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Now You Can Get Social Security and Food Stamps in CA!

Now You Can Get Social Security and Food Stamps in CA!

Since 1974, California has been the only state to prevent seniors and disabled people from getting Social Security and food stamps benefits at the same time. Fortunately, that law is changing!

This new law, which allows California residents to receive both Social Security and food stamps, takes effect on June 1, 2019.

California Social Security food stamps law change helps this woman buy groceries

How does California’s social security food stamps change affect you?

For affected households, it’s important to know that their SSI and SSP benefit amounts are not changing. The CalFresh benefits will not count as income toward the SSI/SSP benefit, either.

This law affects two different categories of people:

Of course, it affects SSI/SSP recipients who are not getting food stamps at all. These individuals and households can now apply for CalFresh benefits!

However, it also affects Social Security recipients who live in households with other people who receive food stamps. Previously, anyone who received Social Security benefits was excluded from their household’s award. Now, they can be included in the food stamps benefits but their Social Security income will count toward the household’s total income for food stamps. This may lead to a reduction or loss of CalFresh benefits, but the state may be able to compensate for this through the state-funded Supplemental Nutrition Benefits or Transitional Nutrition Benefits programs.

If you get Social Security, you can apply for food stamps on June 1!

Starting on June 1, 2019, eligible households can apply for CalFresh food stamps online. The application takes about 10 minutes and you will receive your benefits within 30 days.

You could receive your food stamps within three days if you qualify for Expedited Service. In order to do this, you need to meet one of these criteria:

  • Your household earns less than $150/month and has less than $100 available to you right now.
  • Your household’s income is less than your combined rent and utilities.
  • You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker with less than $100 available to you right now.

Don’t forget all the other amazing benefits you can get with food stamps!

If you’ll be getting food stamps for the first time, be sure to check out this list of 450+ freebies and deals you can get with an EBT card! You could save money on everything from Amazon Prime to zoo admission!

Get more free stuff in California!

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.