CalFresh Food in Santa Clara County

A directory listing, not an eligibility decision.

UniHealth can identify a possible match, but the responsible program makes the final decision.

What to know

Why it may fit: Your circumstances can be checked against the program’s published guidelines.
What to do next: Money for food each month, on an EBT card. An EBT card works like a bank debit card at food stores. You apply once, have an interview, and send any papers the county asks for.
Who runs it: County of Santa Clara

What the program may consider

How many people buy and cook food together
California gross-income test, or the exception for a household with someone 60 or older or disabled
Net income after allowed deductions
County verifies household composition and exclusions
Monthly allotment is the fiscal-year maximum for the food group minus 30 percent of net income (minimum $24 in FY 2026, $25 from October 1, 2026)

How to get it

Money for food each month, on an EBT card. An EBT card works like a bank debit card at food stores. You apply once, have an interview, and send any papers the county asks for.

How to apply

California's one application for Medi-Cal, CalFresh and cash aid

Online it is BenefitsCal. On paper it is the SAWS 2 PLUS. One application can ask for several programs at once.

The same application can also ask for CalWORKs, Extra Help with Medicare drug costs, General Assistance, Aged, Blind and Disabled Federal Poverty Level Medi-Cal, Disabled Adult Child protection and 11 more.

OnlineBenefitsCal websiteApply online for Medi-Cal, CalFresh and cash aid, any time of day.
PhoneEBT card customer service: 1-877-328-9677Set or change your PIN, or report a lost card.
PhoneSanta Clara County benefits line: (408) 758-3800Apply or ask questions by phone, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FaxSanta Clara County benefits fax: (408) 295-9248
MailSanta Clara County benefits mail: P.O. Box 11018, San Jose, CA 95103
In personSanta Clara County benefits offices: 1867 Senter Rd, San Jose; 1330 W. Middlefield Rd, Mountain View; 379 Tomkins Ct, Gilroy

You can also use: Application for CalFresh only (CF 285)

A paper application for CalFresh alone. Mail it, fax it or bring it to your county social services office.

You can also use: CalFresh Elderly Simplified Application (CF 485)

A shorter paper form for homes where everyone is 60 or older or disabled, with no job income. It is paper only, not online. Any CalFresh application works for these homes too.

Getting help

Someone can apply for you

Anyone can help you fill out the application. You can also name one adult to apply, sign, do the interview and send reports for you. Pick someone who knows your home, income and bills. It must be a person, not an organization. Name them on the application or in a note you sign. The county will confirm who they are, and who you are. To let one person shop with your EBT card, you both sign form CSF 64. They attach a copy of their ID. They can then use all of your food money.

You can name one person (not an organization) to act for you.

What happens after you apply

The county records the day it gets your application. Your food money counts from that day. Your name, address and signature are enough to save that date.
The county
The county checks if you need food money fast. You may, if this month's income is under $150 and your cash and bank are $100 or less. You may also, if your rent and utilities cost more than your income and cash.
The county
A county worker calls you for an interview. It is by phone unless you ask to meet in person. Older adults have one too. The worker calls the phone number on your application. If you miss the call, you get a letter. Call to set a new time. A helper you named in writing can do the interview for you.
Skipped only if everyone at home gets SSI checks and you applied through Social Security
The countyA helper can do this for youBefore the county decides, within 30 days.
The county confirms who you are, and who your helper is if you named one. It checks its own records first. It cannot approve until this is done, even when food money is rushed.
The countyA helper can help with this
If papers are still missing, the county mails you a list. Send them by the date on the list. After your interview, the county can deny your application once that date passes. If you send them within 30 days of applying, it reopens. Your food money still counts from the day you applied. Is everyone at home 60 or older or disabled, with no job income? Then you usually need fewer papers.
Only if the county cannot check something itself
The countyA helper can help with this You get at least 10 days to send them.
You get a letter that says yes or no. It shows how much food money you get each month, and for how long.
The countyWithin 30 days. If you need food money fast, it must be ready by the third day after you apply.
Your EBT card comes by mail. Or ask early to pick it up at a county office, and choose your PIN there. A PIN is a secret number that protects the card. You can also set or change it by calling EBT customer service.
The countyOnly you can do this
Your first food money goes on the card about a day after approval. It is counted from the day you applied. If you applied after the 15th, two months may come together. If the first month comes to under $10, you get nothing for that month. After that, it comes once a month, between the 1st and 10th. The day is set by the last number of your case number.
The countyAbout a day after approval, then once a month.
If your food money was rushed, the county may let you send some papers later. Send them soon. Until you do, it may pay only 1 or 2 months and then stop.
Only if your food money was rushed and some papers were put off
The countyA helper can help with this

What only you can do

Sign the application. A helper can sign it only if you named them in writing first.
Only you, or another adult in your home, can name a helper. Do it in writing and sign it.
Let the county confirm who you are. It checks records first. If asked, you or your helper send a copy of your ID.
Answer the county's interview call. A helper you named in writing can do it instead.
Get your EBT card, set your PIN, and use the card. If it goes unused for months, it can be put on hold. After 9 months unused, the money is gone for good.
Are you 18 to 64 and able to work? You may need to work, volunteer or train 20 hours a week. If not, food money can stop after 3 months in 3 years. Many people are exempt.
You are responsible for what you and your helper tell the county. If too much food money is paid, your household must pay it back.

How long it takes: The county must decide within 30 days. If you need food money fast, it must be ready by the third day. Mail time for the card is extra. Missed calls or late papers can take longer.
You are enrolled when: You are enrolled when three things are true. You have an approval letter. You have an EBT card and PIN. Food money is on the card. If your food money was rushed, you must also send the papers you put off.
To keep it: Tell the county within 10 days if your income goes above the limit in your letter. If you move, the county asks about your new rent. Answer within 10 days, or your food money may drop. Is everyone at home 60 or older or disabled, with no job income? Then you renew every 3 years. Others renew every 1 or 2 years, with a short report in between. If you disagree with a county letter, you can ask for a hearing within 90 days.

Coming changes

Starting March 1, 2027: Starting March 1, 2027, only homes where everyone is 65 or older or disabled get the 3-year renewal. If you are 60 to 64 without a disability, you get a letter. You then send short reports. The first can come as soon as April 2027. You also have a renewal interview, and the work rule may be checked.