California CalFresh Calculator 2026
Estimated Monthly CalFresh Benefit
$200
Eligible
Total Gross Income$4,000.00
Calculated Net Income$1,947.00
Gross Income Limit (200% FPL)$4,442.00
Net Income Limit (100% FPL)$2,221.00
Earned Income Deduction$800.00
Standard Deduction$209.00
Medical Deduction$0.00
Shelter Deduction$744.00
Utility Allowance$645.00
Total Deductions$2,053.00
How to Use This Calculator
- Household Members: Enter the total number of people who buy and prepare food together.
- Elderly/Disabled: Select "Yes" if anyone is age 60 or over, or receives disability benefits like SSI or SSDI. This enables important deductions and exempts you from the gross income test.
- Income: Enter all income sources for the entire household before any taxes or deductions are taken out.
- Expenses: Enter monthly costs for dependent care, child support you pay, housing, and utilities. The calculator applies the correct standard utility allowance based on your selection.
- Real-Time Results: The output on the right updates instantly as you enter your information, showing your potential eligibility and benefit amount.
For official rules and to apply online, review the complete CalFresh program guidelines on the CDSS website.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for estimation purposes only and is not a guarantee of benefits. The results are based on the FFY 2026 COLA figures (Oct 1, 2025 - Sep 30, 2026). The final eligibility and benefit amount is determined by your local county human services agency.
California CalFresh FAQ (FY 2026)
What is the income limit for CalFresh in California for 2026?
For Fiscal Year 2026 (Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026), California uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, which sets the gross monthly income limit at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. This is $2,610 for a one-person household, $3,526 for two people, $4,442 for three people, and $5,360 for a family of four. Households must also meet the net income limit (100% of FPL) after deductions are applied.
What is the maximum CalFresh benefit in 2026?
The maximum monthly CalFresh benefit for FY 2026 is $298 for a single person and $994 for a family of four. The benefit for each additional household member is $218.
What are the CalFresh asset limits for FY 2026?
For FY 2026, the asset limit is $4,500 for households with at least one member who is age 60 or older, or is disabled. For other households, the limit is $3,000. However, it's important to know that California does not verify assets for most CalFresh applicants under its eligibility rules.
What are CalFresh deductions and why are they important?
Deductions are expenses subtracted from your gross income to determine your "net income," which helps you qualify for a higher benefit amount. Key deductions for FY 2026 include:
- A 20% deduction from earned income
- A standard deduction of $209 for households of 1-3 people, $223 for 4 people, $261 for 5 people, and $299 for 6+ people
- Utility Allowances, including the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) of $663
- Dependent care and child support payments
- Excess shelter costs above half of adjusted income, up to a maximum of $744 (this cap is waived for elderly/disabled households)
- The homeless shelter deduction of $198.99
What is the minimum CalFresh benefit for FY 2026?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the minimum monthly benefit for eligible households of one or two people is $24. Households with three or more people do not have a set minimum benefit; if their calculated benefit is less than $1, it is rounded to zero.
Can seniors on Social Security get CalFresh?
Yes, absolutely. In California, households with a member aged 60+ or with a disability have special eligibility rules. They are exempt from the 200% gross income test, have a higher asset limit ($4,500), have no cap on their shelter deduction, and can deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35, all of which make it easier to qualify.
How long does it take to get approved for CalFresh?
By law, your local county office must process your CalFresh application within 30 days. If your household has very little income, you may qualify for 'expedited service' and receive your benefits within 3 business days.
What can I buy with CalFresh benefits in California?
You can use CalFresh benefits (via an EBT card) to purchase most food items, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, bread, and cereals. You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food. Benefits cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, pet food, or hot, ready-to-eat foods.