CalFresh - Food Assistance

Accessing Services Remotely

  • Visit BenefitsCal.com to apply online, upload documents, renew benefits, or report changes
  • Call 530-265-1340 if you have questions about your case or need to request a new BIC or EBT card
  • Call 1-877-328-9677 to check your EBT balance
  • All Medi-Cal renewals are waived until June 2023 at the earliest. You will receive a renewal packet in the mail when it is time for your renewal - to update your mailing address, please call 530-265-1340
  • Employment Services orientation can be completed online.

How To Apply

You can apply for CalFresh on the BenefitsCal website.

You can also visit any of our offices to apply in person, mail an application to  P.O. Box 1210, Nevada City, CA, 95949, or fax an application to 530-265-9860. The minimum requirements to start an application are your name, address, and signature.

What Is CalFresh?

CalFresh (federally known as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP) is a federally mandated program that provides monthly food benefits to assist low-income households in purchasing the food they need to maintain adequate nutritional levels. 

Access the California Department of Social Services CalFresh Site for more information on the CalFresh program.

CalFresh Benefits

The amount of CalFresh benefits you are eligible for depends on your family size, income, and monthly expenses such as housing, utilities, and child care. The benefits will be loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer card (EBT card) that looks like a regular credit card and can be used at most markets and grocery stores. Learn more about how to get and use your EBT card.

In general, these benefits are for any food or ingredient intended for human consumption. Benefits may also be used to buy seeds to grow your own food. Benefits may not be used for items such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, or paper products.

Who Is Eligible?

US citizens or Legal Permanent Residents may qualify to receive CalFresh benefits. Families and individuals without children can both be eligible for CalFresh. You may be eligible for CalFresh even if you own a home, are homeless, are self-employed, get Social Security, have a job, or don't have a job. 

CalFresh is a low income program -  the gross income limit is 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. However, CalFresh program rules are complex - some income is not countable, and some individuals with income below 200% FPL may not qualify for CalFresh.

If you have a hard time buying enough food for yourself or your family, the best way to find out if you're eligible for CalFresh is to apply online.

EBT Fraud Alert

Be aware of EBT scams - never give you EBT card number or PIN to anyone. The County and State will never call or text you to ask for your EBT card information.

If you get a text message or phone call about your benefits and aren't sure if it's legitimate, do not respond - you can contact Nevada County Social Services directly at (530) 265-1340 to find out if there's anything you need to do.

If you have given your EBT card number or PIN to someone, call (877) 328-9677 right away to change your PIN, report the scam, and file a claim if benefits were stolen.

Nevada County Farmers Markets

Several Nevada County Farmers Markets offer a CalFresh matching program, where you can double your CalFresh dollars up to $10 per market per week.