In this section, learn about the new eligibility requirements for CalFresh (SNAP EBT or Food Stamps) for certain immigrants. We've included flyers and handouts in various languages to provide for patients who may be inquiring about public benefits eligibility. For those who do not qualify for CalFresh and other public benefits, we have listed other resources for food and housing insecure families.
CalFresh Eligibility
Beginning April 1, 2026, CalFresh eligibility will end for certain immigrants without Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR, or green card) status including:
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Refugees, asylees, and other certain noncitizens that were previously eligible*. This change impacts new applications starting April 1.
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Households with these immigration statuses that are currently receiving CalFresh will be impacted at their next recertification period, starting for households with recertifications due in April 2026.
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The public charge rule does not apply to anyone who already has a green card, unless they leave the U.S. for more than six months. Getting CalFresh does NOT affect the ability to get citizenship. This is because the public charge test is not a part of the citizenship application process.
*Certain noncitizens losing Federal eligibility may still be eligible for State benefits under the California Food Access Program (CFAP).
SFHSA: Public Benefits for Immigrants →
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Provides information regarding program eligibility depending on immigration status.
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CalFresh Fact Sheet (Effective October 1, 2025)
GetCalFresh created this guide with trusted nonprofit and government partners to answer common questions immigrants may have before applying for CalFresh. This is a free, anonymous immigration tool.
All in For Health: Health Care for All Families→
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CalFresh Work Requirements Fact Sheet (June 2026)
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As of June 1, 2026, CalFresh recipients may have to work or participate in a community engagement activity to qualify for CalFresh, if they are between the ages of 18 and 64 and do not have a disability. Unless recipients are excused from the work requirements, they are limited to 3 months of CalFresh every 36 months (3 years). To continue receiving CalFresh, they will need to meet the CalFresh work requirements.
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English | Spanish | Tagalog | Hmong | Korean | Vietnamese | Traditional Chinese | Punjabi | Arabic | Russian | Ukrainian | Haitian Creole | Dari | Pashto
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FNA USDA
Online Retailers Accepting SNAP EBT →
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Please click on California to see online stores accepting CalFresh
Find Farmers Markets Accepting SNAP EBT →
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To find farmers markets near you, use the SNAP Retailer Locator.
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Enter your address or zip code in the top search bar.
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Filter by "Farmers and Markets" under the "SNAP Store Type Classification" category.
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Click "apply" to see markets in your area accepting SNAP.
SUN Bucks: Summer EBT
SUN Bucks is a food program that will give families $120 per eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. Children who get SUN Bucks can still receive other food programs like CalFresh.
Using Your SUN Bucks
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Each eligible child gets $120 on a SUN Bucks card. Families can use SUN Bucks to buy food at most grocery stores, farmer's markets, and other authorized retailers, including online at stores like Amazon and Walmart.
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SUN Bucks cannot be used for hot foods, pet foods, cleaning or household supplies, personal hygiene items, or medicine.
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You can use SUN Bucks and still get other food assistance programs such as summer meals, CalFresh, and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
SUN Bucks Expire After 122 Days
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Families must use SUN Bucks within 122 days of funds being loaded to the card. Any unused money after 122 days will expire. Expired benefits cannot be replaced or put back on your card.
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If you have CalFresh and SUN Bucks, spend your SUN Bucks benefits first!
Food Assistance Non-Profits
California Food Banks: Find your local food bank here →
CA Food Banks represent 43 food banks dedicated to providing essential nourishment to Californians in need.
Central California Food Bank →
For over 30 years, Central California Food Bank has served ALL neighbors in need—without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or nationality.
If you are in immediate need of food assistance, emergency housing, and financial assistance, please dial 2-1-1 from a phone and speak with someone about services available in your area (2-1-1 is a three-digit dialing code, similar to 4-1-1). Lines are open 24 hours a day. Most but not all areas provide 2-1-1 phone support.
Welfare and Cash Aid
CalWORKs is a welfare program that gives cash aid and services to eligible California families in need. The program serves all 58 counties in the state and is operated locally by county welfare departments.
CDSS: Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) →
Cash aid to elderly, blind, and disabled people who are legally in the country. Recipients must not be able to get Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP) due to immigration status.
CDSS: Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) →
A cash aid program for immigrant groups that aren't eligible for other cash aid programs. This includes refugees. This also includes people who are seeking or have been granted asylum.
CDSS: Trafficking and Crime Victim Assistance Program (TCVAP) →
A cash aid and social services program for those who aren’t citizens and are victims of crime in need of immediate support. You may qualify if one of these applies to you:
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You plan to get a nonimmigrant T-Visa.
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You have applied for a nonimmigrant U-Visa.
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You can show that you have “Continued Presence” from law enforcement.