Quick answer:
If your household earns at or below these amounts, you likely qualify for CalFresh in California. These limits cover October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
2026 CalFresh Gross Monthly Income Limits (200% of the Federal Poverty Level):
- 1 person: $2,610/month
- 2 people: $3,526/month
- 3 people: $4,442/month
- 4 people: $5,360/month
Even if your income is a little higher than these numbers, you may still qualify. CalFresh subtracts rent, utilities, and some other costs before making a final decision.
Households with a member who is 60 or older, or who has a disability, follow different income rules.
Want your exact benefit amount? Use our free California CalFresh calculator to see what you could get.
Source: California Department of Social Services, 2025–2026 CalFresh Income & Eligibility Limits (FFY2026), effective October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.
Next Update Notice
📅 Next income limit update: October 1, 2026
These numbers stay in effect through September 30, 2026. CDSS usually releases new limits in September, right before the reset. We check for the update and revise this page the same week the new figures come out.
2026 CalFresh Income Limits by Household Size (Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026)
Your household size decides your income limit. CalFresh checks two numbers: your gross income and your net income. Both matter.
Gross income is what you earn before any deductions. Net income is what’s left after CalFresh subtracts things like rent and utilities. You must pass the gross test first. Then CalFresh checks your net income to set your benefit amount.
Gross Monthly Income Limits (200% of the Federal Poverty Level)
Most California households qualify under a rule called Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), known in California as Modified Categorical Eligibility (MCE).
It raises the gross income limit to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). That’s higher than the 130% FPL limit used in many other states.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 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 person | +$918 |
Net Monthly Income Limits (100% of the Federal Poverty Level)
After you pass the gross income test, CalFresh looks at your net income. This is your income after allowed deductions. Your net income must fall at or below 100% of the FPL.
| Household Size | Net Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 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 person | +$459 |
Why the Limits Change Every Year
These numbers come from the Federal Poverty Level, which the government updates each year for inflation. Benefit amounts are also tied to the Thrifty Food Plan, a USDA estimate of what it costs to eat a basic, healthy diet. When either number changes, CalFresh limits change too.
The current limits run through September 30, 2026. New limits start October 1, 2026.
Not sure where your household lands? Plug in your numbers with our free California CalFresh calculator to get an exact estimate in a few clicks.
How CalFresh’s 200% FPL Compares to Standard SNAP’s 130% FPL
Not every state sets the same income limit. The federal SNAP rule allows states to raise it through a program called Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE).
California uses BBCE to set its limit at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. That’s the highest limit allowed under federal law.
Some states stick closer to the federal floor. Texas, for example, uses 130% FPL. A single person there can earn up to $1,696 a month for SNAP.
In California, that same person can earn up to $2,610 a month for CalFresh. See the full Texas SNAP income limits for comparison.
CalFresh Benefit Amounts by Household Size
Your CalFresh payment depends on your household size and countable net income. The amounts below are the maximum monthly CalFresh benefits for the current benefit year.
Most households receive less than the maximum. CalFresh subtracts part of your countable net income when calculating your monthly food benefit.
| People in household | Maximum monthly CalFresh benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
| Each additional person | Add $218 |
For example, a family of four can receive up to $994 per month in CalFresh. A one-person household can receive up to $298 per month.[cdss.ca]
If an eligible one-person or two-person household qualifies for only a small benefit, the minimum monthly SNAP benefit is generally $24 in California for this benefit year.[usda]
Your benefit amount may be lower than the maximum. It depends on your income, rent, utilities, child care costs, and other allowed deductions.
Estimate your California SNAP benefit
Source for both the income-limit and maximum-benefit tables: California Department of Social Services, 2025–2026 CalFresh Income & Eligibility Limits. The current amounts apply from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.[cdss.ca]
Real Examples: How CalFresh Income Limits Work in Practice
These examples show how CalFresh may look at income. They are simplified examples, not a county eligibility decision.
Your actual result can change based on your pay type, household members, rent, utilities, child care, medical expenses, and other deductions.
Example 1: Single adult earning $2,400 per month
A one-person household earns $2,400 per month from work.
- Gross income: $2,400
- Gross-income limit for one person: $2,610
- Result: The household passes the gross-income test.
CalFresh then looks at allowed deductions. A working household may receive an earned-income deduction and a standard deduction.
With only the basic work and standard deductions, this person’s estimated net income could still be above the $1,305 net-income limit. They may not qualify unless they also have deductions such as qualifying rent, utility, child care, or other costs.
Example 2: Family of four earning $4,800 per month
A family of four earns $4,800 per month from work. They also have high rent and utility costs.
- Gross income: $4,800
- Gross-income limit for four people: $5,360
- Result: The family passes the gross-income test.
CalFresh can subtract the earned-income deduction and standard deduction. It may also allow an excess shelter deduction when qualifying housing and utility costs are high enough.
However, for most households without an elderly or disabled member, the FY 2026 excess shelter deduction is capped at $744 per month. With $4,800 in earned income, the family may still be above the $2,680 net-income limit after basic deductions and the maximum shelter deduction.
This family may qualify if it also has other allowed deductions, such as child care expenses. The final result depends on the full household budget.[congress]
Example 3: Senior receiving SSI
A senior lives alone and receives $994 per month in SSI. That is the maximum federal SSI payment for an eligible individual in 2026.[ssa]
- Gross income: $994 from SSI
- Gross-income limit: Seniors are not subject to the CalFresh gross-income test.
- Net-income limit for one person: $1,305
- Result: The senior may qualify because their income is below the net-income limit.
The senior may receive more CalFresh if they have qualifying medical costs or high shelter expenses. Households with a member age 60 or older or with a disability can use certain medical deductions. They also may not face the usual excess-shelter deduction cap.[congress][calfresh.dss.ca]
A person with zero countable net income could receive the one-person maximum of $298 per month. A county will calculate the actual benefit amount.[cdss.ca]
→ See the full income-counting and deduction rules for less common income types and special exceptions.
What Counts as Income for CalFresh
CalFresh looks at money coming into your household. Most regular income counts toward your monthly CalFresh budget.
Income that usually counts:
- Wages, salary, tips, and other job income
- Self-employment income
- Social Security, SSI, SSDI, pensions, and disability benefits
- Unemployment benefits
- Child support you receive
Income that may not count:
- Earned Income Tax Credit payments and many income-tax refunds
- LIHEAP and certain other energy-assistance payments
- Some education-related aid, scholarships, grants, and reimbursements
- Certain CalWORKs vendor payments, such as qualifying child care, medical, energy, or housing assistance paid directly to a provider
Social Security and SSI generally count as unearned income when CalFresh calculates your benefits. However, households with a member age 60 or older or with a disability may be evaluated under different income-test rules.cdss.ca+1
→ See the full income-counting and deduction rules for less common income types and special exceptions.
Deductions That Lower Your Countable Income
Your gross income is not your final CalFresh income amount. CalFresh subtracts certain allowed costs before calculating countable net income.
Standard deduction for FY 2026:
| Household size | Monthly standard deduction |
|---|---|
| 1–3 people | $209 |
| 4 people | $223 |
| 5 people | $261 |
| 6 or more people | $299 |
Other key deductions:
- 20% earned-income deduction: CalFresh subtracts 20% of earned income from wages and self-employment income.
- Excess shelter deduction: Rent, mortgage, and eligible utility costs may reduce countable income when they exceed half of your adjusted income. The deduction is capped at $744 per month for most households.
- Medical expense deduction: Household members age 60 or older or with a disability can deduct qualifying unreimbursed medical expenses above $35 per month.
- Dependent-care deduction: Qualifying child care or adult-care costs needed for work, training, or school can lower countable income.
The $744 shelter cap does not apply if your household includes a member age 60 or older or with a disability.cdss.ca+2
These deductions can lower your countable income and may increase your monthly CalFresh benefit.
→ See the full CalFresh deduction breakdown, including dependent-care, shelter, medical, and child-support rules.
Asset & Resource Limits: What Actually Counts
Most CalFresh households in California do not have an asset limit. This means savings, vehicles, and other property usually do not affect eligibility for households that qualify for Modified Categorical Eligibility (MCE).
MCE is California’s version of Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, or BBCE. Most households with gross income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level can receive MCE status and are not subject to the usual CalFresh resource test.cdss.ca+1
A resource test may apply when a household cannot receive MCE. This can include:
- A household with a member age 60 or older or with a disability whose income is above the MCE limit
- A household affected by an intentional program violation disqualification
- Certain households with reporting, sanction, or overpayment issues
If a resource test applies, the current limits are:
| Household type | Countable resource limit |
|---|---|
| Most households subject to the resource test | $3,000 |
| Household with a member age 60+ or with a disability | $4,500 |
Cash, checking accounts, savings accounts, stocks, and bonds may count as resources when an asset test applies. Your home and many personal belongings generally do not count. Vehicle treatment can depend on the household’s circumstances.cdss.ca+1
If you are unsure whether an asset test applies, ask your county eligibility worker before assuming that savings or a vehicle will disqualify you.
Special Income Rules for Seniors, Disabled Individuals, and SSI Recipients
CalFresh has special rules for households with a member age 60 or older or with a disability.
These households may have different gross-income, net-income, shelter, and medical-deduction rules. Do not assume the regular gross-income chart applies the same way to every senior or disabled household. Household size and other eligibility details matter.mchaccess
Older and disabled households can deduct qualifying unreimbursed medical expenses above $35 per month. They can also receive the full eligible excess-shelter deduction without the usual shelter-deduction cap. High rent, mortgage, utility, and medical costs may lower countable income.cdss.ca+2
People who receive SSI may apply for CalFresh in California. SSI does not automatically guarantee approval, but receiving SSI does not prevent someone from applying. The county reviews income, household size, expenses, and other eligibility rule.
When Do CalFresh Income Limits Change?
CalFresh income limits usually change every year on October 1. The new limits apply for the federal fiscal year, which runs from October 1 through September 30.
SNAP income standards are updated each year under federal rules. Maximum CalFresh benefit amounts are tied to the USDA Thrifty Food Plan. Income standards and deductions are also updated for the new benefit year.usda+1
Here is how California’s 200% FPL gross-income limit has changed:
| Federal fiscal year | 1-person gross monthly limit | 4-person gross monthly limit |
|---|---|---|
| FFY 2024: October 2023–September 2024 | $2,430 | $5,000 |
| FFY 2025: October 2024–September 2025 | $2,510 | $5,200 |
| FFY 2026: October 2025–September 2026 | $2,610 | $5,360 |
The limits increased during each of these three benefit years. However, future changes are not guaranteed. Limits can rise, stay the same, or change differently based on federal annual updates and California policy.cdss.ca+1
Next change date: October 1, 2026. USDA has already released FY 2027 federal SNAP standards. CDSS should publish California’s FFY 2027 CalFresh income insert before the new California figures are added to this page.usda
Editorial update note: Replace the FY 2026 table only after CDSS confirms the California-specific limits. If California continues its 200% FPL Modified Categorical Eligibility policy, the federal FY 2027 net-income standard is $1,330 for one person and $2,750 for four people; a CDSS publication is still the best source for the final California gross-income table.usda
CalFresh vs. Medi-Cal Income Limits: Can You Qualify for Both?
CalFresh and Medi-Cal use different eligibility rules. You may qualify for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, both programs, or neither program.
For most California adults ages 19 through 64, Medi-Cal uses a Modified Adjusted Gross Income, or MAGI, limit of up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. The DHCS 2026 eligibility chart lists an annual limit of $21,597 for one person and $44,367 for a family of four.dhcs.ca+1
CalFresh can use a higher gross-income screen for many households. California’s current CalFresh gross-income limit is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level: $2,610 per month for one person and $5,360 per month for four people through September 30, 2026.cdss.ca
Children and pregnant people can qualify for Medi-Cal at higher income levels than the standard adult Medi-Cal group. Eligibility can also depend on age, pregnancy, disability status, Medicare coverage, immigration category, household composition, and other program rules.cdss.ca
This means a household may qualify for CalFresh but not Medi-Cal. Another household may qualify for Medi-Cal but not CalFresh. It is worth checking both programs.
→ See full Medi-Cal income limits for California
→ Try the Medi-Cal calculator
California residents can use BenefitsCal to apply for CalFresh and start a Medi-Cal application. The county reviews each program separately and makes the final decision.
How to Apply for CalFresh in California
If you think you may qualify for CalFresh, you can apply today. Do not assume you are ineligible just because your income is close to, or slightly above, the gross-income chart.
The fastest way to apply is online through BenefitsCal. You can also begin an application through GetCalFresh, call the CalFresh Benefits Helpline at 1-877-847-3663, or apply in person at your local county social services office.
A county may take up to 30 days to process a regular CalFresh application. If you have very low income and little or no money available, you may qualify for expedited service and receive benefits within three calendar days.
You may qualify for expedited CalFresh if one of these situations applies:
- Your household’s monthly gross income is under $150, and you have $100 or less in cash, checking, and savings.
- Your monthly rent or mortgage plus utilities are more than your monthly gross income and available cash.
- You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker household with very limited cash and limited expected income.
→ See the full step-by-step CalFresh application guide for required documents and what to expect during your interview.
CalFresh Income Limits FAQs
What is the CalFresh income limit for a household of 1, 2, 3, or 4 in 2026?
For the current federal fiscal year, which runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, California’s gross monthly CalFresh income limits are:
Household size
Gross monthly income limit
1 person
$2,610
2 people
$3,526
3 people
$4,442
4 people
$5,360
These are California’s current 200% Federal Poverty Level gross-income limits for many CalFresh households.
Does CalFresh check my savings account or assets?
Most California CalFresh households do not face an asset test because of Modified Categorical Eligibility. However, a resource test can apply in certain situations, including some households with an older or disabled member whose income is above the Modified Categorical Eligibility limit.
If an asset test applies, countable resources are generally limited to $3,000 for most households or $4,500 for a household with a member age 60 or older or with a disability.
What is the difference between gross and net income for CalFresh?
Gross income is your household’s income before taxes and CalFresh deductions.
Net income is the amount left after CalFresh applies allowed deductions. These can include the standard deduction, the 20% earned-income deduction, qualifying dependent-care costs, medical costs for an eligible older or disabled member, and some shelter costs.
I am just over the income limit. Can deductions still help me qualify?
They may. Deductions can reduce your countable net income and may affect both eligibility and your monthly CalFresh amount.
Do not rely only on the gross-income chart. Apply or use a benefit estimator if your income is near the limit, especially if you pay rent, utilities, child care, or qualifying medical expenses. The county makes the final eligibility decision.
Does child support I pay reduce my countable income?
It can. California may deduct legally obligated child-support payments, including qualifying arrears, when a household member pays the support to or for someone who does not live in the CalFresh household.
The payment must be legally required. Spousal-support payments do not receive the same CalFresh treatment.
Do CalFresh income limits vary by county in California?
No. California’s statewide CalFresh income standards do not vary by county. The limits are based on federal SNAP standards and California’s statewide eligibility policies.
Counties administer CalFresh applications and make household-specific eligibility decisions, but they do not set separate county income-limit charts.
When will the 2026–2027 CalFresh income limits be released?
The next federal fiscal-year limits take effect on October 1, 2026. USDA published the FY 2027 federal SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustment memo on August 21, 2026.
Before publishing a new California CalFresh chart, verify the figures in CDSS’s FFY 2027 CalFresh income insert. The current CDSS chart on this page remains effective through September 30, 2026.
Final takeaway
California’s CalFresh gross-income limits are higher than the standard federal SNAP chart for many households. For the current benefit year, a one-person household can have gross monthly income up to $2,610, while a four-person household can have up to $5,360.
Income limits are only the first step. Rent, utilities, child care, legally obligated child support, and qualifying medical costs can lower countable income. If your household is close to the limit, applying is often worthwhile.
Check your exact benefit amount with the free California CalFresh calculator →
This page is for informational purposes only. It is not affiliated with the USDA, the California Department of Social Services, or any California county. A county CalFresh office makes the official eligibility decision.
Last verified:Â September 2, 2026. The income-limit table was verified against the CDSS FFY 2026 income insert, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.
Sources and Methodology
This guide uses current California and federal government sources. Income limits, benefit amounts, deductions, and eligibility rules can change each federal fiscal year.
The current CalFresh income and benefit figures on this page apply from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.[cdss.ca]
Primary sources
- California Department of Social Services: 2025–2026 CalFresh Income & Eligibility Limits
Source for California’s FY 2026 gross-income limits, net-income limits, maximum monthly CalFresh allotments, and effective dates.[cdss.ca] - USDA Food and Nutrition Service: FY 2026 SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustment Memo
Source for federal FY 2026 SNAP maximum allotments, income standards, deductions, resource limits, and related annual adjustments.[usda] - California Department of Social Services: CalFresh Eligibility
Source for California CalFresh eligibility information, household rules, and income guidance.[calfresh.dss.ca] - California Department of Social Services: CalFresh Rights and Responsibilities
Source for expedited CalFresh service rules, including when eligible households can receive benefits within three days.[cdss.ca] - California Department of Social Services: CalFresh Application Form
Source for the standard application-processing timeframe, expedited-service criteria, and required application information.[cdss.ca] - California Department of Social Services: Modified Categorical Eligibility, All County Letter 14-56
Source for California’s Modified Categorical Eligibility policy, also called MCE, which affects many households’ gross-income and resource rules.[cdss.ca] - California Department of Social Services: CalFresh Income Regulations
Source for rules on earned income, unearned income, income exclusions, and countable income.[cdss.ca] - California Department of Social Services: CalFresh Deduction Regulations
Source for shelter, medical, dependent-care, and other CalFresh deductions.[cdss.ca] - California Department of Social Services: SSI/SSP Recipients and CalFresh
Source for California rules allowing SSI/SSP recipients to apply for CalFresh.[cdss.ca] - California Department of Health Care Services: Medi-Cal Eligibility by Federal Poverty Level
Source for California Medi-Cal income eligibility categories and Federal Poverty Level guidelines.[dhcs.ca] - USDA Food and Nutrition Service: FY 2027 SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustments
Source for federal SNAP changes beginning October 1, 2026. California-specific CalFresh figures should be confirmed through the next CDSS income insert before publishing an FFY 2027 California table.[usda]
How this page is updated
This page should be reviewed:
- When CDSS publishes a new CalFresh income insert.
- Before October 1 each year, when the next federal fiscal year begins.
- When USDA publishes annual SNAP Cost-of-Living Adjustment information.
- When California changes CalFresh eligibility, deductions, resource, reporting, or work-rule policies.
- When DHCS updates Medi-Cal income guidelines.
Last verified: September 2, 2026.
Important: This article is an informational guide. It does not replace an official eligibility decision from a California county social services office. Income, household composition, deductions, immigration status, disability status, and other facts can affect CalFresh eligibility.
