Special SNAP Services in California

In certain situations, residents may qualify for special SNAP services. These programs offer emergency food assistance, disaster relief, and replacement for lost food, providing a critical safety net for households in need.

Expedited CalFresh (Expedited Service)

This service provides emergency CalFresh benefits, often within three days. It exists to help households with very little or no money buy food immediately.

Eligibility requires meeting specific low-income and asset limits. For instance, a household with a gross monthly income under $150 and cash of $100 or less may qualify. An interview and identity verification are mandatory.

To apply, submit a standard CalFresh application and request “expedited service.” The county will attempt a same-day interview. Once your identity is confirmed, benefits are typically issued within three days. More details are available online.

Disaster CalFresh (D-CalFresh)

D-CalFresh offers one month of food benefits following a Presidentially-declared disaster. It helps when normal food supplies or household incomes are disrupted by the event.

You must have lived or worked in the disaster-declared county and suffered a disaster-related loss. This includes lost income or disaster expenses. Your post-disaster income must fall below the program limit.

This program is only activated when approved for a specific disaster. You must apply during a short, announced window. Applications can be filed at a county office or disaster site. Check for program updates and locations.

CalFresh Replacement Benefits (Food Loss)

This service allows current CalFresh recipients to replace benefits. It covers food that was purchased with benefits but was then destroyed by a disaster like a wildfire, flood, or power outage.

Any recipient household that loses food in a disaster is eligible. You must report the loss within 10 days by submitting a Replacement Affidavit form (CF 303) to your county office. Some counties may have extended deadlines.

The county will verify the disaster and the reported loss. Once approved, the replacement benefits are issued directly to the household’s EBT card. You can find instructions and forms online.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in California

Once approved for SNAP, you need to understand how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend your SNAP benefits. Think of it like a debit card. The card is loaded with your food benefits each month, and you use it to buy groceries at authorized stores.

At checkout, you swipe or insert your EBT card into the card reader and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP account balance. It's a simple and secure way to access your food assistance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing staple food items for your household to prepare and eat at home. This includes a wide variety of groceries that form the basis of a healthy diet. Eligible items generally include:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat

However, there are specific restrictions on what you cannot buy. Benefits cannot be used for non-food items or for foods sold hot at the point-of-sale. Ineligible items include:

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Live animals (with some exceptions)

• Foods that are hot at the point of sale

• Nonfood items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

Your EBT card is accepted at most major grocery stores and supermarkets. Look for the Quest logo or a sign that says "EBT Accepted Here" at the entrance or checkout lane. This makes it easy to find participating locations for your regular food shopping.

Many smaller retailers, including convenience stores and local corner stores, also accept EBT. Additionally, a growing number of farmers’ markets allow you to purchase fresh, local produce directly from growers using your SNAP benefits.

You can also use your benefits online. Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart accept EBT payments for eligible grocery orders. This allows you to have food delivered directly to your home, offering another convenient way to shop.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

With the Benny app, you can stretch your budget further by earning cash back on everyday purchases. Get money back when you shop for groceries at stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. You can also earn rewards on services you use regularly, including Uber and Lyft.

Download Benny for free to get started. Simply connect your EBT card and you’ll earn cashback as you shop.