Do you automatically qualify for CalFresh if you have Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Dorothea Cummerata  |  Last update: September 9, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (51 votes)

§§ 273.2(j)(2)(i) and (j)(4).] If anyone in the household gets, or is eligible to get, Medi-Cal, the household is also categorically eligible for CalFresh, provided it has a gross income at or below 200% of the FPL.

Do you qualify for CalFresh if you have Medi-Cal?

“Categorical eligibility” in the CalFresh program has been expanded to include any household getting or eligible to get Medi-Cal (California's name for Medicaid). [See ACL 13-108.]

What disqualifies you from CalFresh?

For most households, the monthly gross income (before payroll deductions) must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level for the household size.

What disqualifies you from getting food stamps?

Some categories of people are not eligible for SNAP regardless of their income or assets, such as individuals who are on strike, all people without a documented immigration status, some students attending college more than half time, certain immigrants with lawful immigration statuses, and certain people with drug- ...

How does CalFresh verify income?

Paper documents

Paper verification means documents like pay stubs, utility bills, a driver's license or an I.D. card for another benefit program.

Got Medi-Cal? Here’s how to keep your coverage

26 related questions found

Do I qualify for food stamps if I make $2000 a month?

Maximum income for food stamps must be at or below 130% of the poverty line. For a family line of three, the poverty line to calculate SNAP benefits for the federal fiscal year 2022 is $1,830 a month. 130% of this number is $2,379 a month, or about $28,550 a year.

How much money can I have in my bank account for CalFresh?

If your resources are below the resource limit ($2,000/$3,250) you will remain eligible for benefits if otherwise eligible.

How does CalFresh determine how much you get?

The amount of CalFresh benefits a household gets depends on how many people are in the household and how much monthly net income remains after taking allowable deductions. [7 C.F.R. § 273.10(d), 273.10(e)(1), 273.10(e)(2)(ii)(A); MPP § 63-502.3 and MPP § 63-503.32.]

Does social security count as income for CalFresh?

SSI/SSP income will count in our CalFresh budgets as unearned income for determining benefits. There is no cap on shelter expenses such as rent and mortgage for these households. Medical deductions paid out-of-pocket can be used to offset income in the budget.

Does CalFresh always do interviews?

To continue receiving CalFresh benefits, an interview must be held each year. During the interview, a worker will discuss the information provided on the CalFresh application.

What other benefits can I get with Medi-Cal?

What are the Medi-Cal Benefits?
  • Outpatient (Ambulatory) services.
  • Emergency services.
  • Hospitalization.
  • Maternity and Newborn care.
  • Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services.
  • Prescription Drugs.
  • Programs such as physical and occupational therapy (known as Rehabilitative & Habilitative Services) and devices.

Is CalFresh the same as EBT?

The CalFresh Program (formerly known as Food Stamps) helps low-income households increase their food-buying power to meet their household's nutritional needs. CalFresh benefits issued through Electronic Benefit Transfer, also known as EBT card, can be used in grocery stores and participating Farmers Markets.

Does Medi-Cal check your income?

Most people who apply for Medi-Cal can find out if they qualify based on their income. For some types of Medi-Cal, people may also need to give information about their assets and property.

What is a livable salary for a single person in California?

But just how much does a single person in California need to make to live comfortably? A new study from Smart Asset determined that a person must make at least $ 89,190 to get by comfortably.

Can you have money in the bank and get low income housing?

If assets are greater than $5,000, the income from those assets must be considered. Since eligibility for this program is based on having an income of less than 80 percent of median income in the area, eligibility would not be affected unless the investment income brought total income over that 80 percent threshold.

Does EBT check your bank account?

Individuals who are applying for food stamps may have $2,250 in countable assets, or up to $3,500 if one member of the household is over the age of 60 or is disabled. These countable assets can include a bank account, but Social Security income, pension plans, and TANF are not counted in this amount.

Does CalFresh check your assets?

MYTH: If I own a car or have a savings account and/or retirement account I will not qualify for CalFresh. FACT: You can own a car, have a savings account and/or retirement account and may still qualify for CalFresh. Basic CalFresh eligibility is usually determined based on income, not assets.

How much food stamps will I get for 1 person in California?

How many CalFresh benefits can you receive? 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.

Why do I only get $23 in food stamps?

Remember: Only about 36% of SNAP households receive the maximum amount. Some one- and two-person households only get $23 per month, which is the minimum possible benefit. Your actual benefit depends on your income, allowable deductions, and household size.

What income is excluded from CalFresh?

Exception: Therapeutic diets and Pregnancy Special Need payments count as unearned income in the CalFresh budget. All work study payments are excluded as income. Earned income received from the Census Bureau for temporary employment related to United States Decennial Census.