Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
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DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
In order to apply, all we need is an application with your name, address and a valid signature. Anything else needed to determine eligibility will be reviewed and requested at your interview.
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DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
You may receive CalFresh benefits within three days of your application date if you qualify for what is called “expedited service.” A household qualifies for expedited service if it has less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in liquid resources (cash, savings or checking) OR has housing costs that are more than its monthly income and liquid resources OR is a migrant or seasonal farm worker who is destitute. Every case is reviewed for expedited services, and it is always OK to ask to have your case reviewed for expedited service processing with an Eligibility Specialist.
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If you are living with other people who are not part of your immediate family, you can apply for just yourself, your family, and the others who purchase and prepare food with you. Youth up to the age of 22 cannot be considered a separate household if they live with their parents.DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
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United States citizens and some foreign nationals admitted for permanent residency may qualify for CalFresh benefits. Those in the country illegally do not qualify, but are not reported to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
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At this time California doesn’t consider property for CalFresh eligibility.DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
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A report will be mailed to you which must be completed and returned. If your circumstances change, your CalFresh benefits may also change based on the reported income, housing costs and number of people in the household. You will be notified of any change in a letter if your benefit amount changes.DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
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Your EBT card can be replaced at the main Social Services Office at:DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
929 Koster St.
Eureka, CA 95501
Or, you can order a new card by calling Customer Service at 877-328-9677. -
It is illegal to sell the benefits on your EBT card or exchange those benefits for cash or any other item.DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
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You have the right to appeal any decision made by the county, including the benefit amount, the way it was computed, and any action to discontinue your benefits. Instructions for filing an appeal can be found on the back of any notice of action you receive, or you can call 800-952-5253 (TDD: 800-952-8349).DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
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Your benefits will be available every month on a plastic electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. Your card will be automatically reloaded during each month of eligibility.DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
You may pick up your EBT card at the CalFresh office where you will select a code (Personal Identification Number, or PIN.)
With the EBT card and your secret code, you will be able to access your CalFresh benefits at any grocery store or farmers market that has a card reader with the Quest logo. -
You may be given an appointment to return on another day to complete your application process or to complete a phone interview. Make sure you sign and date the application form during your 1st visit to the office. This will determine the day your benefits will begin.DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
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Fingerprinting is no longer necessary when applying for CalFresh.DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
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The county has a maximum of 30 days to process your application. If you have a food emergency, you may request a faster response.DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program
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You will be notified by mail telling you what your monthly benefits will be, or you can call toll free at 877-410-8809.DHHS - CalFresh Benefits Program