WIC and CalFresh are two separate government assistance programs available in California that provide financial and nutritional support to eligible individuals and families. WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is designed to improve the health of pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under the age of five. CalFresh, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides monthly food benefits to low-income households to help them purchase healthy food. Individuals and families can apply for and receive benefits from both programs if they meet the eligibility criteria, allowing them to access a broader range of support and resources to meet their nutritional needs.
WIC and CalFresh Eligibility Requirements
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps) are two separate government programs that provide food assistance to low-income individuals and families. WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of 5. CalFresh provides monthly cash benefits to help families purchase food.
To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a pregnant woman, a breastfeeding mother, or a child under the age of 5.
- Meet income guidelines. The income guidelines for WIC are based on the federal poverty level. To find out if you qualify, visit the WIC website at www.fns.usda.gov/wic.
- Live in California.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident.
To be eligible for CalFresh, you must meet the following criteria:
- Meet income guidelines. The income guidelines for CalFresh are based on the federal poverty level. To find out if you qualify, visit the CalFresh website at www.cdss.ca.gov/food-assistance/calfresh.
- Live in California.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident.
- Not be receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or State Supplementary Payment (SSP).
If you meet the eligibility criteria for WIC or CalFresh, you can apply for benefits at your local WIC or CalFresh office. The application process is simple, and you will be notified of your eligibility status within a few weeks.
| Household Size | WIC Income Limit | CalFresh Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,010 | $23,340 |
| 2 | $36,440 | $30,405 |
| 3 | $44,870 | $37,470 |
| 4 | $53,300 | $44,535 |
| 5 | $61,730 | $51,600 |
| 6 | $70,160 | $58,665 |
| 7 | $78,590 | $65,730 |
| 8 | $87,020 | $72,795 |
CalFresh Benefits and Coverage
CalFresh, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), offers a range of benefits and coverage:
- Food and Grocery Purchases: CalFresh provides monthly benefits that can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized stores, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and bread.
- Amount of Benefits: The amount of benefits received depends on household size, income, and deductions. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used like a debit card at participating retailers.
- Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for CalFresh, individuals and families must meet certain income and asset limits, be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens, and have a valid Social Security number.
- Additional Support Services: CalFresh provides access to nutrition education and other support services to help individuals and families improve their health and well-being.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $281 |
| 2 People | $459 |
| 3 People | $658 |
| 4 People | $835 |
| 5 People | $992 |
| 6 People | $1,149 |
| 7 People | $1,306 |
| 8 People | $1,463 |
Verifying Income and Household Size
When applying for WIC and CalFresh, it is crucial to provide accurate information about your income and household size. This information is used to determine your eligibility and benefit level.
- Income Verification: You will need to provide proof of your income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements.
- Household Size Verification: You will need to provide proof of the number of people in your household, such as birth certificates, school records, or utility bills.
The following table summarizes the types of documents that can be used to verify your income and household size:
| Document Type | Income Verification | Household Size Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Pay Stubs | Yes | No |
| Tax Returns | Yes | Yes (if dependents are listed) |
| Bank Statements | Yes | No |
| Birth Certificates | No | Yes |
| School Records | No | Yes |
| Utility Bills | No | Yes |
Eligibility for WIC and Calfresh
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and Calfresh (California Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are two distinct government programs that offer food assistance to eligible individuals.
Applying for Both Programs Simultaneously
Individuals can apply for both WIC and Calfresh simultaneously. Here’s how:
- Contact your local WIC agency: Find the WIC clinic nearest to you and schedule an appointment to apply.
- Complete the WIC application: Bring the required documents to the appointment and fill out the WIC application.
- Get a Calfresh application: You can request a Calfresh application from your local WIC agency or apply online at benefits.dss.ca.gov.
- Submit your Calfresh application: Mail or drop off your completed Calfresh application to your local Calfresh office.
Benefits of Each Program
- WIC: Provides food vouchers, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and other services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5.
- Calfresh: Offers a monthly payment that can be used to purchase food at authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
Eligibility Criteria
| Program | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| WIC | Must be pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a child under age 5; meet income guidelines; and live in California. |
| Calfresh | Must meet income guidelines; be a resident of California; and be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen. |
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