If you are a senior citizen in California and are considering applying for CalFresh (SNAP or food stamps), we can help. In this post, we are going to explain in detail all you need to know about food stamps for seniors in California, by answering the most frequently asked questions about CalFresh for Seniors.
SNAP is federally funded but managed and distributed by state departments. In California, the program is called CalFresh.
The CalFresh program is there to help ensure everyone can purchase the most basic of needs:
CalFresh used to be called Food Stamps. It is a nutrition program, funded by the USDA, with taxes you helped pay.
CalFresh is not the same as welfare.
Benefits come on a plastic card, like a debit card. It is private and easy to use at grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
For CalFresh eligibility purposes, you are considered a senior if you are 60 years or older.
Yes. Low-income seniors, families, and individuals, with or without children, may be eligible for CalFresh.
You can get CalFresh even if you get money from Social Security, retirement, a
job, unemployment, General Assistance or SSI benefits.
Yes. Here are the many reasons why all eligible seniors should apply for CalFresh:
Also, even if you applied for CalFresh before and were denied, you should try again.
New laws have been passed to make it easier for Seniors to get CalFresh.
Here are the most frequently asked questions about CalFresh for seniors:
No. By receiving CalFresh benefits, you are not taking benefits away from
another person.
That is because everyone who applies for CalFresh benefits and is determined to be eligible will get CalFresh benefits.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets aside funds for the CalFresh program.
When people who are eligible don’t participate in the program, millions of dollars go unused.
This is money that can help stimulate your local economy and help create jobs in your community.
Yes. Senior households can receive CalFresh and still get meals on wheels.
You can use CalFresh to purchase extra food in addition to your meals-on-wheels.
The amount of CalFresh Food benefits a household receives is based on household size, income, and monthly expenses, such as housing, utilities, and medical costs.
Benefits amounts range from $20 – $250 per month.
See the table below for how much you are likely to get in CalFresh based on your household size.
To calculate the exact amount you are likely to get based on your household income, see our post on California SNAP Calculator.
Yes. You can own or buy a home and have cars and still get CalFresh.
The CalFresh Program does not require seniors to sign away their home in order to get benefits.
According to CDSS guidelines, households in which all adult members are seniors may only have to recertify (renew) CalFresh benefits every 24 months.
In addition, county CalFresh offices must provide the option to waive the face-to-face interview if all household members are 60 or older, or have a disability.
You may want to ask for a telephone interview. Or a friend or family member can go for you.
The amount of CalFresh Food benefits a household receives is based on household size, income, and monthly expenses, such as housing, utilities, and medical costs.
Benefits amounts range from $20 – $250 per month.
See the table below for how much you are likely to get in CalFresh based on your household size.
To calculate the exact amount you are likely to get based on your household income, see our post on California SNAP Calculator.
Household Size | Maximum SNAP Allotment |
1 | $20 – $250 |
2 | $20 – $459 |
3 | $20 – $658 |
4 | $20 – $835 |
5 | $20 – $992 |
6 | $20 – $1,190 |
7 | $20 – $1,316 |
8 | $20 – $1,504 |
For each additional member over 8 | +$188 |
You can use your CalFresh benefits at most major grocery stores such as:
Target
Walgreen’s
Costco
Trader Joe’s
Bear Market
Walmart
Whole Foods
Also, you can use your CalFresh benefits to shop online for delivery or pickup, including on Amazon.
Additionally, you can even use CalFresh benefits at Farmer Markets! To find a farmers market near you that takes CalFresh, click here.
We hope this post on CalFresh for College Students FAQs was helpful.
If you have further questions about California SNAP or 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:
$3,000 Child Tax Credit from 2021 Stimulus
California P-EBT Extension
How much will I get in CalFresh
Does Costco Take EBT in California?
Extra Food Stamps for California
CalFresh for SSI/SSP Beneficiaries
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