In today’s post, we’re going to walk you through MyBenefits CalWIN Login process. The MyBenefits CalWIN online portal (www.mybenefitscalwin.org) is the website used by about 18 counties in California to manage Food Stamps (CalFresh), Medical Assistance (MediCAL), and cash assistance (CALWORKs).
If you’re new to MyBenefits CalWIN, this article will provide you with everything you need to successfully log in to your MyBenefits CalWIN account.
However, if you do not currently have an account, see our post on how to create a MyBenefits CalWIN account.
This MyBenefits CalWIN Login Guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to log in, links to the MyBenefits CalWIN online portal, and troubleshooting tips if you have issues.
To find out how to log in to your MyBenefits CalWIN online account, keep reading below.
ALERT: Starting in 2023, MyBenefits CalWIN will soon be replaced by BenefitsCal. Learn more about what you need to do by clicking here: New BenefitsCal Website Explained.
California Counties Authorized to use MyBenefits CalWIN Online Portal
Not all counties in California use the MyBenefits CalWIN online portal to apply for benefits.
If you live in one of the following California counties listed below, then you CAN use the MyBenefits CalWIN online portal to apply for and manage benefit assistance.
| Counties that use the MyBenefits CalWIN Online Portal |
| Alameda |
| Fresno |
| San Francisco |
| San Luis Obispo |
| Sonoma |
Benefits of C4Yourself Online Account
MyBenefits CalWIN is an online application system that allows you to apply for benefits in the California counties listed above.
There are several benefits to signing up for a MyBenefits CalWIN account. You can use the MyBenefits CalWIN account to:
- View details on your existing benefits
- Start or continue an existing application
- Check the status of an application you have already submitted
- Schedule an appointment for a new application
- Upload verification documents
- Renew your benefits or complete recertification
- See your Caseworker details
- Review your benefits information
- Update your account profile
- See details on the Semi-Annual or Quarterly reports you are required to submit
Benefits you can access through the MyBenefits CalWIN portal include:
- CalFresh (Food and Nutrition Assistance)
- CalWORKs (Cash Assistance)
- MediCal (Medical assistance)
MyBenefits CalWIN Login Help
Follow the instructions below for help logging in MyBenefits CalWIN online account.
Step 1 – Visit MyBenefits CalWIN Account Website
To start the login process for your MyBenefits CalWIN, visit the MyBenefits CalWIN website at www.mybenefitscalwin.org.
Once you are on the homepage you will need to locate the “Sign In” button, which is usually at the top part of the site (see image below).
Click on the “Sign In” button to proceed with the process, as shown below.
Step 2 – Enter username
Next, you will be taken to a page where you will be required to enter your account username, as shown below.
You will have to enter a valid username in order to proceed to the password page.
Once you enter the correct username, click “Next” to continue, as shown by the image below.
Step 3 – Enter username
If you entered the correct username, you will be taken to the password page, with the sign-in image/picture you selected showing.
Make sure the picture is the one you picked.
Once you enter your password, click the “Sign In” button as shown below.
Step 4 – View your account
If you entered the correct password, you will be automatically taken to your MyBenefits CalWIN account page.
Once there, you can perform a variety of tasks as listed above, including:
- See if you are eligible for benefits
- Apply for Benefits
- View or Continue an Application
- Learn about Affordable Health Insurance
Forgot Username and Password
If you do not remember your login credentials, follow the instructions below:
Forgot Username
If you do not remember your username, click on the “Forgot Username?” link, as shown below.
Next, You will then be taken to a page where you have to provide your email address to retrieve your username.
Enter your email address in the space provided, then click “Submit”. You will receive an email with instructions about your username.
Forgot Password
If you forgot your password, click on the “Forgot Password” link as shown in the image below.
This link will only be revealed once you have successfully entered your username at the login page.
Next, you will be taken to the page below where you will have to answer one of the secret questions you selected when you signed up for your MyBenefits CalWIN account.
Provide the answer to the question in the space provided and click “Submit” for further instructions on how to retrieve your password.
MyBenefits CalWIN Video
We strongly suggest that you watch the video below, which does an excellent job of explaining in detail how to navigate the MyBenefits CalWIN website.
It explains the various task you can perform once logged in, including how you can check your eligibility for benefits and the status of your application.
CalFresh Food Stamps FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked CalFresh Food Stamps questions.
Where do I go to apply for CalFresh benefits?
There are 3 ways you can apply for food stamps in California.
Option 1 – Apply online
You can apply online through the California getcalfresh.org account.
If you have an account, you can log in or create your getcalfresh.org account. Click here to be taken to the website.
Option 2 – Apply at CDSS Office Near You
You can apply in person at the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) office near you. Click here to locate a CDSS office.
Option 3 – Download California Food Stamps Application
You can download an application, complete it, and mail it to your county CDSS office or submit it in person.
How much money can you have and still get CalFresh?
Currently, households may have $2,250 in countable resources (such as cash or money in a bank account).
In addition, if at least one member of the household is age 60 or older, or is disabled, or if you get Medi-Cal, the countable resources limit is $3,500.
However, not all resources are counted when determining eligibility for CalFresh. The following resources are not counted:
- A home and lot;
- Resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
- Resources of people who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF; also known as welfare); and
- Most retirement and pension plans (withdrawals from these accounts may count as either income or resources depending on how often they occur).
Furthermore, some applicants for CalFresh may be able to get expedited benefits.
This means that they may get approved faster for their CalFresh.
You may qualify for Expedited CalFresh if:
- You have less than $100 in accessible resources or $150 in gross monthly income;
- Your combined monthly gross income and accessible resources are less than your monthly utility and rent/mortgage; or
- You are a destitute migrant/seasonal farm worker whose accessible resources are less than $100.
How long will it take for my application for CalFresh benefits to be approved?
It takes up to 30 calendar days following the date your application was filed to get notice of a decision.
Your county’s food stamps office will let you know via email and also via a letter in the mail about whether your CalFresh application has been approved.
You can also check the status of your application online by logging into your MyBenefits CalWIN Account.
However, if your application meets the criteria for Expedited CalFresh benefits, your application could be approved within 3 calendar days following the date the application is filed.
What is California’s (CalFresh) Food Stamps Income Limit for 2023?
Here are the CalFresh SNAP Income Eligibility Standards for Fiscal Year 2023
Note that both the Gross Income Limit and the Net Income Limit as based on a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
| 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 |
How Much Will I Receive in CalFresh Benefits if I am Approved?
Once you are approved for CalFresh food stamps, you probably want to know how much in benefits your household will get on a monthly basis.
See the chart below for details.
| Maximum SNAP 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 |
Who can receive CalFresh benefits?
You may be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits, whether or not you work, if you have a low income. See the income limit above for gross and net income requirements.
What can you purchase with CalFresh?
CalFresh can be used to buy any food or food product that is produced for human consumption. The exception to this is hot foods or lunch counter items prepared or heated in the store.
In addition, CalFresh benefits cannot be used to buy non-food items like soap, toilet paper, shampoo, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, vitamins or medicines, and pet food.
However, you can use your California SNAP EBT Card to purchase seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce food.
I didn’t get my CalFresh benefits. What’s going on?
Questions about your CalFresh benefits should be directed to the local county public assistance office that issues the benefits.
For information on how to reach your county CalFresh office, visit www.cdss.ca.gov/County-Offices.
Can SSI/SSP recipients get CalFresh?
As of June 1st, 2019, SSI/SSP recipients may be eligible to receive CalFresh in addition to receiving a monthly Social Security Disability benefit.
Can I get CalFresh just for myself if I live with my family or with others?
People who live together and purchase food and prepare meals together are grouped as a “household”. Husbands and wives and their children under age 22 must be one household.
Can I get CalFresh if I am not a United States citizen?
You may be eligible if you are a “qualified” noncitizen. This includes Permanent Legal Residents (holders of a green card), refugees, asylees (an individual who has been granted asylum), and individuals granted withholding of deportation or removal.
In addition, Cuban/Haitian entrants, individuals paroled into the U.S. for a least one year by immigration authorities, conditional entrants (temporary green card).
Furthermore, certain victims of domestic violence, victims of human trafficking (T visa), and applicants for U visa/interim relief are also eligible for CalFresh.
How to Check CalFresh EBT Card Balance?
There are three ways to check your CalFresh EBT Card balance.
Option 1 – Via Phone
Call 1-877-328-9677 to check the balance on your California EBT Card
Option 2 – Online
- You can check the balance online here.
Option 3 – Using the Last Transaction Receipt.
- You can also check the balance by locating your Last Receipt
Who cannot receive CalFresh Benefits?
By California law, certain people are not allowed to receive CalFresh.
For example, full-time college students may not be able to get CalFresh, unless they meet special rules.
In addition, parole or probation violators and fleeing felons cannot get CalFresh.
However, starting April 1, 2015, even persons with drug felony convictions can apply for CalFresh if they meet certain requirements.
How can I use my CalFresh Benefits?
Once approved, your CalFresh benefits are put on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, also called the Golden State Advantage Card.
You can use the EBT card at grocery stores like a debit card by entering your Personal
Identification Number (PIN).
Also, it is important to note that CalFresh can be used to buy non-prepared
foods.
However, if you are homeless, disabled, or elderly (60+), you can use your EBT card at certain restaurants to buy hot prepared meals.
Furthermore, CalFresh cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, or toiletries.
Can a homeless person receive CalFresh?
Yes. A person must reside in the county in which an application is submitted.
However, residence in a permanent dwelling or a fixed mailing address is not required to apply for CalFresh.
Can SSI/SSP recipients get CalFresh?
Yes. As of June 1st, 2019, SSI/SSP recipients may be eligible to receive CalFresh in addition to receiving a monthly SSP benefit.
Where can I shop with my CalFresh EBT card?
To find an authorized CalFresh retailer near you, click here.
Next, go to the section that says “Locate SNAP Retailers” enter a starting location (enter city & state, zip code, or a full address).
Position your cursor over a map point or use the table below the map to get details.
Furthermore, local participating grocery stores that accept CalFresh include but are not limited to: Albertsons, VONs, Sprouts, North Gate, Safe Way and Food 4 Less.
To find local farmers’ markets that accept CalFesh, click here!
Is there a Mobile App for MyBenefits CalWIN?
Yes. There is a MyBenefits CalWIN Mobile App.
The mobile application allows you to apply online for cash aid (CalWORKs), medical services, and CalFresh (Food Stamps).
How to Create a YourBenefitsNow Account Summary
We hope this post on how to create a YourBenefitsNow account online was helpful to you.
If you have additional questions or need help applying for CalFresh, leave those in the comments section below.
Also, be sure to check out our other articles about California SNAP and EBT, including:
