A parent and child shop for fresh produce, selecting oranges among vibrant displays of fruits and vegetables in a market aisle.

CalFresh Awareness

CalOptima Health believes that food is health, so we began an effort to raise awareness about CalFresh, which can help members stretch their food budget to buy healthy groceries. Monthly amounts are based on eligibility requirements, including household size, income and expenses. We encourage members to apply.*

Apply at BenefitsCal.com

A child in a shopping cart holds on as an adult pushes through a grocery store aisle filled with various products and fresh produce.

CalFresh FAQs

Go to FAQs

Apply in person or by phone with these organizations:

County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA)

1-800-281-9799

SSA Office Locator

2-1-1 Orange County

Call 211 or text ZIP code to 898211.

Access California Services

1-714-917-0440

300 W. Carl Karcher Way

Anaheim, CA 92801

Coalition Of Orange County Community Health Centers

1-714-352-5990, ext. 235

Various resource centers throughout the county. Please call for more information.

Community Health Initiative of Orange County

1-855-927-8333

1505 E. 17th St., Suite 121

Santa Ana, CA 92705

Disabled Resources Center Inc.

1-562-427-1000, ext. 111

2750 E. Spring St., Suite 100

Long Beach, CA 90806

Friends of Family Health Center

1-562-501-1661

501 S. Idaho St., Suite 270

La Habra, CA 90631

ICNA Relief USA

1-714-399-4571

505 E. Commonwealth Ave.

Fullerton, CA 92832

North Orange County Regional Health Foundation

1-714-853-4727

1182 N. Euclid St.

Anaheim, CA 92801

Saddleback Church-PEACE Community Center

1-949-609-8211

1 Purpose Dr.

Lake Forest, CA 92630

Vista Community Clinic: The Gary Center

1-562-264-6000, ext. 1814

201 S. Harbor Blvd.

La Habra, CA 90631

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Toolkits

The resources below provide essential CalFresh information for community-based organizations and providers. These materials are intended for sharing with members and stakeholders through communication channels and social media.

CalFresh Flyer

Download in English

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CalFresh FAQ

Download in English

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FAQs

What is CalFresh?
CalFresh, formerly known as Food Stamps and federally called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), helps individuals and families buy healthy groceries and stretch their food budgets. Monthly benefits are based on CalFresh qualifications, including household size, income and expenses. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card that can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets and online retailers like Walmart.com and Amazon.
Why should I apply for CalFresh?
CalFresh benefits make it easier for you and your family to afford nutritious food, improving overall health and wellness. Healthy eating helps prevent illness, boosts energy and supports children’s success in school. Plus, applying for CalFresh is simple and can provide benefits that make a real difference.
How do I apply for CalFresh as a CalOptima Health member?
Applying for CalFresh is simple:
- Online: Visit BenefitsCal.com to complete your application.
- By Phone: Call the County of Orange Social Services Agency at 1-800-281-9799 to connect with a CalFresh eligibility worker.
- In Person: Stop by a County of Orange Social Services Agency office near you. Find locations at ssa.ocgov.com/about-us/office-locations/office-location-list.
Is CalFresh part of Medi-Cal?
No, CalFresh is not a Medi-Cal program, and your CalFresh enrollment will not impact your Medi-Cal benefits or immigration status.
What are the steps to enroll in CalFresh?
1. Information Collection: A CalFresh eligibility worker will ask about your household size, income and expenses.
2. Interview: They will call back to confirm your information.
3. Approval Notice: You will receive a notice in the mail within 30 days. If you qualify for Expedited Services, benefits can start within 3 days.
Am I required to be a U.S. citizen to receive CalFresh benefits?
Not necessarily. Some qualified noncitizens are eligible. If you’re not eligible, your U.S.-born children might qualify. Parents can apply for their children without affecting their immigration status.
Do I need to be fingerprinted to apply for CalFresh?
No, fingerprinting is not required.
If I’m receiving SSI/SSP, can I get CalFresh benefits?
Yes, if you meet the CalFresh qualifications, you may be eligible to receive benefits even if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or State Supplementary Payment (SSP).
Can I get CalFresh if I’m not working?
Yes. You may still qualify even if unemployed, though you may need to participate in a work or training program.
Can I get CalFresh if I’m working?
Yes. If your income meets eligibility requirements, you can receive benefits while working. Limits vary based on household size and age.
What can I buy with my CalFresh benefits?
You can use your CalFresh benefits to purchase:
- Groceries, healthy food, edible plants and seeds to grow your own food.
- Prepared meals through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) if you’re eligible.
Benefits cannot be used to buy pet food, vitamins, alcohol, tobacco or paper products.
Is there a limit on the number of people I can apply for?
No. You can apply for everyone in your household who buys and eats meals together. If you have children under 22, you must apply for them and their family, even if they eat separately.
How long does it take to get CalFresh benefits?
Approval can take up to 30 days. If you need immediate assistance, you may qualify for Expedited Services, which provide benefits within 3 days.
How do I renew my CalFresh benefits?
To maintain your benefits, you’ll need to complete CalFresh recertification annually. This includes updating information like household size, income and address. Some elderly or disabled households may qualify for longer recertification periods.

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*CalFresh is not a Medi-Cal program, and it will not change your Medi-Cal benefits. There is no guarantee you will qualify if you apply, and the benefit amounts vary. CalFresh will not impact immigration status.

FAQs

What is CalFresh?

Expand

CalFresh, formerly known as Food Stamps and federally called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), helps individuals and families buy healthy groceries and stretch their food budgets. Monthly benefits are based on CalFresh qualifications, including household size, income and expenses. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card that can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets and online retailers like Walmart.com and Amazon.

Why should I apply for CalFresh?

Expand

CalFresh benefits make it easier for you and your family to afford nutritious food, improving overall health and wellness. Healthy eating helps prevent illness, boosts energy and supports children’s success in school. Plus, applying for CalFresh is simple and can provide benefits that make a real difference.

How do I apply for CalFresh as a CalOptima Health member?

Expand

Applying for CalFresh is simple:

Online: Visit BenefitsCal.com to complete your application.
By Phone: Call the County of Orange Social Services Agency at 1-800-281-9799 to connect with a CalFresh eligibility worker.
In Person: Stop by a County of Orange Social Services Agency office near you. Find locations at ssa.ocgov.com/about-us/office-locations/office-location-list.

Is CalFresh part of Medi-Cal?

Expand

No, CalFresh is not a Medi-Cal program, and your CalFresh enrollment will not impact your Medi-Cal benefits or immigration status.

What are the steps to enroll in CalFresh?

Expand

Information Collection: A CalFresh eligibility worker will ask about your household size, income and expenses.
Interview: They will call back to confirm your information.
Approval Notice: You will receive a notice in the mail within 30 days. If you qualify for Expedited Services, benefits can start within 3 days.

Am I required to be a U.S. citizen to receive CalFresh benefits?

Expand

Not necessarily. Some qualified noncitizens are eligible. If you’re not eligible, your U.S.-born children might qualify. Parents can apply for their children without affecting their immigration status.

Do I need to be fingerprinted to apply for CalFresh?

Expand

No, fingerprinting is not required.

If I’m receiving SSI/SSP, can I get CalFresh benefits?

Expand

Yes, if you meet the CalFresh qualifications, you may be eligible to receive benefits even if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or State Supplementary Payment (SSP).

Can I get CalFresh if I’m not working?

Expand

Yes. You may still qualify even if unemployed, though you may need to participate in a work or training program.

Can I get CalFresh if I’m working?

Expand

Yes. If your income meets eligibility requirements, you can receive benefits while working. Limits vary based on household size and age.

What can I buy with my CalFresh benefits?

Expand

You can use your CalFresh benefits to purchase:

Groceries, healthy food, edible plants and seeds to grow your own food.
Prepared meals through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) if you’re eligible.

Benefits cannot be used to buy pet food, vitamins, alcohol, tobacco or paper products.

Is there a limit on the number of people I can apply for?

Expand

No. You can apply for everyone in your household who buys and eats meals together. If you have children under 22, you must apply for them and their family, even if they eat separately.

How long does it take to get CalFresh benefits?

Expand

Approval can take up to 30 days. If you need immediate assistance, you may qualify for Expedited Services, which provide benefits within 3 days.

How do I renew my CalFresh benefits?

Expand

To maintain your benefits, you’ll need to complete CalFresh recertification annually. This includes updating information like household size, income and address. Some elderly or disabled households may qualify for longer recertification periods.