In the beautiful state of California, the SNAP benefits program operates under the name CalFresh. It is exactly the same system, but with a particular name, only for this state.
This program is accessible to various populations such as higher education students, beneficiaries of supplemental security income, immigrants with legal immigration status, and even beneficiaries of the Women, Infants & Children Program, known as WIC. When applying for CalFresh, it is essential to meet a series of requirements, among which the income limit stands out.
CalFresh benefits can be used to purchase a variety of food items, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and non-alcoholic beverages. However, they cannot be used for non-food items such as tobacco, alcohol, pet food, vitamins, hot foods, and household supplies. It’s important to use CalFresh benefits responsibly to ensure they are used for their intended purpose of nutrition assistance.
Why Are There Income Limits Established for CalFresh?
Because the CalFresh is a program funded with federal and state funds, and administered in California at the local level, it is essential that resources are used efficiently and reach the people who really need them these people are families who are at risk, food, and they need assistance to buy nutritious food.
Income limits then help ensure that the program focuses on the neediest households. Besides, income limits encourage family development and self-sufficiency. The program is, therefore, designed to be a temporary support program: With these limits, participants are motivated to look for work and increase their income to eventually not have to depend on the program one day.
Lastly, income limits help prevent program fraud and abuse, It is establishing guidelines to make it easier to detect when someone is trying to obtain benefits fraudulently or when they no longer need them.
Most qualifying households must have a total gross monthly income less than 200% of the Federal poverty level to be eligible for CalFresh.
Gross income means the total income of a household before excluding deductions allowed under the program. These deductions are expenses that are subtracted from the household’s monthly gross income by law. It determines the eligibility and amount of CalFresh benefits that eligible families will receive monthly.
From October 1, 2023, and until September 30, 2024, the monthly income limits are the following, depending on the number of family members:
| Household | Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,430 |
| 2 | $3,288 |
| 3 | $4,144 |
| 4 | $5,000 |
| 5 | $5,858 |
| 6 | $6,714 |
| 7 | $7,570 |
Those qualifying families can receive up to a maximum of benefits per month, which is determined in the following table:
| Household Size | Maximum CalFresh Allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $291 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $973 |
| 5 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $1,751 |
| Each additional person | $219 |
