CalFresh

Calfresh-logo

CalFresh is California’s food stamps (SNAP) program. The CalFresh Program is designed to supplement the food budget of low-income households to meet their nutritional needs. Individuals granted CalFresh benefits can buy food at a grocery store or other authorized places using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The amount of CalFresh benefits a family receives is based on household size, family income and resources.

To apply click the following link: Community Benefits


Minimum application requirements

What do I need to apply?

  • The applicant’s name, and
  • Household address, and
  • Signature of the head of household or an authorized representative (AR).

CalFresh Expedited Services

How long does it take to get CalFresh Benefits?

  • It can take up to 30 days to process a CalFresh application unless otherwise eligible and meet specific eligibility criteria for expedited services
  • If you are determined eligible for expedited services, you may receive your benefits within 3 days.

How long does it take to get CalFresh Benefits?

  • It can take up to 30 days to process a CalFresh application unless otherwise eligible and meet specific eligibility criteria for expedited services
  • If you are determined eligible for expedited services, you may receive your benefits within 3 days.

Fruit and Vegetable EBT Program

The California Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot Project helps CalFresh households buy more healthy foods by providing additional food benefits when they purchase California-grown fruits and vegetables at participating grocery stores and select farmers’ markets. More information can be found by visiting the following, CalFresh – Fruit & Vegetable Project.


Additional Resources: Links | County of Monterey, CA


ABAWDS

The ABAWD work requirement is a federal rule that limits certain adults to 3 full months of CalFresh benefits within a 3-year period unless they:
Meet work requirements,
Qualify for an exemption, or
Live in a county with a waiver. (Note: Monterey County has an active ABAWD waiver through 10.31.26.)
The rule generally applies to adults ages 18 to 64 who do not have a dependent child under 14, are physically and mentally able to work at least 20 hours per week, and are not otherwise exempt. More information can be found by visiting the following, CalFresh – ABAWD.


Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) gives certain people that are at high risk for chronic hunger the option to use their CalFresh Food benefits to buy prepared meals at approved participating restaurant vendors. The RMP is available to older adults aged 60 or older, people with disabilities, and homeless persons, and their spouses. More information can be found by visiting the following, CalFresh – RMP.


SUN Bucks

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. More information can be found by visiting the following, CalFresh - SUN Bucks.



In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) it is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. The law protects people with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities as well as others with serious health problems (42 U.S.C. § 12132).

“Do you have any physical, mental, or emotional conditions that make it hard for you to apply for benefits or meet program requirements?” We can provide extra help; it is called a reasonable accommodation. For more information on requesting an accommodation click PUB 13 - Your Rights Under California Public Benefits Programs or call your local office.


Electronic Benefit Transfer Card - EBT

The EBT system automates the delivery and redemption of issued benefits. EBT cardholders access their benefits using the California “Golden State Advantage” card. The EBT card provides faster service; the cardholder simply slides their card through a point-of-sale (POS) device or an automated teller machine (ATM) to access their benefits. To access a list of ATM and POS locations for EBT in Monterey County: www.ebtproject.ca.gov


For more information on the ebtEDGE mobile application view: Download ebtEDGE today! (youtube.com)
Cardholder Portal (ebtedge.com)

EBT fraud can also be reported via BenefitsCal.