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 Los Angeles County and need help with CalFresh, we can help. In this post, we will review everything you need to know about CalFresh Los Angeles – including CalFresh eligibility, how to apply for benefits, How to renew your benefits, BenefitsCal login help, and DPSS 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 criteria.
We will then walk you through the 3 ways you can apply for CalFresh in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County and what you need to know to successfully complete SAR 7 or recertification.
Furthermore, we will explain the restaurant meals program in LA 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 DPSS contact information, including the phone number and hours of operation.
Table of Contents:
Applying for CalFresh in Los Angeles County
- CalFresh In Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
Managing Your CalFresh Benefits
- Los Angeles CalFresh Login (BenefitsCal Account Login)
- How to Renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County
- CalFresh Los Angeles Phone Number
- Restaurants that take CalFresh in LA County
What is CalFresh?
The CalFresh Program is California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP and 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 Los Angeles County
In Los Angeles County, the CalFresh program is managed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS).
In addition to CalFresh benefits, the DPSS also handles CalWORKs, General Relief, and MediCal applications and benefits.
Furthermore, BenefitsCal is the website for Los Angeles 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.
| California SNAP (CalFresh) Income Eligibility Standards for Fiscal Year 2023 | ||
| Effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023 | ||
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income (200% of FPL) | Monthly Net Income (100% of FPL) |
| 1 | $2,266 | $1,133 |
| 2 | $3,052 | $1,526 |
| 3 | $3,839 | $1,920 |
| 4 | $4,625 | $2,313 |
| 5 | $5,412 | $2,706 |
| 6 | $6,199 | $3,100 |
| 7 | $6,985 | $3,493 |
| 8 | $7,772 | $3,886 |
| Each Additional Household Member: Add | $787 | $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,
- A standard deduction of $193 for households with 1-4 members,
- A standard deduction of $225 for a household with 5 members,
- Standard deduction of $258 for a household with 6 or more members,
- Cost of childcare when needed to work, seek work or attend training for work,
- Medical expenses exceeding $35 for elderly or disabled household members,
- Court-ordered child support payments paid to non-household members, and
- A portion of shelter (rent or mortgage) and utility costs
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.
The table below shows you the maximum amount of benefits you may receive if you are approved, based on the number of people in your household.
| CalFresh Maximum SNAP Benefit Amount by Household Size | |
| 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: | $211 |
How do I apply for CalFresh in Los Angeles County?
There are three ways you can apply for CalFresh benefits in Los Angeles County:
Option 1 – Online
The easier and quickest way to apply for CalFresh in Los Angeles County is online through the BenefitCal portal at www.benefitscal.com.
Another way to apply online is through www.getcalfresh.org.
Option 2 – By Phone
You can call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) to apply by phone or have an application mailed to you.
Here is the number to call:
DPSS Customer Service Center (CSC) (866) 613-3777.
You can complete the paper application and return it to the DPSS office for processing.
Option 3 – In Person
Lastly, you can apply In person at any Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) District Office or outreach site.
To locate a DPSS office near you, click here.
After you submit an application, you will be contacted by an eligibility worker to complete the application process.
BenefitsCal Login Help
If you live in Inyo 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 Los Angeles County
In order to keep your CalFresh benefits in Los Angeles 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
Los Angeles 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 |
Los Angeles 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 CDSS office. Click here to locate a Los Angeles CalFresh Office near you.
By Mail
You can mail the form to your County CDSS office. Click here to locate a Los Angeles CalFresh Office near you.
By Fax
You can fax the completed, signed application form to your County CDSS office. Click here to locate a California Food Stamps 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 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 the 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 Los Angeles Phone Number
Here’s how to contact the DPSS regarding your Los Angeles County CalFresh benefits:
The Customer Service Center (CSC) is a “single point of contact” currently providing services to 33 District Offices for the following aid programs:
- CalWORK
- CalFresh
- Medi-Cal
- General Relief
Phone numbers
Toll-Free (866) 613-3777
Local Numbers
(310) 258-7400
(626) 569-1399
(818) 701-8200
Hours of Operation — excluding holidays:
Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. — 7:30 p.m.
Saturday from 8:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Restaurants that take CalFresh in LA County
If you currently live in Los Angeles County and receive CalFresh benefits we have great news!
Your CalFresh EBT Card or Golden State Advantage card can be used at select restaurants and fast food places if you meet the eligibility criteria.
This is part of the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program.
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows CalFresh recipients who are 60 years of age or older, disabled, or homeless to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase lower-cost prepared meals at approved participating restaurants in certain counties.
Currently, the restaurant meals program is active in the following counties:
- Alameda
- Fresno
- Los Angeles
- Mariposa
- Monterey
- Orange
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Clara
- San Francisco
- Santa Cruz
- Siskiyou
- Tehama
How to use your EBT Card at Restaurants in Los Angeles
Using your EBT Card to purchase hot meals at restaurants and fast food locations is easy.
Here’s what you do:
- Find a participating restaurant or fast-food chain near you. Eligible locations will display the Restaurant Meals sign (pictured below).
- Purchase hot meals – breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the restaurant by using your California EBT Card at checkout.
- Follow the instructions and enter your 4-digit EBT Card PIN to complete your purchase.
- Get your receipt to see the remaining balance on your EBT Card CalFresh benefits account.
List of Restaurants that Accept EBT in Los Angeles
Currently, there are over 1,200 restaurants that accept EBT Cards in Los Angeles, California.
For a list of these restaurants and to find one near you, see our full article on Restaurants that take CalFresh EBT in Los Angeles.
CalFresh Los Angeles Summary
We hope this post on CalFresh Los Angeles was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about CalFresh in Los Angeles County or California EBT Card, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles about CalFresh and CalFresh EBT, including:
