CalFresh
The CalFresh program helps families and people who have little or no income buy groceries. CalFresh benefits are not cash. CalFresh benefits come loaded on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that can be used like a bank debit card to buy food at most grocery stores, farmers markets, some online grocery sites, and other places that sell food.
Households that meet the criteria below for Expedited Service may be entitled to receive benefits within three days.
- Have no more than $100 in liquid resources and less than $150 gross income for the month of application
- Be a destitute seasonal or migrant farm worker household and have no more than $100 liquid resources
- Have monthly shelter and utility costs that exceed the household’s combined liquid resources and gross income for the month of application
You can sign up for CalFresh online at BenefitsCal.com. Our staff is also available to serve you online, by phone, email, fax, drop-off/mail-in services, and in person. To schedule an appointment to meet with a worker, please call 888-472-4463.
Skip the Line with BenefitsCal.com
In 2023, Ventura County moved to a new system called BenefitsCal, where you can apply for and manage many of your benefits online.
Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief clients can check status or renew their benefits online, report changes, and upload documents at BenefitsCal.com:
HSA does not discriminate based on disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. If you have a disability and feel you have been discriminated against, please contact Francisco Mora, Civil Rights Coordinator, 855 Partridge Drive Ventura, CA 93003, 805-477-5166, TTY 800-735-2922 or 711.
What is CalFresh?
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CalFresh Emergency Allotments Have Ended
If you need extra help, free food is available through Food Share’s weekly pickup locations and through countywide food pantries. Find Free Food NOW!
Additionally, adults over 60 can join friends for a hot meal at any of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) senior center lunch sites.
CalFresh en el Mercado de Agricultores (video)
Double Your Dollars at Participating Farmers Markets
If you are enrolled in CalFresh, you can double your CalFresh dollars at a certified farmers market through the Market Match Program. To find local farmers market participating in Market Match, go to FMFinder.org. Learn more about Ventura County farmers markets at VCCFM.org.
Participating Restaurants Offer CalFresh Meals
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows CalFresh clients who are 60 years or older, people with disabilities, and individuals who are homeless to use their EBT cards to purchase meals from participating restaurants. Ventura County is now recruiting local restaurants for the RMP. Learn more at VCHSA.org/rmp.
CalFresh Employment and Training Program
This voluntary program gives you access to a wide range of employment resources such as: job search, training, support and more. Contact your caseworker to sign up or call 1-888-472-4463.
New EBT Chip Cards are Coming!
New, chip-enabled EBT cards are being mailed in early 2025. You do not need to take any action or contact HSA. Just start using your new card and discard the old one.
- Your PIN and personal information will stay the same.
- Your benefits automatically transfer to the new card.
- Cards arrive ready to use. There’s no need to activate.
These new cards help to protect benefits from being stolen. You scan or insert the card, or swipe if the merchant cannot scan.
Other ways to protect your EBT benefits:
- Change your PIN often and never share your PIN.
- Use the ebtEDGE mobile and web-based app (PDF in English/Español)
If you think your benefits may have been stolen, take one of the following steps right away:
- Call the customer service telephone number on the back of your EBT card, 877-328-9677.
- Contact your eligibility worker.
- Call HSA’s Customer Service Center at 888-472-4463.
Learn About Benefits and Immigration Status
To complete your application and for quality control purposes, you may be called by the County of Ventura. Please make sure your phone number is up to date and that unknown callers are not blocked so we can reach you.
How to Apply
How to apply today for CalFresh benefits
Benefits Status
Check the status of your benefits
Report Changes
How to report income or other changes
Check Balance
How to check balance or replace EBT card
Questions & Useful Links
Get answers and find more information
