What is CalFresh?
CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps), is known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). CalFresh provides monthly assistance for low or no income individuals and families to purchase nutritious food. The CalFresh program issues monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, similar to an ATM card, to purchase food at grocery stores and farmers markets that accept EBT cards. It enables you to buy more food, improve health and nutrition, and stretch your grocery budget.
How to Apply for CalFresh
Online: www.BenefitsCal.com or GetCalFresh.org
By Mail: P.O. Box 487 Sacramento, CA 95812
By phone: 1-800-560-0976
By Fax: (916) 876-8454 or e-fax (916) 854-9225
In person:
2700 Fulton Ave.
Sacramento, CA 9582
Office Hours:
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 3960 Research Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95838
Office Hours:
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 1725 28th St
Sacramento, CA 95816
Office Hours:
Mon – Fri 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM |
2450 Florin Road
Sacramento, CA 95822
Office Hours:
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 210 North Lincoln Way
Galt, CA 95632
Office Hours:
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 5747 Watt Ave.
North Highlands, CA 95660
Office Hours:
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
CalFresh Application Forms
CF 285:
English,
Spanish,
Russian
SAWS 2 PLUS:
English,
Spanish,Russian
CalFresh Application in other available languages can be found on the state
CDSS website
For information about your case or to submit documents
Call the Service Center and follow the prompts at 1-800-560-0976
Service Center Hours Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Online: visit
www.BenefitsCal.com 24 hours a day
In person: See Office Locations and hours of operation above
By Fax: (916) 876-8454 or e-fax (916) 854-9225
Minimum Requirements to file a CalFresh Application
Sacramento County encourages applicants to complete as much of the application as possible to minimize delays, however, the minimum requirements to file an application are:
- Applicant’s name and
- Household’s address (unless homeless), and
- Signature of head of household, any adult household member, or an authorized representative, or responsible minor
Expedited Services CalFresh (ES)
ES is available to certain applicants. If you are eligible for ES, your application must be processed within three (3) days of your CalFresh application date.
You may be eligible for ES if we can verify your identity and you meet one (1) of the following requirements:
- Your household's monthly gross income (before taxes) is less than $150.00 and your liquid resources are $100.00 or less.
- Your household's combined monthly gross income and liquid resources are less that the combined monthly rent/mortgage and utility expenses
- You are a migrant or seasonal worker with $100.00 or less in liquid resources
SAR 7 Information
Many households must complete a SAR 7 six (6) months after applying for CalFresh or recertifying. The SAR 7 is due by the 5th of the month.
Complete your SAR online at
www.BenefitsCal.com or find the form here
SAR 7 and submit by mail or in person.
Need help completing the SAR7:
Reasonable Accommodations
Do you have any physical, mental, developmental, or emotional conditions that make it hard for you to apply for benefits or meet program requirements? We can give you extra help. We call this type of help a reasonable accommodation.
To request a reasonable accommodation for CalFresh you may:
- Verbally by calling the Service Center at 1-800-560-0976 or while speaking to a worker about your case
- Submit a written request online, by mail, by fax, or in person
The law protects people with physical, mental, emotional, and developmental disabilities as well as others with serious health problems (42 U.S.C. § 12132). For more information please review the PUB 13 and USDA Nondiscrimination Statement.
News and Updates
Notice To: All Transitional Nutrition Benefit (TNB) Recipients
Please note, your EBT food benefits funded by the State of California must be renewed. The TNB recertification process will restart in November 2023. Your recertification form will be sent to you between October 2023 and September 2024 depending on your renewal month. This means you must complete your TNB recertification packet in order to maintain your EBT food benefits. You may be recertified for an additional 12 months if you qualify.
You can still apply for regular CalFresh at any time if there are changes in your household or income. Please contact your county office if you have any questions.
