Quick Answer (2026 Update):
- ✅ 1 person: Up to $2,610/month gross income
- ✅ 2 people: Up to $3,526/month
- ✅ 3 people: Up to $4,442/month
- ✅ 4 people: Up to $5,360/month
Need help buying groceries? CalFresh (California’s SNAP program) gives monthly funds on an EBT card to buy food.
Use our 2026 updated CalFresh calculator to see your exact benefit amount.
Here’s how to see if you qualify.
Page Contents
- 1 2026 CalFresh Income Limits (Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026)
- 2 🧾 CalFresh Benefit Amounts 2026
- 3 💰 Standard Deductions 2026
- 4 ⚡ Utility and Shelter Deductions 2026
- 5 🏦 Resource (Asset) Limits
- 6 📊 Income Reporting Threshold (130% FPL)
- 7 🔔 Key 2026 Policy Changes
- 8 📅 Implementation Timeline
- 9 Who Qualifies for CalFresh in California?
- 10 Latest CalFresh FAQs 2026
- 10.1 What is the income limit for CalFresh in California 2026?
- 10.2 How much money do you get from CalFresh per month in California?
- 10.3 Does Social Security count as income for CalFresh?
- 10.4 Can college students get CalFresh in California?
- 10.5 What assets disqualify you from CalFresh?
- 10.6 How often do CalFresh income limits change in California?
- 11 How to Apply for CalFresh in California
- 12 🌾 Final Takeaway
2026 CalFresh Income Limits (Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026)
California uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) — meaning most households can qualify with income up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income (200% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,610 |
| 2 | $3,526 |
| 3 | $4,442 |
| 4 | $5,360 |
| 5 | $6,276 |
| 6 | $7,192 |
| 7 | $8,110 |
| 8 | $9,026 |
| Each Additional | +$918 |
Net Monthly Income Limits (100% FPL) — used after deductions:
| Household Size | Maximum Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,305 |
| 2 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $2,680 |
| 5 | $3,138 |
| 6 | $3,596 |
| 7 | $4,055 |
| 8 | $4,513 |
| Each Additional | +$459 |
🧾 CalFresh Benefit Amounts 2026
Here’s how much you can get each month based on household size and income.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit | Change from 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $298 | +$6 |
| 2 | $546 | +$10 |
| 3 | $785 | — |
| 4 | $994 | — |
| 5 | $1,183 | — |
| 6 | $1,421 | — |
| 7 | $1,571 | — |
| 8 | $1,789 | — |
| Each Additional | +$218 | — |
💡 Minimum benefit: $24 per month for 1–2 person households.
💰 Standard Deductions 2026
These deductions help lower your countable income:
| Household Size | Standard Deduction |
|---|---|
| 1–3 persons | $209 |
| 4 persons | $223 |
| 5 persons | $261 |
| 6+ persons | $299 |
⚡ Utility and Shelter Deductions 2026
- Standard Utility Allowance (SUA): $663
- Limited Utility Allowance (LUA): $170
- Telephone Utility Allowance (TUA): $20
- Max Shelter Deduction: $744 (no limit if elderly/disabled)
- Homeless Shelter Deduction: $198.99
🏦 Resource (Asset) Limits
- Regular households: $3,000
- Elderly/disabled households: $4,500
💬 Most CalFresh households don’t need to verify assets, unless they include an elderly or disabled member.
📊 Income Reporting Threshold (130% FPL)
You must report to your county when your gross income exceeds 130% FPL:
| Household Size | Income Threshold |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,696 |
| 2 | $2,292 |
| 3 | $2,888 |
| 4 | $3,483 |
| 5 | $4,079 |
| 6 | $4,675 |
| 7 | $5,271 |
| 8 | $5,867 |
| Each Additional | +$596 |
🔔 Key 2026 Policy Changes
- New Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) Rule:
Under H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21) signed July 4, 2025, SNAP benefits must now be cost-neutral — meaning future benefit increases will be limited.
The next TFP update cannot occur before October 2027. - ABAWD Work Rules:
Able-bodied adults aged 18–52 without dependents must work or train 20+ hours per week to continue benefits past 3 months in 3 years. - Elderly/Disabled Exemption:
Households with elderly (60+) or disabled members are exempt from the gross income test but must meet a 165% FPL net income standard.
📅 Implementation Timeline
- COLA updates applied: Sept 13–16, 2025
- County notices sent: by Oct 1, 2025
- New limits effective: Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026
Who Qualifies for CalFresh in California?
Basic CalFresh requirements:
- Live in California
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- Meet income limits above
- Own less than $3,000 in assets ($4,500 if over 60 or disabled)
- Provide Social Security number
Work requirements: Healthy adults 18-54 without dependents must work 20+ hours weekly or participate in training.
Latest CalFresh FAQs 2026
What is the income limit for CalFresh in California 2026?
A 1-person household can earn up to $2,610/month gross. Each extra person adds $918.
How much money do you get from CalFresh per month in California?
From $24 up to $1,789 depending on your family size and income.
Does Social Security count as income for CalFresh?
Yes, Social Security benefits count as income for CalFresh eligibility. All Social Security payments are included in your gross monthly income calculation. However, you can still qualify if your total income stays within the limits.
Can college students get CalFresh in California?
College students can get CalFresh if they work 20+ hours weekly, care for dependents, or meet exemptions. Most full-time students without work don’t qualify. Students in work-study programs or receiving TANF may be eligible.
What assets disqualify you from CalFresh?
You cannot have more than $3,000 in countable assets for CalFresh ($4,500 if elderly or disabled). Bank accounts, cash, and vehicles over $15,000 count as assets. Your home, household items, and retirement accounts don’t count.
How often do CalFresh income limits change in California?
CalFresh income limits change every October 1st based on federal poverty guidelines. The limits usually increase annually to adjust for cost of living. California follows the same schedule as all other states for these updates.
How to Apply for CalFresh in California
Three ways to apply:
- Online: GetCalFresh.org or learn and apply sandiegocounty.gov (fastest)
- Phone: 1-877-847-3663
- In person: Local county office
Required documents:
- ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Pay stubs from last 30 days
- Bank statements
- Rent/utility bills
- Social Security numbers for all household members
Processing time: 30 days for regular applications, 7 days for emergency cases.
🌾 Final Takeaway
The 2026 CalFresh income limits are more generous than ever — especially with California’s 200% FPL rule.
If your family struggles to afford groceries, apply today at GetCalFresh.org.
You could qualify for hundreds of dollars per month to buy healthy food.
