Your CalFresh allotment depends on the size of your household. Starting October 1, 2024, the maximum allotment for one person is $292 per month. The maximum allotment for a four person family is $975. The chart below is effective 10/1/2024 for the Thrifty Food Plan maximum allotment amounts based on household size.
| Household Size | Thrifty Food Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each additional member | +$220 |
As of February 1, 2011, your resources (bank accounts, cash on hand, etc.) are not considered in the eligibility determination. The resources of a household are only looked at when screening for emergency appointments and/or when a household exceeds the gross income limit for their household size. Resource limits are $3,000 or $4,500 if the household has an elderly and/or disabled member. Household gross monthly income (prior to deductions) cannot exceed 200 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines. For a household of three, this is $4,304. A household’s net monthly income cannot exceed 100 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines. For a household of three, this is $2,152.
CalFresh can be used to buy any food or food product that is produced for human consumption. The exception to this is hot foods or lunch counter items prepared or heated in the store. CalFresh benefits cannot be used to buy non-food items like soap, toilet paper or shampoo. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco, vitamins or medicines, and pet food are also excluded. You can, however, use your CalFresh benefits to purchase seeds and plants for use in home gardens to produce food.
Yes. Being married and/or having children are not requirements.
Yes. In California, 60 percent of the CalFresh households also receive cash aid from other public assistance programs. There is a restriction that a household cannot participate simultaneously in the CalFresh Program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
As of June 1st, 2019, SSI/SSP recipients may be eligible to receive CalFresh in addition to receiving a monthly SSP benefit.
Yes. A person must reside in the county in which an application is filed. Residence in a permanent dwelling or a fixed mailing address is not required.
In Contra Costa County you can apply for CalFresh in several different ways:
- Complete an online application from any computer 24 hours 7 days a week.
- By telephone (866) 663-3225
- Fax a completed application to (925) 228-0310
- Mail a completed application to any district office listed below. Download a CalFresh Application: ENG | ESP
- If you are at least 60 years old or disabled, you can use the simplified application ENG ESP
- Visit any of our 5 district office locations:
| East County | Central County | West County |
|---|---|---|
| 4545 Delta Fair Boulevard Antioch | 400 Ellinwood Way Pleasant Hill | 151 Linus Pauling Drive Hercules |
| 151 Sand Creek Road Brentwood | 1305 Macdonald Avenue Richmond | |
| All office hours: | 8:00AM – 5:00PM | Monday – Friday |
*Minimum requirements to file a CalFresh application:
- 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.
For questions and assistance, please call the 24 hour toll free automated information line:
Stores post signs if your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card can be used to spend your CalFresh benefits there. Here are some types of places you can use your EBT card at:
- Retail stores – To find a store that accepts EBT cards visit: CalFresh Food Retail Locator.
- Online shopping – To find a store that accepts EBT cards online visit: CA EBT Online
- Farmers’ Markets – You can use your EBT card at many Farmers’ Markets to buy delicious locally grown produce. Many markets take part in the Market Match program, which doubles your money to give you free produce every time you shop, up to $15 free per day. For more program information and locations visit: FMFinder.org.
- Restaurants – If your household is homeless, disabled or 60 years of age or older you can use your EBT card to purchase hot, prepared food at some restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program. If eligible, you will receive a notice of approval for this program. To find restaurants that accept EBT cards visit and filter by Restaurant: CalFresh Food Retail Locator.