Social Services
Social services
Apply through the state-designated BenefitsCal portal; your county welfare department handles the application. Eligibility and required verification depend on your circumstances.
CalFresh is federally mandated and in California, is state-supervised and county-operated.
Official information checked October 14, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 14, 2026
Apply for CalFresh through BenefitsCal — statewide instructions linked to the separately cited county office
CDSS recommends that County Welfare Departments (CWDs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) update their materials and websites to point to www.benefitscal.com to apply and www.getcalfresh.org for general program information and support.
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Read CDSS’s CalWORKs application instructions. Apply using BenefitsCal or contact the welfare office in the county where you live.
There are welfare offices located in each of the 58 California counties. Families may apply for CalWORKs at any office located in the county where they live.
Official information checked October 14, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 14, 2026
CalWORKs application instructions — statewide instructions linked to the separately cited county office
Apply online: BenefitsCal.com or contact Social Services within your local county.
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Local CalFresh programme information from the county benefits agency.
The CFAP expansion is scheduled for October 1, 2027. It is not yet available under the expanded rules.
Official information checked October 15, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 15, 2026
Orange County · Orange — calfresh programme (opens in a new tab)
County calfresh programme introduction / application information
The CalFresh Program is a federal nutrition program that helps eligible, low-income, people purchase the food they need for good health. For most households, CalFresh benefits are only part of their food budget. CalFresh benefits are not cash. Some households must spend some of their own cash along with their CalFresh benefits. Households that are eligible will receive a plastic electronic benefit card (EBT) that can be used at most grocery stores when buying food items.
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Local CalWORKs programme information from the county benefits agency.
Source checked October 15, 2026
Orange County · Orange — calworks programme (opens in a new tab)
County calworks programme introduction / application information
The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program provides cash benefits for the care of children in need when one or both parents are absent, disabled, deceased or unemployed. CalWORKs benefits may be extended to qualifying non-citizens who have a child or children in the home. Non-citizens can include refugees, parolees, victims of trafficking or battered non-citizens. If you are eligible for CalWORKs, you automatically qualify for Medi-Cal and you might qualify for CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps) as well.
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Use the state case portal and your county recertification notice.
Source checked October 15, 2026
California Department of Social Services · Benefits — state-ebt (opens in a new tab)
Quick Links — BenefitsCal Log In
BenefitsCal Log In
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Use the state case portal for your food/cash benefits case.
BenefitsCal is for applying for and managing benefits. Follow the report month and due date on your county notice.
Official information checked October 15, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 15, 2026
California Department of Social Services · Benefits — state-ebt (opens in a new tab)
Quick Links — BenefitsCal Log In
BenefitsCal Log In
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State EBT card guidance and official support contacts.
Call EBT Customer Service at (877) 328-9677 immediately. The reported card is disabled and replacement instructions are provided.
Official information checked October 15, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 15, 2026
California Department of Social Services · Benefits — state-ebt (opens in a new tab)
What Is EBT?
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is the benefit delivery system that allows CalFresh, CalWORKs, and other program recipients to use a card, much like a debit card, to access their food and cash benefits.
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Use the California State Hearings Division entry.
Source checked October 15, 2026
How to request a hearing online
How to Request a Hearing On-Line: Request a Hearing Online
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State guidance; waiver locations and dates are shown separately.
Source checked October 15, 2026
California Department of Social Services · CalFresh / CalWORKs — state-abawd (opens in a new tab)
ABAWD three-month limit and who is subject to it
The ABAWD work requirement is a federal rule. People who are considered ABAWDs can only get 3 full months of CalFresh benefits every 3 years. ABAWDs may get benefits for longer than 3 months if they are working, excused from the work requirement, or are living in a county that is waived from the work requirement. The ABAWD work requirement applies to you if you: Are between the ages of 18 and 64 years old; Do not live in a CalFresh household with a CalFresh household member under 14 years old; Are considered physically and mentally able to work at least 20 hours per week; and Are not excused from the rule.
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Current state household-size reference tables, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
These are maximum monthly food benefits. Your actual benefit depends on household circumstances and may be lower.
Official information checked October 15, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 15, 2026
California Department of Social Services · CalFresh / CalWORKs — state-cola (opens in a new tab)
ACIN I-40-26 — Attachment I, BBCE gross monthly income — 200% of poverty
OCTOBER 1, 2026 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2027 California Monthly Income Eligibility Standards Allotments and Deductions
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