CalFresh (Food Stamps)
CalFresh, formerly known as Food Stamps and known federally as SNAP, can help families and individuals put healthy and nutritious food on the table. CalFresh provides extra funds to help those who are in need each month to buy groceries. With a CalFresh electronic “debit” card (known as EBT) you can buy most foods at many food stores and farmers markets.
The application for CalFresh includes completing eligibility questions that will include forms and an interview with a specialist. Benefits cannot begin until all conditions of eligibility have been verified. The County has up to 30 days to approve or deny the claimant’s application. If certain criteria are met families and individuals may be eligible to Expedited Service and receive benefits within three days of applying.
- Don’t wait to file an application.
- An eligibility specialist can assist you in finishing the application. The minimum requirements to submit an application are: Name, Address, and Signature.
The information on this page is for reference only. Speak to a Human Services staff person for the most up-to-date information.
You may be eligible for CalFresh if you and/or your family:
- Are legal US resident(s)
- Live in Placer County
- Meet the income guidelines of the program
Income Guidelines (October 1 2022 to September 30, 2023)
Use the chart to see if your household’s monthly income, before taxes and other deductions, is under the limit allowed for your household size.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,473 to $2,266 |
| 2 | $1,984 to $3,052 |
| 3 | $2,495 to $3,840 |
| 4 | $3,007 to $4,626 |
| 5 | $3,518 to $5,412 |
| 6 | $4,029 to $6,200 |
Most households may be eligible at the higher amount as long as they meet certain criteria. Gross income limits do not apply to households with an elderly and/or disabled member. Instead the net monthly income limit is used to determine eligibility. Net income is calculated after all allowable deductions are taken.
You can apply for CalFresh in several convenient ways.
Online
By Mail
Access the 5-page application (PDF) and return the completed application to Placer County, by mail at:
P.O. Box 20400
Auburn, CA 95604
By Phone
- 1-888-385-5160
- 916-784-6000
- 530-889-7610
By Fax
- Rocklin - 916-784-6100
- Auburn - 530-889-7608
- Tahoe - 530-546-1912
In Person
- Auburn at Placer County Government Center Office
- North Lake Tahoe at Carnelian Bay Office
- Rocklin Office
- Community organizations that can help you apply
Items to provide include:
- Current wage stubs or other proof of income
- Immigration sponsorship
- Immigration status
- Items that prove your identity
- Social Security Number (SSN) or proof of application for all household members that do not have a SSN
You will be given time following the interview to provide the requested items. If you need help, the county can assist you in obtaining the necessary verification.
Attention:
Options to Access Services
Your safety and the safety of our staff are important to us. All of our office locations are open to the public however, most of your needs can be met online or by phone. We appreciate your help to keep us all safe.
- You do not have to come into our office to apply for benefits.
- You can turn in your verifications online or in the drop boxes located in the front of our buildings 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
- In-person assistance is available Monday through Friday if you are unable to use phone or online options.
For more information on Placer County’s response to the COVID-19/Coronavirus please see the following page https://www.placer.ca.gov/coronavirus
To apply for benefits you may submit an application:
- Online: https://benefitscal.com/
- By Fax- (916) 784-6100
- By Mail- P.O. Box 20400, Auburn CA 95604
To get general benefit information, ask case questions, or speak to an Eligibility Specialist, you may call our Call Center at:
1-888-385-5160
You may also use this number to:
- Request forms
- Request a new BIC or EBT card
- Get benefit information or a status update on your case
- Request an application for benefits
- Add someone to your case
- Change your address
- Help with your BenefitsCal account