Weekly Budget Saving Tips

19 Make Ahead Low-Carb Lunches
Meal prep is a surefire way to ensure you'll eat healthy all week long without using up your precious free time every night.  Get the tips here from the experts at Eating Well.

​CalFresh provides nutrition assistance to people with low income.  It can buy nutritious foods for a better diet.

​Recipients - Did you lose food because of the power outages?

Anyone with active CalFresh can apply for replacement benefits. This is a service that is available even if it was just only your house that lost power. But it is more often used during mass outages. The replacement amount is often not the full amount but a portion based upon when in the month the misfortune occurred and how much of the benefits were spent. Some zip codes will receive an automatic benefits replacement. But it is not entirely clear who that will be. Best practice would be to apply for the benefit replacement regardless.  
 
Here's how it's done. Below is the application. The application can be faxed to Social Services (707-463-7859) or dropped off at the Ukiah, Willits or Fort Bragg office.
-Make sure to the client name, address and phone number on it.
-Check the box for Replacement. 
-Indicate it was because of the PSPS and their food spoiled.
-Please estimate the dollar amount of food lost.
-Sign and date.
 
Usually the household has just 10 days from the misfortune to apply for the replacement. We received an extension from the last PSPS so that clients can apply for replacement benefits till November 8th. We have yet to receive word that there will be an extension for the current PSPS. So clients should apply for a benefit replacement for the current power shutoff now. 
CF303 Replacement of Benefits.pdf
File Size: 210 kb
File Type: pdf
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CF303 Replacement of Benefits- Spanish.pdf
File Size: 237 kb
File Type: pdf
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CalFresh will stretch your food dollars.  You can buy more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods for the whole family.

You may apply:
  • In person here at RCMS or at a local county human services office. Call Harm at 707-882-2189 x 124 to make an appoinment at an RCMS facility
  • In the mail or by fax
  • Online at www.benefitscal.org
​
Eating more fruits an vegetables each day can help you and your family stay healthy.
CalFresh Expansion for SSI.pdf
File Size: 269 kb
File Type: pdf
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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 have when I apply?
  • 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.
  • Get disability benefits.
  • Have money in savings.
  • Own certain retirement accounts.
  • Have certain education savings accounts.
Refer to the income guideline at: www.calfresh.ca.gov/res/pdf/incomeguideline.pdf
​How much CalFresh will I receive each month?
  • 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. See details in the announcement below. 
CalFresh Expansion for SSI.pdf
File Size: 269 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Immigration
If you get CalFresh it will not count against you when you apply to become a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.

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

40 Year History of the Program

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.