Noah Patel
CalFresh is California's version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). CalFresh provides benefits to eligible, low-income households to help them buy food. To qualify for CalFresh, an individual usually cannot make more than $1,473 per month. Households can deduct certain expenses, including shelter costs, from their gross income to determine their net monthly income. Shelter costs include rent, mortgage payments, home association fees, and utility costs. However, it is unclear whether money given specifically for rent reduces CalFresh benefits. While rent is considered a deductible shelter cost, it is unclear if money given for rent is treated as income or a reimbursement, which could impact CalFresh eligibility and benefit amounts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Money given for rent | Considered under shelter costs |
| Includes rent, mortgage payments, home association fees, payments on a mobile home and rent for the space where it is parked, electricity, gas, heating oil, bottled gas, firewood, water, sewage, garbage, taxes and insurance on the house, repairs to the house caused by a fire, flood, storm or other disaster, installation fees for utilities or telephones and the basic charge for one telephone | |
| Calculated based on the bill given to each household | |
| Households can deduct shelter costs from their gross income to determine their net monthly income | |
| Households must provide proof of any money received in the last 30 days | |
| Households can receive CalFresh and unemployment benefits at the same time | |
| Households must declare all sources of income, including money received from family members | |
| Households can receive CalFresh if they have no income and live rent-free, provided they declare themselves as "renting a room" for $0/month and do not share expenses or prepare food together with their landlord |
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What You'll Learn
CalFresh considers rent as a shelter cost
When determining eligibility for CalFresh benefits, rent payments are taken into consideration after a household is deemed eligible. The excess shelter deduction is then calculated, which is the difference between monthly shelter costs and 50% of the adjusted household income. This deduction can be claimed by homeless households, and its value is adjusted annually.
Additionally, households can claim the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) if they have heating or cooling costs separate from their rent or mortgage payments. The SUA is a fixed amount that is not prorated for shared living situations.
To qualify for CalFresh benefits, households can deduct certain expenses, including shelter costs, from their gross income to determine their net monthly income. This allows households to reduce their countable income below the net-income limits and become eligible for benefits.
It is important to note that CalFresh calculates benefits based on ongoing income, not income that has stopped. Therefore, if a household's income has ceased, only the final payments received in the last 30 days will be considered when determining the amount of CalFresh benefits for the first month.
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CalFresh does not consider certain types of income
CalFresh, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps eligible individuals and families with low incomes increase their food-buying power. CalFresh does not consider certain types of income when determining a household's eligibility for benefits.
Firstly, CalFresh does not consider certain types of income as "earned income". This includes reimbursements for past or future expenses, such as work-related costs like travel, clothing, or vehicle use. It also includes reimbursements for medical or dependent care costs. Additionally, income from self-employment business expenses, such as the cost of goods sold or delivered, is not considered. Farmers who are self-employed can deduct farming losses from their income, which is not the case for other business losses.
Secondly, CalFresh excludes certain types of income that are not considered "recurring". This includes one-time payments, such as insurance settlements, security deposit refunds, litigation awards, inheritances, and income tax refunds. It also includes non-recurring payments like diversion payments to prevent a household from entering the CalWORKS program, or homeless assistance program payments.
Thirdly, CalFresh does not consider certain types of income from public benefits programs. This includes CalWORKs (TANF), SSI, and other public assistance programs. However, if a household has been overpaid by these programs in the past and has not intentionally violated the rules to obtain more benefits, this will be considered income.
Fourthly, CalFresh excludes specific types of income related to donations and court orders. For example, contributions from individuals or organizations for a specified purpose, such as a relative donating money for new tires, are not considered income if the household can verify the intended spending. Similarly, payments made directly to a third party due to a court order or legally binding agreement are not counted as income.
Finally, CalFresh does not consider certain types of income related to specific programs or circumstances. This includes Military Combat-Related Pay for deployed military personnel, payments under the California Victims of Crimes Program, and training allowances for the California Department of Rehabilitation training programs. Income from federal and state work-study programs, as well as child or spousal support, is also excluded up to a certain amount. Additionally, households with members who are unemployed can receive CalFresh benefits, as long as their unemployment benefits do not exceed the CalFresh income limits.
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CalFresh benefits are calculated based on income
To qualify for CalFresh benefits, a household must meet certain income criteria. This includes having a combined monthly income and available money that is less than the total monthly rent and utility bills. Additionally, the household must earn less than $150 per month and have less than $100 available at the time of application.
When determining eligibility for CalFresh benefits, certain deductions are allowed to be claimed against gross income to reduce the countable income below the net-income limits. These deductions can include shelter costs, such as rent, mortgage payments, home association fees, and utility costs. The Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) is a fixed amount adjusted annually for households with separate heating or cooling costs from their rent or mortgage payments.
It's important to note that some types of income are not considered when calculating CalFresh benefits. These include reimbursements for past or future expenses, non-recurring lump sums (such as income tax refunds or insurance settlements), and contributions from donors for specific purposes.
The monthly benefit amount for CalFresh is determined by subtracting allowed deductions from the gross income to calculate the adjusted net income for the household. This adjusted net income is then used to determine the benefit amount based on the household size and the maximum monthly allotment for the given period.
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CalFresh applicants must provide documentation
Identity Verification
Proof of identity is essential for CalFresh eligibility. Applicants can provide a driver's license, state ID, passport, or other acceptable forms of identification, such as an identification card issued by the prison or jail for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Income Verification
Applicants must provide verification of their income, including pay stubs from all sources for the past 30 days. If an applicant has recently started a new job and doesn't have pay stubs yet, a signed letter from the employer stating the hours and pay rate will suffice. Additionally, if an applicant has experienced job loss or has zero income, a statement on the application may be sufficient, and the county may not require further verification unless it is questionable.
Housing Expenses Documentation
CalFresh applicants need to provide documentation of their housing expenses, including rent receipts or information. This is crucial for determining eligibility, especially when sharing living expenses with others. The CF 88 form, or "Separate Household Statement," is essential in such cases to clarify separate food expenses and incomes.
Utility Bills
Utility bills are necessary for claiming the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA). The SUA is a fixed amount adjusted annually for households with heating or cooling costs separate from rent or mortgage payments.
Social Security Numbers
Social Security Numbers are required for all applicants. However, it's important to note that only the numbers are needed and not the physical cards.
It's important to remember that the county workers aim to provide a comprehensive list of documents upfront, but not all items may be applicable to every applicant's situation. Applicants can start by submitting their application with the basic documents and then providing additional documentation as needed.
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CalFresh and unemployment benefits can be claimed simultaneously
California's CalFresh programme establishes a series of measures to help low-income families facing unemployment situations. CalFresh is California's version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and benefits families who have sufficiently low incomes and meet other eligibility factors.
If you have an unemployment insurance claim in progress but have not received your first payment, you do not need to report it on your CalFresh application. However, if you are already receiving CalFresh and have started receiving unemployment insurance, or if the amount has changed, it is recommended to contact your county offices to inform them about this change and receive advice on the next steps to follow.
If you have just lost your job, you can apply for CalFresh. If you stopped receiving your salary or payment for your work, the county where you reside will count only the final payments you received during the last 30 days to calculate the amount of CalFresh you will receive during the first month. If you still have some income, the benefits you will continue to receive will be based on that amount you receive, not on the income you are no longer receiving.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, rent payments are considered when calculating CalFresh benefits. Rent falls under "shelter costs", which also include mortgage payments, home association fees, electricity, gas, heating oil, and more.
If you live rent-free, you may still qualify for CalFresh benefits, but any income you receive, including money from your parents or relatives, will be considered when determining the amount of benefits you receive.
Yes, CalFresh households can deduct certain expenses from their gross income to determine their net monthly income. Additionally, individuals cannot make more than $1,473 per month to qualify for CalFresh. Other factors include utility costs and unemployment benefits.
