Losing your job can create financial stress, especially when you need help buying food. That’s why you may ask, “Can I get Food Stamps while on unemployment in California?
This blog will help you understand CalFresh eligibility during unemployment. You will also find out what can prevent you from getting unemployment benefits and which programs can help. It will also show you how to get more CalFresh benefits through the Lifeline Program.
Overview of Food Stamps in California
CalFresh is California’s version of the federal SNAP program (formerly Food Stamps). It helps low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, which you can use at most grocery stores and markets.
EBT benefits enable individuals to buy many food items for home preparation and consumption. According to the USDA, acceptable food items for purchase with EBT are fruits and vegetables, fish, meats, breads, dairy products, and cereals.
In addition, it is essential to note that your CalFresh benefit amount is calculated by your household size and gross monthly income minus monthly expenditures such as:
- Childcare expenses
- Child support payments
- Medical expenses if at least one family member is over 60 or has a disability.
- Rent or mortgage
- Utility and phone expenses
So, what are the EBT income limits California? A household’s income must be less than the amount listed below to be eligible:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
| 1 | $2,510 |
| 2 | $3,408 |
| 3 | $4,304 |
| 4 | $5,200 |
| 5 | $6,098 |
| 6 | $6,994 |
| 7 | $7,890 |
>>> Read more: How To Apply For CalFresh In California In 3 Simple Steps?
Can I Get Food Stamps While on Unemployment in California?
If you have recently lost your job, you can still apply for CalFresh.
If your income has stopped, the county will look at your most recent paycheck from the last 30 days to decide how much CalFresh you qualify for in the first month.
Alternatively, if you still earn any income, your current benefits will be determined only on that income, not the income that has ended. However, you should provide documentation of any money you have received during the past 30 days.
Furthermore, you may receive CalFresh and unemployment benefits simultaneously, as long as the amount of unemployment benefits you get does not exceed the CalFresh income limit.
>>> Also read: Can You Get A CalFresh Free Tablet In California? Guide 2025
What Benefits Can I Claim When Unemployed in California?
If you become jobless due to no fault of your own, you may qualify for unemployment insurance benefits. In California, unemployment benefits range from $40 to $450 a week, depending on your wages 3 months before submitting the claim.
The benefits will remain for 26 weeks, assuming you do not find another job that allows you to earn more than you do with unemployment insurance.
To get this benefit, you must fulfill the following unemployment eligibility requirements:
- You should be entirely or partially jobless, such as with considerably decreased working hours.
- You must have earned enough throughout the base period. The California Employment Development Department uses a 12-month period to decide if you have earned enough pay to make a claim. You should have had at least $1,300 in a single quarter of your base period, or a minimum of $900 in your best quarter and 1.25 times your highest-paid quarter throughout the base period.
- You must be jobless by no fault of your own, such as a business bankruptcy or being forced to conduct illegal labor.
- You should actively look for a new job, be available, and physically capable of working.
What Disqualifies You from Unemployment in California?
Even if you fulfill the criteria mentioned above, several factors may prevent you from getting unemployment benefits in California.
Voluntary Quit Without Good Cause
A good cause is a reason that would induce a reasonable individual to leave their job in similar situations. This might involve significant changes in employment terms, dangerous working conditions, or other significant work-related difficulties. However, you must prove you had no choice but to resign, or your claim will be refused.
Refusal of Suitable Work
A suitable work is one that is appropriate for the individual’s experience, training, and income level. If an individual refuses a job offer that matches these requirements without a valid cause, they may lose eligibility for unemployment benefits.
California.
Misconduct Related to Employment
Misconduct frequently refers to an activity that disregards the employer’s interests, like frequent violations of business regulations, intentional neglect of obligations, or fraudulent activities.
Importantly, minor mistakes, poor performance owing to a lack of skills, or one-time rule violations do not usually constitute misconduct.
False Information and Fraud
When applying for California unemployment benefits, you must offer exact information regarding your work status, payment, and reason for leaving the job. If the EDD determines you made up facts to get benefits, you may be disqualified and face penalties.
Furthermore, working while receiving unemployment benefits and failing to record your earnings is fraud. Thus, always provide any work or money you get, whether temporary or part-time.
Seasonal and Contractual Work
People working in seasonal or contract-based jobs may become disqualified when their job ends. This often happens if the contract is expected to end at a specific period.
Individuals in these categories should check their eligibility against the state’s standards, since specific contractual or seasonal employment arrangements may not fulfill the threshold for continued unemployment benefits.
In addition to these factors, other reasons may also make you ineligible for California unemployment benefits, such as:
- Failure to meet job search requirements
- Inability or unwillingness to work
- Legal residency and work authorization,…
How to Maximize Food Stamps Benefits in California?
You cannot use an EBT card to buy a smartphone or an internet plan. Fortunately, earning CalFresh benefits may qualify you for the Lifeline program. Eligible low-income individuals and households can benefit from this initiative as it provides affordable phone or internet access.
The best part is that if people register for Lifeline through an authorized service provider like AirTalk Wireless, they may be eligible for a free data plan, a free phone, a reduced tablet, and other benefits.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Step 1: Visit the AirTalk Wireless website and enter your ZIP code to check if the Lifeline program is available in your area.
- Step 2: Browse the Lifeline plans and choose one that fits your talk, text, and data needs. If you want to keep your current SIM card, select the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) option.
- Step 3: Select your preferred tablet or phone from the available device list.
- Step 4: Prepare your documents to prove your eligibility for the Lifeline program. If you receive CalFresh, include your EBT card or another valid document.
- Step 5: Once approved, your free tablet will be shipped to your home within 7–10 business days.
Conclusion
“Can I get Food Stamps while on unemployment in California?,” The answer is often yes. CalFresh benefits are available to many unemployed individuals who meet eligibility guidelines. Also, don’t forget to maximize CalFresh benefits by applying for the Lifeline program through AirTalk Wireless. Receive a free phone or tablet and stay connected today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you be on Food Stamps in California?
There is no time restriction for getting CalFresh benefits in California. You may continue receiving assistance if you fulfill the eligibility criteria, including household size, income limits, and other qualifying variables. Nonetheless, eligibility is checked on a regular basis, and you must recertify to continue enrolled.
How old do you have to be to apply for Food Stamps in California?
People above the age of 18 can apply individually or as a family. Even if your parents or roommates work, you might still be eligible. However, if you are between 16 and 59 and qualified to work, you must meet the general work criteria to get CalFresh benefits.
If I make $1,800 a month can I get Food Stamps?
If you make $1800 per month, you may qualify for Food Stamps provided you fulfill the income guidelines for your household size.
If I make $3,000 a month can I get Food Stamps?
If you earn $3,000 per month, you are unlikely to be eligible for Food Stamps. SNAP eligibility depends on net and gross monthly income, and $3,000 exceeds the gross income restrictions for most family sizes.
However, if the family has four or more people, $3,000 may be less than the threshold in some states. Thus, you may still be eligible as long as you fulfill other conditions, like the asset limit.
