CalFresh

CalFresh (formerly called Food Stamps, and known nationally as SNAP) helps people buy healthy food. Each month, you’ll get benefits loaded onto an EBT card, which works like a debit card. You can use it at many grocery stores and markets to buy most types of food.

The program is run by the USDA at the federal level, the California Department of Social Services at the state level, and your local county office. CalFresh helps individuals and families afford enough healthy food to meet their needs.

Ways to Apply

You can apply in several ways:

Online

Apply from anywhere using our secure website. Create an account or sign in, fill out the form, and send it online.

Go to BenefitsCal.com

You can ask for a paper copy of anything you submit online. Just let your worker know.

In Person

Pick up or turn in an application at our office. You can give it to the receptionist, drop it in the indoor drop box during business hours, or use the outside drop box after hours.

Main Office
1290 Tavern Rd, Suite 229
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Phone

Call us to have an application mailed to you or to get directions to our office.

Customer Service: 760-924-1770

Mail / Fax

Fill out and sign your application, then send it to us.

Mail: P.O. Box 2969, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Fax: 760-924-5431

Apply as soon as you can. You only need to give your name, address, and signature to get started. If you qualify for emergency CalFresh, you may get benefits within 3 days. Ask a worker if you think you might be eligible for faster service.

Applications can also be dropped in county office drop boxes, faxed to 760-924-5431, or mailed to P.O. Box 2969, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546.

CalFresh Application (English) | CalFresh Application (Español)

Who May Qualify

You may be able to get CalFresh if you are:

A U.S. citizen
Most immigrants with Legal Permanent Resident status

Income limits change every October. Even if you were denied before, you should check the new limits—your income might now qualify.

Most households can earn up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and still qualify, thanks to a rule called Modified Categorical Eligibility (MCE). Some households must meet a lower limit of 130% of the FPL.

Gross Monthly Income Limits
(October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025)

1 — $2,510
2 — $3,408
3 — $4,304
4 — $5,200
5 — $6,098
6 — $6,994
7 — $7,890
8 — $8,788
Each extra person + $898

Eat Fresh

EatFresh.org is a fun and easy-to-use site that offers:

Recipes you can search by ingredient
Slow cooker and microwave recipes
“Ask a Dietitian” – submit questions and get answers
Nutrition and healthy lifestyle tips
Ways to share or print recipes
Discussion boards about food and cooking
Farmers’ market locations that take EBT
Food pantry locations in your county

Disaster CalFresh

Disaster CalFresh (D-CalFresh) helps people get food after certain natural disasters like floods, fires, or earthquakes. Benefits are added to an EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores. This program is only available when:

The President declares the area eligible for disaster assistance
Food supply chains have been disrupted and then restored
The State of California is approved to run the program

If you already get CalFresh or are applying for the first time and you were affected by a disaster, you may qualify for extra benefits.

To qualify, you must:

Live or work in the disaster area during the event
Plan to buy food during the benefit period
Have losses or costs from the disaster, such as property damage, loss of income, or extra expenses (including replacing spoiled food)
Meet disaster income limits: see current limits here

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

We follow all federal civil rights laws. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political beliefs, or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be available in Braille, large print, audio, American Sign Language, and other languages. If you have a disability and need communication help, contact the office where you applied. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

To file a complaint, fill out the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form or write a letter with the same details. Send it by:

Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
Fax: 202-690-7442
Email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.