Last Updated: July 1, 2025
Hello, California neighbors! Looking to make your grocery budget go further? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to help Iowa families access nutritious food. We've put together this helpful guide to help you understand if you're eligible, what benefits you might receive, and how the Forage app can make finding the best deals - and saving money - a breeze!
Introduction
If you're struggling to put food on the table in California, you're not alone. CalFresh (California's SNAP program) helps over 4 million Californians afford nutritious groceries every month. But many eligible residents don't know they qualify or how to check their eligibility.
Who Qualifies for CalFresh in California?
Income Limits
- 1 person household: $2,266/month gross income
- 2 person household: $3,052/month gross income
- 3 person household: $3,839/month gross income
- 4 person household: $4,625/month gross income
- Each additional person: Add $786/month
Special Eligibility Categories:
- Students (with work-study, caring for dependents, or in certain programs)
- Seniors 60+ (simplified reporting, higher asset limits)
- People with disabilities
- Homeless individuals and families
- Working families (many working Californians qualify)
Asset Limits:
- Most households: $2,750 in assets
- Households with elderly/disabled member: $4,250 in assets
California-Specific Benefits
- Restaurant Meals Program: Available in participating counties for elderly, disabled, and homeless individuals. To know if restaurants are participating in your county (or counties near you), check out this helpful resource.
- California Sun Bucks Program: California’s Summer EBT program, known as SUN Bucks, is returning in 2025. This food program provides families $40 per month for food in June, July, and August ($120 total) when children do not have access to school meals. Current SNAP recipients are automatically enrolled. Find out if you qualify as a California resident here, and check out our recent Summer EBT article here to learn more about the program.
- California Market Match Program: Double your CalFresh dollars at participating farmers markets. Find participating farmers markets here.
- Emergency Allotments: Additional benefits are provided during declared emergencies. In the case of emergencies, SNAP recipients will be informed of these by text and/or mail.
Quick Eligibility Check
Think you might qualify? Here are signs you likely do:
- Your household income is at or below 200% of federal poverty level
- You receive other benefits like Medi-Cal, WIC, or CalWORKs
- You're unemployed or underemployed
- You're a college student meeting specific criteria
How Much Assistance Could You Receive?
SNAP benefits in California vary based on your household size, income, and expenses. The maximum monthly allotment for a household of four in Iowa is currently $975.
On average, eligible Californians should expect to receive approximately $292 per person per month, which can help supplement your grocery budget.
You can apply directly through the website, and learn more details here.
Not Sure If You Qualify? Use These Helpful Tools
- mRelief Eligibility Screener: See if you qualify for SNAP through mRelief's online form here, or text FOOD to 74544 to check your potential eligibility in just a few minutes.
- BenefitsCal Eligibility: Submit an application through BenefitsCal, and get reviewed by CalFresh within a week.
Shop With Confidence
While these community resources provide essential support, managing your CalFresh benefits efficiently is equally important. Download the Forage app to:
- ✅ Check your EBT balance safely and securely anytime
- 💰 Unlock exclusive cash back offers and rewards
- 🛒 Find the best grocery deals to stretch every dollar
Combined with community resources, smart benefit management helps ensure your family always has access to nutritious food.
🎯 Smart Shopping Made Easy: Download the Forage app to track your EBT balance in real-time, discover which stores offer the best deals, and earn rewards on your grocery purchases.
Ready to Apply for California SNAP Benefits?
Download the Forage App (Apple App Store / Google Play Store) today to start managing your EBT benefits with ease and unlock exclusive savings across California!
💡 Pro Tip: Once you have your EBT card, download the Forage app to safely check your balance anytime, find the best grocery deals, and unlock exclusive cash back offers to maximize your CalFresh benefits!
Disclaimer: Eligibility qualifications may change. This information was last updated in July 2025. Always verify current requirements with the California Department of Social Services.
