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 Madera, California, and need help with CalFresh, we can help. In this post, we will review everything you need to know about CalFresh Madera County – including CalFresh eligibility, how to apply for benefits, How to renew your benefits, BenefitsCal login help, and DSS 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 Madera 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 Madera County and what you need to know to successfully complete SAR 7 or recertification.
Furthermore, we will explain the restaurant meals program in Madera 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 DSS contact information, including the phone number and hours of operation.
Table of Contents:
Applying for CalFresh in the Madera County
- CalFresh In Madera 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 Madera County?
Managing Your CalFresh Benefits
- Madera County CalFresh Login (BenefitsCal Account Login)
- How to Renew CalFresh in Madera County
- CalFresh Madera County Phone Number
- Restaurants that take CalFresh in Madera 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 Madera County
In Madera County, the CalFresh program is managed by the Department of Social Services (DSS).
In addition to CalFresh benefits, the DSS also handles CalWORKs, General Relief, and MediCal applications and benefits.
Furthermore, BenefitsCal is the website for Madera 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 the 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 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 shelter costs deductions 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,
- The 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 Madera County?
There are three ways you can apply for CalFresh benefits:
Option 1 – Online
The easier and quickest way to apply for CalFresh in Madera County is online at BenefitsCal.com.
Option 2 – By Phone
You can call the Madera Department of Social Services (DSS) to apply by phone or have an application mailed to you.
Here is the number to call:
DSS Customer Service Center (CSC) 1-559-675-2300.
You can complete the paper application and return it to the DSS office for processing.
Option 3 – In Person
Lastly, you can apply In person at any of the Department of Social Services (DSS) offices.
To locate a Department of Social 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.
You may download an English or Spanish application, fill it out and return it to the address below.
Additionally, you can also request an application by calling 559-675-2300.
Once completed, the application can be mailed or faxed to:
Madera County Department of Social Services
PO BOX 569
Madera, CA 93639
Fax: 559-675-7690
Madera County DSS office locations
Here’s the list of Madera County DSS office locations that handle CalFresh applications and benefits.
Madera County Department of Social Services
1620 Sunrise Ave
Madera, CA 93638
Other DSS Offices:
Public Assistance/Welfare-to-Work
1620 Sunrise Ave
Madera, CA 93638
(559)675-2300
Adult Services
1610 Sunrise Ave
Madera, CA 93638
(559)662-2600
Child Welfare Services
1610 Sunrise Ave
Madera, CA 93638
(559)662-8300
Chowchilla Office
125 S. 2nd St
Chowchilla, CA 93610
(559)665-0205
Oakhurst Office
40325 Hwy 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559)683-6263
BenefitsCal Login Help
If you live in Madera 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 Madera County
In order to keep your CalFresh benefits in Madera 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
Madera 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 |
Madera 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 DSS office. Click here to locate DSS Office near you.
By Mail
You can mail the form to your County DSS office. Click here to locate an office near you.
By Fax
You can fax the completed, signed application form to your County DSS 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 Madera County Phone Number
Here’s how to contact the Madera County Department of Social Services (DSS) 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:
DSS’s Call Center:
1-559-675-2300.
Frequently Asked Questions About CalFresh in Madera County
Here are the most frequently asked questions about CalFresh in Madera 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 DSS for new households to apply:
CALL: 1-559-675-2300 to apply by phone,
CLICK: BenefitsCal.com to apply online, or
IN PERSON: Locate your local county office at https://www.maderacounty.com/government/social-services.
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.
What Farmers Markets Accept CalFresh in Madera County?
Many Farmer’s Markets across Madera 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.
Can I get CalFresh today?
If you need food to feed your family immediately. Contact a food bank.
Additionally, you may also be eligible for Expedited CalFresh Expedited processing of your CalFresh application and get benefits in 3 days.
An applicant may be eligible for expedited CalFresh application processing if:
- The household has less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in liquid resources (cash, savings, or checking); or
- The household’s combined monthly income and liquid resources on hand (cash, savings, or checking) are less than your household’s combined monthly rent and utilities; or
- You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker and have less than $100 on hand.
CalFresh Madera County Summary
We hope this post on CalFresh Madera County was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about CalFresh in Madera 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:
