Food Assistance: Applying for CalFresh

Last modified: 1/28/2013 9:26 AM

How Do I Apply?

24-Hr Automated InfoLine:

1-877-96-BENEFITS or

1-877-962-3633

Applying for Food Stamps

If you believe you may be eligible for Food Stamp benefits, you may apply at any Social Services Agency Intake Office. You may also apply online via the Benefits CalWIN website at http://www.mybenefitscalwin.org. If you submit your application online, you will receive an appointment letter for a face-to-face or phone interview.

Documents You Will Need to Bring When You Apply

Your Eligibility Worker will tell you exactly which documents you need to provide. The documents will be used to see if you are eligible for Food Stamp benefits and to figure out the amount/value of Food Stamp benefits you will get. T he following list contains examples of the kind of documents you may need to give your Eligibility Worker.

Proof of Identity

Any documentation that reasonably shows identity such as a Driver’s License or Identification (ID) Card from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a Passport, a Birth Certificate, and/or a Work or School ID Card.

Proof of Residence

Rent receipts
Utility bill
DMV Identification Card or Driver’s License

Proof of Age

Birth Certificate, Driver’s License, or DMV ID Card

Social Security Number (SSN) for Each Household Member

Social Security Card or number or proof of application for Social Security Card.

Proof of Immigration Status

Green card or Alien Registration Card

Proof of Property

Bank statements (checking and/or savings accounts)
Car registration(s)
Papers that show value of property

Proof of Income

Check stubs
Papers that show where the money came from

Proof of Shelter Costs/Expenses

Housing bills, Rent receipt
Utility bill
Shared Housing Forms

Proof of Disability

Award Letter
Letter from doctor listing disability and how long disability will last.
Other proof

Proof of Child Support Payments

Court Order
Cancelled Checks
Money Order Receipts
Wage Withholding Statement

Medical Assistance

You may also be eligible for medical assistance through the Medi-Cal Program.

Financial Assistance

If you are the parent or caretaker relative of an eligible child or eligible children, you may be eligible to receive cash assistance through the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) Program.

If you are an immigrant who is 65 years of age or older, or are blind or disabled, you may be eligible for cash assistance through the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) Program.

If you have Refugee Status, you may be eligible to receive cash assistance through the Refugee Cash Assistance Program.

If you are NOT eligible for cash assistance from other State and/or Federal programs, you may be eligible for a cash loan through the General Assistance Program.