If you collect unemployment insurance in California, are you eligible for CalFresh?

According to Marca, CalFresh is California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and provides essential food assistance to families with low incomes who meet specific eligibility criteria. This program aims to help individuals and families secure the nutrition they need.

Who Is Eligible for CalFresh?

CalFresh benefits can be accessed by a variety of households, including:

• Individuals Living Alone: Those who buy and prepare their meals separately.
• Roommates: Individuals who live together but purchase and prepare their meals separately.
• Parents and Children: Families where parents live with children who are over 21 years of age or those with children of any age (married or single).
• Adult Children: Those aged 22 or older living with parents can have a separate household if they buy and prepare their food independently.
• Single Mothers: Women or mothers with children residing in Battered Women’s Shelters may also qualify.

Eligible applicants can expect to receive food benefits within three business days of submitting their application, provided they supply the necessary identification and meet all CalFresh requirements.

Economic Requirements for Eligibility

To qualify for CalFresh, applicants must meet specific economic criteria, which include:

• Monthly Income Limits: Earning less than $150 a month and having less than $100 in accessible funds.
• Rent and Utilities: The combined total of monthly income and available funds must be less than the total of monthly rent and utility bills.
• Special Considerations for Migrant or Seasonal Workers: If you are a migrant or seasonal farmworker, you must have less than $100 available immediately.

Impact of Job Loss on CalFresh Applications

If you have recently lost your job, you are eligible to apply for CalFresh. The county where you reside will consider the final payments you received within the last 30 days to determine your initial benefit amount.

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If you still have some income, your ongoing CalFresh benefits will be based on that income rather than the previous earnings you no longer receive. It’s advisable to keep documentation of any income received in the last 30 days. While you are not required to prove that you stopped receiving your salary, providing such evidence can expedite the application process. Acceptable forms of proof include:

• A letter or email from your employer confirming the end of your employment or suspension of work.
• A personal letter detailing your last working day, signed and dated.

If you are still employed but have not received working hours or pay, indicate “yes” to your employment status on your application and clarify that your current income is $0.

Receiving CalFresh and Unemployment Benefits Simultaneously

Many wonder if they can receive CalFresh support while also receiving unemployment benefits. The answer is yes, provided that the unemployment amount does not exceed CalFresh’s maximum eligibility limits. When applying for CalFresh, the program can assist you in determining if your unemployment benefits impact your eligibility.

Importantly, receiving CalFresh does not affect your unemployment benefits. If you have a pending unemployment insurance claim but haven’t received your first payment, you are not required to report it on your CalFresh application. However, if you are currently receiving CalFresh and start receiving unemployment insurance, or if your unemployment amount changes, it is essential to inform your county office for guidance on the next steps.

Conclusion

CalFresh plays a critical role in supporting low-income families in California, ensuring they have access to nutritious food. Understanding the eligibility requirements and the impact of job changes on benefits can help applicants navigate the process effectively and receive the assistance they need.