In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
 

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Publication 13 describes your rights and offers instructions on how to file a civil rights complaint.  The information in the PUB 13 pamphlet is for individuals applying for, receiving, and who have received public assistance and/or services.

Pub 13 English

PUB 13 (Large Print) English

PUB 13 (Translations):

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Your Rights Under California Public Benefits Programs (English Audio)

English Transcript
 

Yes, there are special rules and deductions for older adults (people 60 years or older) and people with disabilities. These can include out-of-pocket medical expenses such as prescriptions, health insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, health care supplies, etc.

You may be able to qualify for CalFresh if you are in college. Even if you do not qualify, others in your household may. For more information on applying for CalFresh as a student see the BenefitsCal Student Center. https://benefitscal.com/StudentCenter/Home

You may qualify for CalFresh whether you're unemployed short-term or long-term, or even if you're earning a small income. In fact, many CalFresh recipients work part-time jobs in areas like food service, ridesharing, dog walking, and other similar roles.

People who live together and purchase food and prepare meals together are grouped as a "household". Husbands and wives and their children under age 22 must be one household.

CalFresh is for eligible individuals & families including older adults. 


 

All CalFresh applications must be processed as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) calendar days following the date the application was filed. 
 

An “unaccompanied youth” term to describe a minor (under age 18) who is living separately from his/her parents or guardians. Unaccompanied youth may be living with others (such as friends) or maybe be homeless or couch surfing. 

Since the CalFresh Program does not have an age requirement, as long as a youth/child is under 18 years, she/he may be able to apply for the CalFresh Program. An “Unaccompanied Youth” can apply for CalFresh on his/her own, when he/she:
 

• Is not living in same home as his/her parents.
• Is living where no adult has parental control/authority over him/her.
• Is determined to be “purchasing, preparing and eating food separately from others.
• Is not in Foster Care.

Note: If the unaccompanied youth is sharing food and meals with the family or group of people that he/she is living with, then the youth will need to apply for CalFresh with that “household".

CalFresh Expedited Service means you can get your CalFresh in three (3) days if you are eligible by meeting special expedited criteria.  Ask your worker if you are eligible for expedited services.