California CalFresh (SNAP) Benefit Calculator
Estimate your potential monthly CalFresh (SNAP) benefits in California. This calculator uses current income limits, deductions, and maximum allotments (as of late 2023/early 2024) to provide an estimate. Actual eligibility and benefit amounts are determined by your local county CalFresh office.
Number of people living in your household.
No
Yes
This affects certain deductions and income limits.
Total monthly income from wages, salaries, or self-employment before taxes/deductions.
Total monthly income from sources like Social Security, unemployment, disability, child support, etc.
Costs for child care necessary for work, training, or education.
Out-of-pocket medical costs for household members who are 60+ or disabled.
Total monthly rent/mortgage, property taxes, and utility costs.
Understanding CalFresh (California SNAP) Benefits
CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families in California. The program helps eligible households purchase healthy food, improving food security and nutrition. Benefits are issued monthly on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at most grocery stores and farmers' markets.
Who is Eligible for CalFresh?
Eligibility for CalFresh is primarily based on household size, income, and certain deductions. Generally, to qualify, your household's gross monthly income (before deductions) and net monthly income (after deductions) must fall below specific limits set by federal and state guidelines. These limits are tied to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and vary based on the number of people in your household and whether any members are elderly (60+) or disabled.
- Gross Income Test: For most households, your gross monthly income must be at or below 200% of the FPL.
- Net Income Test: For all households, your net monthly income (after allowable deductions) must be at or below 100% of the FPL.
- Elderly/Disabled Exception: Households with an elderly (60+) or disabled member are exempt from the gross income test; only the net income test applies.
- Asset Limits: While there are federal asset limits, California has largely eliminated them for most CalFresh applicants, making it easier for more households to qualify.
How CalFresh Benefits Are Calculated
The calculation of CalFresh benefits involves several steps:
- Total Gross Income: This is the sum of all earned income (wages, salaries) and unearned income (Social Security, unemployment, child support, etc.) for all household members.
- Deductions: Various deductions are subtracted from your gross income to arrive at your net income. Common deductions include:
- Standard Deduction: A fixed amount based on household size.
- Earned Income Deduction: 20% of your gross earned income.
- Child Care Deduction: Actual monthly costs for child care necessary for work, training, or education.
- Medical Expense Deduction: For elderly or disabled household members, out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35 per month are deductible.
- Shelter Deduction: This includes rent/mortgage, property taxes, and utility costs. The amount deducted is typically the shelter costs exceeding 50% of your income after all other deductions. There is a cap on this deduction unless an elderly or disabled person is in the household.
- Net Income: Gross Income minus all allowable deductions. This figure is then compared to the 100% FPL limit for your household size.
- Benefit Allotment: If eligible, your monthly benefit is calculated by taking the maximum allotment for your household size and subtracting 30% of your net income. There is also a minimum benefit amount for very low-income households.
Using the CalFresh Calculator
Our California CalFresh Benefit Calculator provides an estimate based on the information you provide. To get the most accurate estimate, please enter your household's details as precisely as possible:
- Household Size: Enter the total number of people living and eating together.
- Elderly/Disabled: Indicate if anyone in your household is 60 years or older or has a disability, as this impacts income limits and deductions.
- Gross Monthly Earned Income: Your total income from jobs before taxes.
- Gross Monthly Unearned Income: Income from sources other than employment.
- Monthly Child Care Costs: Expenses for child care related to work or education.
- Monthly Medical Expenses: Out-of-pocket medical costs for elderly or disabled members.
- Monthly Shelter Costs: Your total housing and utility expenses.
Remember, this calculator provides an estimate. To apply for CalFresh or get a definitive eligibility determination, you must contact your local county CalFresh office or apply online through BenefitsCal.com.
Estimated CalFresh Benefits:
"; output += "Household Size: " + householdSize + ""; output += "Elderly/Disabled Member: " + (isElderlyDisabled ? "Yes" : "No") + ""; output += "Total Gross Monthly Income: $" + totalGrossIncome.toFixed(2) + ""; output += "Total Deductions: $" + totalDeductions.toFixed(2) + ""; output += "Net Monthly Income: $" + netIncome.toFixed(2) + ""; output += "Net Income Limit (100% FPL): $" + currentFPL100.toFixed(2) + ""; if (!isElderlyDisabled) { output += "Gross Income Limit (200% FPL): $" + currentFPL200.toFixed(2) + ""; } output += "Maximum Allotment for your household size: $" + currentMaxAllotment.toFixed(2) + ""; if (isEligible) { output += "Your household appears to be eligible for CalFresh benefits."; output += "Estimated Monthly Benefit: $" + estimatedBenefit.toFixed(2) + ""; } else { output += "Your household does not appear to be eligible for CalFresh benefits based on the provided information."; if (eligibilityReason.length > 0) { output += "Reason(s) for ineligibility:- ";
for (var i = 0; i < eligibilityReason.length; i++) {
output += "
- " + eligibilityReason[i] + " "; } output += "