CalFresh in El Dorado County.
Also, we will walk you through how much you are likely to receive in CalFresh if you are approved.
Additionally, we will review the CalFresh renewal process in El Dorado and what you need to know to successfully complete SAR 7 or recertification.
Furthermore, we will explain the restaurant meals program in El Dorado County and how you can use your EBT card to buy food at restaurants and fast food places if you are eligible.
Lastly, we will provide DHS contact information, including the phone number and hours of operation.
Table of Contents:
Applying for CalFresh in the El Dorado County
- CalFresh In El Dorado County
- Who is Eligible for CalFresh?
- CalFresh Eligibility Guidelines
- CalFresh Income Limits – 2023
- How Much in CalFresh will I Get?
- How do I apply for CalFresh Benefits in El Dorado County?
Managing Your CalFresh Benefits
- El Dorado County CalFresh Login (BenefitsCal Account Login)
- How to Renew CalFresh in El Dorado County
- CalFresh El Dorado County Phone Number
- Restaurants that take CalFresh in El Dorado County
What is CalFresh?
The CalFresh Program is California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP and was formerly known as Food Stamps.
CalFresh assists low-income individuals and households to purchase nutritional food.
Eligibility for CalFresh, as well as the benefit amount, is based on your household’s size and income level.
A household can be one person, a group of people, a family, or any combination of people that buy and prepare food together.
Children living with their parents are considered part of the same household until age 22.
Furthermore, many legal non-citizens are eligible for CalFresh benefits.
Also, even if you can’t get CalFresh benefits for yourself, other members of your household may be eligible.
Once approved monthly benefits are provided on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works just like a bank debit card to buy food at most grocery stores and markets (including some Farmers Markets).
CalFresh El Dorado County
In El Dorado County, the CalFresh program is managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS).
In addition to CalFresh benefits, the DHS also handles CalWORKs, General Relief, and MediCal applications and benefits.
Furthermore, BenefitsCal is the website for El Dorado County Residents to apply for and to view their benefits online.
We will walk you through how to sign up for a BenefitsCal account or log in to your account if you already have done.
Who is Eligible for CalFresh?
Here are the categories of people who live in the state of California that are eligible for CalFresh:
- Any California household or individual (including homeless) with low or no income
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients
- CalWORKS or CAAP applicants can apply for CalFresh as part of their application process for those services
- Students of higher education who meet eligibility requirements
- Legal permanent residents and qualified immigrants
CalFresh Eligibility Guidelines for 2023
Here’s what you need to apply for CalFresh:
Proof of Identity
Applicants must provide proof of their identity to show that they are the person they claim to be.
Identity may be verified through a variety of documents, including but not limited to,
- Department of Motor Vehicles ID or driver’s license
- Work or school ID
- Voter registration card
- Birth certificate
Social Security Numbers
Individuals, including children, applying for CalFresh benefits, must either provide a Social Security number or proof they have applied for a Social Security Number.
Household members that are not eligible for CalFresh do not have to provide or apply for a Social Security Number.
Residency
The applicant must live in the state of California and must apply in their county of residence.
Persons without a permanent residence or a fixed mailing address can get CalFresh as long as they can prove residency in a county.
Work Rules
There are special rules for able-bodied adults without dependent children.
If you are an able-bodied adult without dependents and are between the ages of 18 and 50, here’s what you need to know:
You must register for work or be working at least 20 hours per week or an average of 80 hours per month to receive CalFresh benefits.
Citizenship Status
U. S. citizens and many non-citizens are eligible for CalFresh.
Furthermore, even if some members of the household are not eligible, those who are may be able to get CalFresh benefits.
Eligibility for Aged and Disabled Households
There are special rules for households with seniors and people who are disabled.
If you are age 60 or over, or you are receiving Social Security Disability or Medi-Cal due to a disability, or a full VA pension here’s what you need to know.
You may be eligible with income over the regular limits if you pay very high rent and utilities and/or have medical expenses over $35 per month.
However, this must be computed on a case-by-case basis.
Asset Limits
Your household assets must fall below certain limits.
Households without a member who is elderly or has a disability must have assets of $2,250 or less.
However, households with an elderly or has a disabled person must have assets of $3,500 or less.
Income and Deductions
To be eligible for CalFresh, your monthly gross income (before payroll deductions) must be the same or below the amount listed in the chart for your household size.
CalFresh counts most types of income to determine if a household is eligible.
Most households must have a total gross monthly income less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level, to be potentially eligible for CalFresh.
For CalFresh purposes, gross monthly income means a household’s total income before excluding allowable deductions.
Also, deductions are expenses that are subtracted from the household’s monthly gross income to arrive at the net monthly income.
CalFresh Income Limits – 2023
Most households must have a total gross monthly income less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level, to be potentially eligible for CalFresh.
If your household has a person who is 60 or older or disabled, only the net income
limit must be met.
| CalFresh Income Eligibility Standards for Fiscal Year 2023 | |||
| Effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023 | |||
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income (200% of FPL) | Monthly Gross Income (130% of FPL) | Monthly Net Income (100% of FPL) |
| 1 | $2,265 | $1,473 | $1,133 |
| 2 | $3,052 | $1,984 | $1,526 |
| 3 | $3,839 | $2,495 | $1,920 |
| 4 | $4,625 | $3,007 | $2,313 |
| 5 | $5,412 | $3,518 | $2,706 |
| 6 | $6,199 | $4,029 | $3,100 |
| 7 | $6,985 | $4,541 | $3,493 |
| 8 | $7,772 | $5,052 | $3,886 |
| Each Additional Household Member: Add | $787 | $512 | $394 |
CalFresh Income Deductions
Deductions are allowable expenses that can be subtracted from the household’s monthly gross income to arrive at the net monthly income.
The net monthly income is used to determine eligibility and the amount of CalFresh benefits that will be received monthly.
CalFresh deductions include:
- 20% deduction from Earned Income
- Standard deduction of $193 for households with 1 to 4 people and $225 for households with 5 people and $226 for households with 6 or more people.
- Dependent care deduction when needed for work, training, or education
- A deduction for elderly or disabled member’s medical expenses that exceed $35 a month (if not paid by insurance or someone else)
- Any legally owed child support payments can be deducted
- Homeless Household’s shelter costs deduction of $166.81.
- A deduction for excess shelter costs that exceed more than half of the household’s income (after the other deductions listed above & cannot exceed $624 unless a household member is elderly or disabled).
How Much in CalFresh will I Get?
If you are approved for food stamps in California, how much in benefits you get partly depends on the:
- Number of people in your household,
- Total amount of your household’s income, and
- U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Thrifty Food Plan.
The Thrifty Food Plan is a government estimate of how much it costs to provide a household with nutritious, low-cost meals.
The table below shows the maximum CalFresh benefits for households with zero income.
As your income increases, your CalFresh benefit amount goes down.
| CalFresh Maximum Benefit Amount by Household Size for Fiscal Year 2023 | |
| Effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023 | |
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit Allotment |
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,116 |
| 6 | $1,339 |
| 7 | $1,480 |
| 8 | $1,691 |
| Each Additional Household Member: Add | $211 |
How do I apply for CalFresh in El Dorado County?
There are three ways you can apply for CalFresh benefits:
Option 1 – Online
The easier and quickest way to apply for CalFresh in El Dorado County is online at BenefitsCal.com.
Option 2 – By Phone
You can call the El Dorado Department of Human Services (DHS) to apply by phone or have an application mailed to you.
Here is the number to call:
DHS Customer Service Center (CSC): Call (530) 642-7300 in Placerville or (530) 573-3200 in South Lake Tahoe.
Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm.
You can complete the paper application and return it to the DHS office for processing.
Option 3 – In Person
Lastly, you can apply In person at any of the Department of Human Services (DHS) offices.
To locate a Department of Human Services office near you, click here or see the list below.
After you submit an application, you will be contacted by an eligibility worker to complete the application process.
El Dorado County DHS office locations
Here’s the list of Dorado County DHS office locations that handle CalFresh applications and benefits.
Placerville Office
3057 Briw Road
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 642-7300
South Lake Tahoe Office
3368 Sandy Way
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 573-3200
BenefitsCal Login Help
If you live in El Dorado County, then you can use the BenefitsCal online portal to apply for and manage benefit assistance.
Follow the instructions below for help logging in BenefitsCal online account.
If you do not have an account, see our guide on how to create BenefitsCal Account.
Step 1 – Visit BenefitsCal Website
To start the login process for your BenefitsCal account, visit the BenefitsCal Account website at https://benefitscal.com/.
Once you are on the homepage you will need to locate the “Log In” button, which is usually located at the top of the site (see image below).
Click on the “Log In” button to proceed with the process.
Step 2 – Enter Email Address and Password
Next, you will be taken to a page where you will be required to enter your account email address and password, as shown below.
Once you enter the correct email address and password, click “Log In” to continue, as shown by the image below.
Step 3 – View your account
If you entered the correct email address and password, you will be automatically taken to your BenefitsCal account page, as shown below.
Once there, you can perform a variety of tasks, including applying for:
- Federal Emergency Rental Assistance
- Food Stamps/SNAP
- Cash Assistance
- Medicaid
- Discounts on Subway Fares
Step 4 – First Time Login
When you first log in to your BenefitsCal account, you will see the page below.
Accept the terms and conditions to proceed.
Step 5 – BenefitsCal Dashboard
After you have accepted the terms and conditions, you will be taken to the page below, which is your BenefitsCal dashboard.
Forgot Password?
If you forgot your password, click on the “Forgot Your Password” link as shown in the image below.
Next, you will be required to enter your email address to reset your password, as shown in the image below.
Once you have entered your email address, click “Next” to reset your password.
The video below does a great job of walking you through how to reset your password.
If you still need further assistance in resetting your BenefitCal password, we suggest you watch the video below.
How to Renew CalFresh in El Dorado County
In order to keep your CalFresh benefits in El Dorado County, there are four requirements you have to meet each year.
They are:
- CalFresh Work Rules
- Income Change Reporting
- Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7 form)
- Annual CalFresh Renewal and Recertification
El Dorado County CalFresh Renewal Timeline
The table below provides a simple overview of the CalFresh renewal process.
It includes SAR 7 renewal and annual recertification timeline.
As you will see below, the table shows the specific date each renewal process has to be completed based on the date of your initial application for CalFresh.
| Initial CalFresh Application | SAR-7 Timeline | Recertification Timeline | |||
| 1 | January | June | 5th | December | 5th |
| 2 | February | July | 5th | January | 5th |
| 3 | March | August | 5th | February | 5th |
| 4 | April | September | 5th | March | 5th |
| 5 | May | October | 5th | April | 5th |
| 6 | June | November | 5th | May | 5th |
| 7 | July | December | 5th | June | 5th |
| 8 | August | January | 5th | July | 5th |
| 9 | September | February | 5th | August | 5th |
| 10 | October | March | 5th | September | 5th |
| 11 | November | April | 5th | October | 5th |
| 12 | December | May | 5th | November | 5th |
El Dorado County CalFresh Renewal Process
You must turn in this recertification application and be interviewed before the end of your certification period to continue receiving CalFresh.
In many counties, you can complete this recertification application online.
We will first explain the recertification process, then we will explain how you can complete the process online.
CalFresh Recertification Process
Here are the steps you need to take to complete the CalFresh recertification process.
Step 1 – Complete the Recertification Application Form
Click here for the recertification application form.
Be sure to answer all questions on the recertification application.
Step 2 – Submit Your Recertification Application Form
Next, turn in the signed application to the County.
You can do so in person, by mail, by fax, or online. Here’s how:
In-Person
Apply in person at your County DHS office. Click here to locate DHS Office near you.
By Mail
You can mail the form to your County DHS office. Click here to locate an office near you.
By Fax
You can fax the completed, signed application form to your County DHS office. Click here to locate an office near you.
Online
You can complete the re-certification online using the BenefitsCal Portal.
Click here for help logging into your BenefitsCal account or see the instructions above.
If you do not have a BenefitsCal account, click here for help in creating one.
Step 3 – CDSS Acknowledgment and Interview Appointment
The County CalFresh office will send you an interview appointment letter to discuss your recertification application.
Most interviews are done by phone.
Step 4 – Attend Recertification Interview
The next step in the recertification process is to attend your interview on the appointed date.
During the interview, your caseworker will go over the information on the application and will ask questions to recertify you for CalFresh and determine your benefits.
Bring proof of changes in:
- Income
- Number of People in Your Household (People buying/eating together)
- Housing costs.
It is very important to keep your interview even if you do not have proof of the changes discussed above.
Step 5 – Recertification Application Decision
Next, your caseworker will make a decision regarding your recertification.
You will know by mail whether you will keep receiving CalFresh benefits, what your benefit amount will be, and if there are any other changes.
CalFresh El Dorado County Phone Number
Here’s how to contact the El Dorado County Department of Human Services (DHS) regarding your CalFresh benefits:
The Customer Service Center is a “single point of contact” currently providing services for the following aid programs:
- CalWORK
- CalFresh
- Medi-Cal
- General Relief
Phone numbers
To find out about the status of your case or application, or to ask any other question about your case, you can call:
DHS’s Call Center:
Call (530) 642-7300 in Placerville or (530) 573-3200 in South Lake Tahoe.
Frequently Asked Questions About CalFresh in El Dorado County
Here are the most frequently asked questions about CalFresh in El Dorado County.
If I am receiving SSI/SSP, can I also receive CalFresh benefits?
Starting June 1, 2019, the CalFresh food assistance program expanded to include eligible older adults and people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) benefits.
There are multiple ways to connect with DHS for new households to apply:
CALL: To apply by phone, call (530) 642-7300 in Placerville or (530) 573-3200 in South Lake Tahoe.
CLICK: BenefitsCal.com to apply online, or
IN PERSON: Locate your local county office at
https://www.edcgov.us/Government/HumanServices/Pages/human_services_main_info.aspx.
What if I am Elderly or have a Disability?
If you are 60 years old or over, or have a verified disability, you are not required to look for work while receiving CalFresh.
Additionally, you may also be eligible to claim high medical bills that health insurance doesn’t cover as part of your CalFresh application.
What can CalFresh benefits be used to purchase?
CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase:
- Foods for human consumption.
- Seeds and plants to grow food for household use.
Are there items I cannot purchase with CalFresh benefits?
Yes. CalFresh benefits cannot be used to purchase:
- Any non-food items, including pet food, soaps, paper products, household supplies, grooming items, and cosmetics.
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
- Vitamins and medicines.
- Any food that will be eaten in the store.
- Any food marketed to be heated in the store.
Can you purchase Energy Drinks with CalFresh?
Yes. You can also use your food stamp card to buy some energy drinks.
However, not all energy drinks are eligible under USDA rules regarding what can and cannot be purchased with SNAP.
As mentioned above, if the energy drink has a “Nutrition Facts” label, it is considered a food item by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Should Seniors Apply for California Food Stamps?
Yes. Here are the many reasons why all eligible seniors should apply for CalFresh:
- On average, senior households get more than $100 per month to buy healthy
food. - Using CalFresh benefits brings money to your community.
- You can still get CalFresh and benefit from other food programs such as Brown
Bag, Meals on Wheels or meals from senior centers. - You may own your home and car, have savings or retirement accounts, and still
be eligible for CalFresh benefits. - If you are an immigrant, CalFresh will not hurt your immigration status.
Receiving CalFresh does not take it away from someone else. - You do not have to pay any money back unless you are overpaid. Your savings
accounts, home, and other assets are safe. They will not be taken or reduced in
exchange for receiving CalFresh.
Also, even if you applied for CalFresh before and were denied, you should try again.
What Farmers Markets Accept CalFresh in El Dorado County?
Many Farmer’s Markets across El Dorado County allow users to use CalFresh.
Here are three reasons why it pays to use your CalFresh benefits at Farmers’ Market
- Produce may cost less at Farmers’ Market than at the grocery store!
- Farmers’ Market produce is grown locally and freshness is unbeatable!
- By using your CalFresh benefits at Farmers’ Market, you help support the local economy and small farms.
You can also get an extra $10 to spend on produce when you use your CalFresh EBT Card at select farmers’ markets under the Market Match program.
To find a Market Match farmers market near you, click here or see the information below:
South Lake Tahoe
Location
American Legion Hall Parking Lot
2732 South Lake Tahoe Blvd (Hwy 50),
South Lake Tahoe
Dates
June 7, 2022, to October 11, 2022
Time: Tuesdays 8 AM – 1 PM
Cameron Park
Location
Burke Junction at the corner of Coach Lane and Strolling Hill Rd.
Cameron Park
Dates
May 11, 2022, to October 12, 2022
Time: Wednesday 8 AM – 12 PM
Placerville Cinema
Location
Regal Cinema Parking Area
Placerville drive
Dates
May 7, 2022, to October 29, 2022
Time: Saturdays 8 AM – 12 PM
El Dorado Hills
Location
Town Center Blvd. closure
Town Center Blvd. at Latrobe Rd.
Dates
May 15, 2022, to October 30, 2022
Time: Sunday 8 AM – 1 PM
CalFresh El Dorado County Summary
We hope this post on CalFresh El Dorado County was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about CalFresh in El Dorado County or California EBT Card, please let us know in the comments section below.
Also, be sure to check out our other articles about California SNAP and EBT, including:
