CalFresh Benefits Available to SSI Recipients – Beginning June 2019

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can get CalFresh benefits beginning June 2019. There is no change or reduction to SSI/SSP payments.

CalFresh is a free nutrition assistance program that helps boost food budgets for low-income individuals and families. Food benefits for one person range between $15 to $192. Benefits are based on your household size, income, and monthly expenses. 

For community partners: Visit our CalFresh Benefits for SSI Recipients - Resources page for the tools to help you serve SSI recipients. 

CalFresh means more money to purchase nutritious food

You can receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card with the CalFresh benefits loaded monthly to:

• Purchase healthy food at most grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and farmers markets. View map.
• Get up to $10 in free, fresh produce when you shop at farmers markets participating in Market Match.
• Buy hot and prepared food at restaurants participating in the Restaurant Meals Program.
• Rollover unused CalFresh benefits from month to month.

Three ways to apply

• Online in minutes at getcalfresh.org: English  |  Español
• In person at one of our service centers: 1235 Mission Street | 1440 Harrison Street | 2 Gough Street
• By phone to get your application started at (415) 558-4700

You may need to provide proof of expenses, such as rent or medical. HSA may be able to help you obtain the required documents. Learn more about benefits and eligibility. 

Due to the high volume of new applicants, you may experience extended wait times at HSA service centers and by phone in May and June. Please consider applying online or call (415) 558-4700 to schedule an in-person appointment. 

Households already receiving CalFresh

You do not need to reapply for CalFresh to add an excluded SSI household member to CalFresh benefits. We will contact you at your next report date. To make the change sooner than at your next report, contact us by phone or in person.

Households required to add an SSI recipient may receive:

• An increase in your current CalFresh food benefits, or
• New state nutrition assistance that helps prevent a decrease or loss of your current CalFresh monthly benefit amount.