CalFresh Benefits During COVID-19

CalFresh Emergency Allotment
Some households will see an increase in their CalFresh benefit allotments. The emergency allotments will be automatically loaded onto their EBT. Applications for CalFresh can be done online through GetCalFresh.org.

Customers can receive application assistance over the phone.
Locally 1-707-882-2189 x 124
Toll-Free Lines:
Fort Bragg 1-877-327-1677
Ukiah 1-877-327-1711
Households enrolled in CalFesh in August will receive the full CalFresh amount in September. The September Emergency Allotment was just approved for an October issuance. The Emergency Allotment can be a significant increase in benefits for many CalFresh households.  The allotment is automatic for all enrolled in CalFresh. This is a great time to encourage your community to apply for CalFresh.
CalFresh will stretch your food dollars.  You can buy more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods for the whole family. Eating more fruits and vegetables each day can help you and your family stay healthy. The paper application can seem daunting, but applying is simple with assistance from the trained outreach staff at RCMS.
Make an Appointment
Harm Wilkinson, Outreach Coordinator
​(707) 882-2189 x 124
​Click here for the online form.
¿Necesitas ayuda en español?
Llame:
Javier Chavez, Outreach Coordinator
​(707) 884-9670
Apply Online
Visit BenefitsCal.org
Income Eligibility Guidelines
  • Download the 2020 income eligibility guideline for Mendocino County here​​
The Golden State Advantage Card
If you qualify for CalFresh you will:
  • Get a plastic Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card and your Personal Identification Number (PIN).  Your CalFresh benefits will be added to your account each month. 
  • Shop at any grocery store or farmer’s market authorized to accept EBT cards. (Most Framer’s markets on the coast do not accept EBT cards).
  • Swipe you EBT card like an ATM card, in the ATM/debit/credit card machine at the checkout.
  • Enter your PIN.  The amount you spend will be taken from your CalFresh account.
  • Enjoy healthy nutritious food for you and your family, and better food for better living!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring with me to my appointment?
  • Identification – You may bring a driver’s license and ID card, or a health card or other ID document.
  • Social Security Numbers – Be ready to give your number and a number for all those persons whom you are applying, if they have one.
  • For non-U.S. citizens – Bring a resident alien card or other proof of immigration status.
You may also need these:
  • Proof of income – Bring pay stubs, child support orders, and benefit statements.
  • Proof of expenses – Child care receipts, child support payments, and proof of other expenses. Rent and utility verifications are no longer required. ​
How much money can I have and still get CalFresh?
You can:
  • Earn money from a job.
  • Get unemployment benefits.
  • Get general assistance/relief.
  • Get child support.
  • Be a part of CalWORKs.
  • Be on Social Security.
  • Get disability benefits.
  • Have money in savings.
  • Own certain retirement accounts.
  • Have certain education savings accounts.
Refer to the income guideline here.
​How much will I receive each month in CalFresh Benefits?
  • The amount you get depends on your income, expenses, and family size.
  • Most households that receive CalFresh get more than $200 each month.
  • If you are disabled or an elderly person (over 60 years old) tell a county worker.  The income guideline table may not apply to you.  You can earn more money and be eligible. ​
How long will it take to get CalFresh?
If eligible, you will get your CalFresh within 30 days.
What about things I own?
When you apply for CalFresh you may own a house, have cars, and still qualify.  Ask a county worker for more information.  
Can I get CalFresh if I am on SSI? 
  • Yes, the rules have changed. Effective 06/01/2019, you can get CalFresh if you are on SSI. More details on the downloadable flyer.
CalFresh Expansion for SSI.pdf
File Size: 269 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
I am an immigrant.  Can my children and I apply for CalFresh
Yes!  All children born in the U.S. can get CalFresh if they qualify, no matter where their parents were born.  Parents may qualify if they have a valid social security number and meet certain guidelines.  Parents who do not qualify themselves should apply for their children born in the U.S.
​
​If you apply for CalFresh it will not count against you when you apply to become a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.

If you need help enrolling in CalFresh, or any other healthcare program, bi-lingual staff members can be available at all clinic locations.

Program History

Formerly known as the Food Stamp program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continues to evolve. This video give an overview the program history.

SNAP is the federal program and in California is it called CalFresh.