Human Services Agency of San Francisco

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Most people who are enrolled in CalWORKs or the County Adult Assistance Programs (CAAP) are eligible, but so are other low-income people.

Here are some of the guidelines to help see if you qualify for Food Stamps:

Gross Income

Your monthly gross income (before deductions) must be no more than the following, based on the size of the Food Stamp household:

Household size	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Each addt'l
Monthly income	$1127	$1517	$1907	$2297	$2687	$3077	$3467	$3857	$4247	$390
Maximum benefit	$200	$367	$526	$668	$793	$952	$1052	$1202	$1352	$150

Please note that Food Stamp households where all adults are 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. Also, "maximum benefit" means a benefit for a household with little or no income. The actual benefit will be based on household income and allowable deductions.

Who Must Be included in the Application?

Anyone who eats together.

Also, the following are automatically included:

• Husbands and wives
• Parents
• Children under age 22

Allowable Resources

Your resources (such as bank accounts) must be $2,000 or less in order for you to qualify. If you have an elderly or permanently disabled household member, the limit is $3,000. Automobiles and the home you live in are exempt and not counted for the Food Stamp program. Retirement accounts are also exempt.

Residency

You must be a resident (including a homeless resident) of the county where you apply for Food Stamps.

Noncitizens

Noncitizens who are legal permanent residents can qualify for Food Stamps. Immigration Services does not regard someone receiving Food Stamps to be a "public charge." Some sponsored noncitizens must report their sponsor's income to qualify, unless they are exempt from the sponsorship rules. You can discuss this with an eligibility worker. Also, any noncitizen can withdraw from the Food Stamp application and apply only for other family members. Undocumented parents can apply for their citizen children.

SSI Recipients

SSI recipients are not eligible for Food Stamps.

For more information, download the Food Stamp Fact Sheet, use the USDA's self screening tool to see if you are eligible, or call the Food Stamps call center at (415) 558-1001 to speak with a worker. If you prefer to leave a message for later call back, the number is (415) 558-4186.