Income
Most households must have a maximum gross monthly income less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level. Individuals who purchase and prepare food together are counted as one (1) household for CalFresh purposes.
INCOME LIMITS:
| HOUSEHOLD SIZE | MAXIMUM GROSS MONTHLY INCOME* | MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT AMOUNT* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,430 | $291 |
| 2 | $3,288 | $553 |
| 3 | $4,144 | $766 |
| 4 | $5,000 | $973 |
| 5 | $5,858 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $6,714 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $7,570 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $8,428 | $1,751 |
| Each Additional Member | Add $858 | Add $219 |
*Effective 10/2023; subject to change every October.
Certain expenses are allowed under the CalFresh program. These expenses can be subtracted from the household’s monthly gross income to determine eligibility and the amount of CalFresh benefits that will be received monthly. CalFresh deductions include:
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A portion of shelter (rent or mortgage) and utility/phone costs
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Childcare expenses when needed to work, seek work, or attend training for work
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Court-ordered child support payments paid to non-household members
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Medical expenses exceeding $35 for elderly or disabled household members
NOTE: CalFresh households where at least one adult is elderly (60 and over) or permanently disabled do not have to pass the gross income test, but they still need to pass a net income test. Please see ELDERLY OR DISABLED for more details.
There are situations where some individuals must be included in the same household regardless of how they purchase and prepare their food. Examples include parents and children under age 22, spouses, and adults exercising parental control over minors in the home.
Identity
Identity must be verified (i.e. driver’s license, work or school ID, birth certificate, etc.).
Residency
Must be a resident of San Mateo County. This includes individuals without a permanent residence.
Citizenship
U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are eligible for CalFresh. Even if the people applying for CalFresh are not U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, they may apply on behalf of other members in the household who are (for example, undocumented parents may apply for U.S. citizen children). Please see IMMIGRANTS for more details.
Social Security Numbers
Individuals must either provide a Social Security number or proof they have applied for a Social Security Number. Household members that are not eligible for CalFresh do not have to provide or apply for a Social Security Number.
Resources
Effective February 1st, 2011, assets for most CalFresh applicants and recipients will not be considered or verified to determine eligibility for CalFresh, except for certain elderly or disabled households. Please see ELDERLY OR DISABLED for more details.
NOTE: Any income generated from resources (e.g. bank account interest, stock dividends, rental income, etc.) is counted as part of the household’s total gross income.
Special Requirements
There are special requirements for elderly/disabled populations, students, immigrants, and adults age 18-52 without dependents. Please click the button below for more information.