SNAP and food help for older adults in California

CalFresh for people 60 and over

CalFresh puts money for food on an EBT card each month. Your county social services office runs it.

Special rules for older adults

Tell your county worker if you are 60 or older. Special rules make it easier for you to qualify.

• Only net income counts. If someone in your home is 60 or older or disabled, you only have to meet the net income limit, after deductions. So the regular income chart may not apply to you.
• SSI/SSP does not stop you. You can get CalFresh even if you get SSI/SSP. Some older papers say SSI recipients cannot get CalFresh. That changed, and the current state brochure says you can.
• Savings, a home and cars are OK. Having savings or retirement accounts does not rule you out on its own.

What can be taken off your income

• Medical costs: If you are 60 or older or disabled, medical costs over $35 a month that insurance does not pay can raise your benefit. Tell your worker and keep your bills.
• Housing costs: For older and disabled households, all shelter costs above half of your income can be taken off, with no cap.

Fewer renewals: the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

California uses ESAP for some older households. Under ESAP:

• You are approved for 36 months. Your county cannot shorten that once it is set.
• The interview at renewal is usually waived.

Ask your county whether your household fits ESAP.

The Restaurant Meals Program

If you are 60 or older, have a disability, or are homeless, you may be able to use CalFresh to buy prepared meals at participating restaurants across the state. This helps if you cannot easily cook. Ask your county social services office whether you qualify and which restaurants take part.

Work rules for ages 60 to 64 (new in 2026)

Since June 1, 2026, adults ages 18 to 64 without children or a disability may face a time limit on CalFresh unless they work, volunteer or train, or qualify for another exemption.

• People 60 and over are still counted as "elderly" for CalFresh, and still get the medical and shelter deductions.
• If you are 60 to 64, your county must check whether another exemption applies to you.
• The time limit stops the month you turn 65. For example, if your 65th birthday is November 15, the rule stops applying on November 1.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

This program, run by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, gives older adults a Farmers' Market Card to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and raw honey from approved farmers.

• Season: You can use the card at approved farmers' markets from June 15 to November 30, 2026.
• How to apply: You must apply in person through your local Area Agency on Aging before the season's benefits begin. Benefits are first come, first served, so apply early.
• Questions: CDFA Office of Grants Administration, 916-214-1381.

How to apply for CalFresh

1. Apply online at BenefitsCal.com, by phone at 1-877-847-3663 (711 Relay for speech or hearing help), or in person at your county social services office.
2. Ask for a phone interview. You may not need to go in person.
3. Tell your worker you are 60 or older, and about your medical bills and housing costs.
4. Decision: If you qualify, you get benefits within 30 days. If your income and savings are very low, you may get them in 3 days or less.

After you apply

• Renewals: ESAP households renew every 36 months, usually without an interview. If your county cannot reach you for a needed screening, it must try to contact you before it takes action. If you then miss a required interview, your renewal can be denied, so answer calls and letters.
• Report changes as your approval notice tells you.
• Appeals: You have 90 days from the notice to ask for a state hearing. Call the State Hearings Division at (800) 743-8525, use the online request at acms.dss.ca.gov, or write to State Hearings Division, P.O. Box 944243, Mail Station 9-17-442, Sacramento, CA 94244-2430.

Things people often miss

• Thinking SSI rules you out. It does not anymore.
• Not reporting medical costs. They can raise your benefit.
• Missing the Senior Farmers' Market sign-up. Cards run out. Apply as soon as your local agency opens sign-ups.
• Not knowing about restaurant meals. If cooking is hard, ask about the Restaurant Meals Program.

Free help

• Area Agencies on Aging: Call 800-510-2020 to find yours. They handle Senior Farmers' Market sign-ups and other local services for older adults.
• HICAP: 1-800-434-0222 for free, confidential Medicare counseling.

See SSI and all benefits in California.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for California agencies

Check what you may qualify for