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CalFresh

CalFresh / SNAP provides support with Food and Nutrition and Financial Assistance for Residents and Families.

About this service

What is CalFresh?

CalFresh is a program that helps people buy food. It used to be called Food Stamps and is also known as SNAP.

If you qualify, you get money each month on an EBT card (like a debit card). You can use it to buy food like:

  • Bread and cereal
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat and fish

You can use it at many grocery stores and farmers markets.

How to Apply for CalFresh in Marin County

You can apply anytime:

Minimum requirements to file a CalFresh application:

The minimum information you need to provide to apply for CalFresh is:

  1. Your full name
  2. Your address
  3. A signature (you or another adult in your household)

CalFresh Changes

Recent Federal law limits CalFresh to certain groups of lawfully present noncitizens. Beginning April 1, 2026, the state will implement changes to eliminate CalFresh eligibility for most lawfully present immigrants. A county worker will review your eligibility at your next recertification. You will receive a notice if you are no longer eligible to receive CalFresh.

You may still be eligible for CalFresh is you are a person who is:

  • A citizen of the United States
  • A U.S. National
  • A Cuban or Haitian Entrant (CHE)
  • A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) who has met the 5-year waiting period or is exempt from the waiting person
  • A citizen of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau

Starting June 1, 2026, the federal government’s rules on CalFresh work and community engagement requirements are changing in California. This means that some CalFresh recipients between the ages of 18-64 will have to meet work and community engagement requirements to keep their CalFresh benefits. People who have to meet the work or community engagement requirement must participate in qualifying activity for up to 20 hours per week, or 80 hours averaged monthly.

Find out if you may be required to meet the CalFresh work and community engagement requirements to keep your CalFresh benefits, or whether you may be excused from these new requirements by using the CalFresh Work and Community Engagement Requirements: Pre-Screening Tool. The result of this tool is not an official eligibility determination or official documentation for being excused from the work and community engagement rules.

Please reach out to our Public Assistance office if you have questions regarding how these changes may impact your case. 

Who this service is for

Who Can Get CalFresh?

You may qualify if you:

  1. Have low or no income
  2. Have limited money or resources
  3. Get General Relief or CalWORKs
  4. Get SSI/SSP
  5. Are a U.S. citizen or meet certain immigration rules

Expedited CalFresh

Some people may get Expedited CalFresh within 3 days.

You may qualify for Expedited CalFresh if:

  • Your household earns less than $150 a month and has under $100 in resources, OR
  • Your income and resources are less than your rent/mortgage and utilities, OR
  • You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker with under $100 in resources

There is also Disaster CalFresh during emergencies.

Special Rules for Elderly and Disabled Households

  • Income is calculated differently
  • Resource limits may be higher

Details

Office Locations and Hours

You can visit an office to:

  • Apply for benefits
  • Ask questions
  • Get a new EBT card
  • Renew your benefits

120 N. Redwood Dr., San Rafael, CA 94903

  • Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

3240 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901

  • Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

1 6th St., Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

  • Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

630 Drake Ave., Sausalito, CA 94965

  • Monday through Friday 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

All offices are closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Mail and Fax

You can send applications or documents by:

Call center and hours

Call 877-410-8817 to:

  • Apply
  • Ask questions
  • Get help

Call Center Hours:

  • Monday–Wednesday & Friday: 7:30 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.
  • Closed Thursday

Online BenefitsCal

You can:

  • Apply for benefits
  • Check your benefits
  • Renew benefits
  • Upload documents
  • Report changes
  • Message your worker
  • Manage your benefits

What You May Need to Provide

The county may ask for:

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of income
  • Proof you live in California
  • Bank statements or other proof of money/assets

If more information is needed, the county will contact you. Check your mail and messages.

After You Apply

  • You may need an interview
  • The county may ask for more information
  • You will get a notice telling you if you qualify
  • If approved, you will get an EBT card to buy food.

How Much CalFresh Benefits Can a Household Receive?

The maximum amount of CalFresh you may receive depends on how many people are in your household.

Examples (starting Oct. 1, 2025):

  • 1 person: $298/month
  • 2 people: $546
  • 3 people: $785
  • 4 people: $994

Each extra person adds about $218

Resources (Money You Have)

Most households do not have to worry about resource limits.

If they do apply:

  • Limit is $3,000
  • $4,500 if someone is elderly or disabled

What you can purchase with CalFresh

You can buy most foods for people to eat.

You cannot buy:

  • Hot prepared food (in most cases)
  • Alcohol or tobacco
  • Vitamins or medicine
  • Pet food
  • Non-food items like soap or shampoo

You can buy seeds and plants to grow food.

Lost or Replacement cards

You can request a new EBT card by:

Replace Lost Food

If food is lost due to fire, flood, or power outage (over 4 hours):

  • Report it within 10 days
  • You may get replacement benefits

Protect Your benefits

  • Do not share your EBT card number or PIN.
  • The county will never ask for this information.
  • Report fraud by calling 877-410-8817, visiting an office, or going online to BenefitsCal.com.

Restaurant Meals Program

Some people can use CalFresh at restaurants.

You qualify if everyone in your household is:

  • Homeless, OR
  • Age 60 or older, OR
  • Disabled

How it works:

  • Find a restaurant that accepts EBT and is approved for the Restaurant Meals Program
  • Use your EBT card to buy meals
  • Keep your receipt

Additional information

Non-Discrimination Policy

  • You can ask for extra help if you have a physical, mental, or emotional condition
  • This help is called a “reasonable accommodation”
  • Ask by calling 877-410-8817, visiting an office, or messaging message online at BenefitsCal.com
  • The law protects people with disabilities and serious health conditions. You can learn more about your rights under California law by clicking the PUB 13 link in English or PUB 13 link in Spanish

Interpreter Services Available

Free interpreter services are available. Call us at 877-410-8817 for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get CalFresh and other benefits, like CalWORKs, Social Security, or Unemployment?

Yes, many people do.

Can a single person qualify?

Yes.

Can people on SSI/SSP qualify?

Yes.

Can someone who is homeless qualify?

Yes.

Where Can I Use My CalFresh?

  • Grocery stores
  • Some online stores
  • Farmers markets (some give extra free produce)
  • Restaurants (if you qualify)

Can I complete my SAR 7 online?

Yes, you can submit your SAR 7 online at BenefitsCal.com. Watch this video if you need help with how to submit your SAR 7 report through BenefitsCal.com

Related

Page last updated on August 17, 2026.

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