CalFresh (California SNAP): 2026 Guide to Food Assistance, Income & Allotments

CalFresh is California's implementation of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. The program provides monthly electronic funds that low-income individuals and families can use to purchase fresh groceries, produce, dairy, bread, and seeds at participating grocery stores, farmers' markets, and online retailers (including Amazon and Walmart). Funded primarily by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service and administered at the state level by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), CalFresh benefits are delivered through local County Social Services agencies across California's 58 counties. Under California's Modified Categorical Eligibility (MCE) policy, most households are evaluated under a gross income ceiling of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and do not face a traditional asset test (such as vehicle equity or bank savings limits). Benefit amounts are deposited on a predictable monthly date onto the Golden State Advantage EBT card based on the last digit of the case number.