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- Consumers already enrolled in LIHEAP automatically qualify for telephone discounts for the California Lifeline Telephone Program, which provides basic home phone service to eligible households for less than 25 cents a day. To apply for California Lifeline, call your home phone company or call 1866-272-0349 for more information.
On October 23, 2010 the California Department of Social Services introduced Calfresh, an inspiring new brand, name and design for the California food assistance program. The goal of the program is to be a stepping stone to an improved quality of life for Californians, by helping the entire state have access to healthy and nutritious foods.
Currently, 2.3 million Californians receive CalFresh benefits. Unfortunately, there are over 5.2 million Californians that are income-eligible, leaving almost 3 million people unserved in our state according to the California Food Policy Advocates. Many people are currently experiencing food insecurity and hunger instead of participating in CalFresh. Furthermore, an additional $6.9 billion of economic activity a year would be generated in California if there were full participation in the program.
WHAT IS CALFRESH?
CalFresh is a program funded by the USDA to help improve health and nutrition of families with low incomes. CalFresh can stretch food dollars, allowing families and individuals to buy more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and other healthy foods.
WHO CAN RECEIVE CALFRESH?
CalFresh is for all types of people that fit within the eligibility guidelines. CalFresh is not only for mothers or families with children. Fathers, single adults, people with disabilities and seniors are also eligible for CalFresh. If a parent is ineligible, he or she can apply on behalf of his or her children.
CalFresh is an entitlement program. This means that all who apply and qualify as eligible will receive benefits and will not "take someone else’s place.” The USDA sets aside funds for the program, and because there is currently underparticipation in the program millions of dollars in benefits are being left unused.
When you apply, your income and many other factors are taken into account to determine whether or not you are eligible. By calling 2-1-1 Orange County, you can be prescreened for major eligibility criteria, helping you to understand if you might be eligible to receive CalFresh and to feel more prepared before you begin the application process.
HOW DOES CALFRESH WORK?
CalFresh benefits are deposited monthly on an EBT card that works like a debit card with a pin. You can check the balance online or over the phone. Benefits can be used almost anywhere food is sold, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, stores like Target and Costco, some ethnic markets, and some farmer’s markets.
HOW MUCH CAN I RECEIVE IN CALFRESH BENEFITS EACH MONTH?
The amount you receive depends on your income, expenses, and family size. Most households with CalFresh get about $200 each month.
WHAT IF I AM ALREADY RECEIVING NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE? CAN I APPLY FOR CALFRESH?
If you are already receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance on an EBT card, you are now automatically enrolled in CalFresh! Your benefits will continue without interruption and there is no need to also apply for CalFresh. The eligibility requirements remain the same, only the name has been changed to reflect the goal of the program and what it really is – a way for people to provide healthy food for their families.
HOW DO I APPLY?
You can read about the application process on the State of California's website or you can call 2-1-1 for more information.