Social Services

Social Services

CalFresh is federally mandated and in California, is state-supervised and county-operated.

There are welfare offices located in each of the 58 California counties. Families may apply for CalWORKs at any office located in the county where they live.

CDSS recommends that County Welfare Departments (CWDs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) update their materials and websites to point to www.benefitscal.com to apply and www.getcalfresh.org for general program information and support.

Apply online: BenefitsCal.com or contact Social Services within your local county.

ner websites: BenefitsCal (State Benefits Portal) Apply for Medi-Cal with your county office Find programs that can help you qualify Manage and renew your Medi-Cal online Apply with BenefitsCal Covered California (State Health Insurance Marketplace) Apply for Medi-Cal If you don’t qualify, shop for low-cost health plans Apply with CoveredCA Mail Down

renew your Medi-Cal online Apply with BenefitsCal Covered California (State Health Insurance Marketplace) Apply for Medi-Cal If you don’t qualify, shop for low-cost health plans Apply with CoveredCA Mail Download an application in your language Choose Language Close Download Medi-Cal Application English (this is a pdf file) English (large print) (this is a pdf fi

verage Didn’t get a letter? Log in to BenefitsCal Find Out When You Need to Renew Log in to our partner website to see when your due date is. Visit BenefitsCal We’re Here to Help County Office Call or visit your county office Covered CA Get help at Covered California Help Center Get online help with Medi-Cal Back to top About About DHCS Ca

di-Cal Ended Help Contact Update Your Information Let us know within 10 days if something in your life changes, like: Address Income Number of people in home Pregnancy Married or separated Online Visit our partner website, BenefitsCal Update Information County Office Call or visit your county office Find Office We’re Here to Help Coun

Qualify Apply Use Keep Help Contact On this page What Medi-Cal Members Need to Know Immigrants Older Adults and People with Disabilities Adults (age 19-64) Youth How to Keep Your Medi-Cal What Medi-Cal Members Need to Know Most Medi-Cal members will not see any changes to their coverage You can still: See your doctor or go to the hospital Ge

letter will tell you if you need to do anything. Auto Renewal Letter We already have your information. Your Medi‑Cal will stay active. You don’t need to do anything. You can keep using your benefits. Renewal Form We need a little more information from you. Fill out the renewal form and send it back quickly to keep your Medi‑Cal. Complete Form Medi-Cal Ended Notice Your Medi‑Cal has stopped, but you can st

Cal Ended Help Contact How to Renew Your Medi-Cal If we need more information to renew your Medi-Cal, we will send you a yellow envelope with a renewal form. Renew before the due date so you do not lose your coverage. Online Visit our partner website, BenefitsCal Update Information Mail Complete form and mail to your county office Find Office In Person Visit a nearby county office Find Office Phon

2026 – Active Enrollment Freeze Enrollment Freeze As of January 1, 2026, some adults can no longer sign up for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage because of their immigration status. Who this applies to Visit Immigration Status and Medi‑Cal Changes to see if this applies to you. Important to know If you already have full-scope Medi-Cal, you can keep it, no matter your immigration status. You must renew on time and still meet Medi-Cal rules. If your Medi-Cal ends, you have three months to sign up again. If you miss the three-month period, you must apply again. You will only be able to get restricted-scope Medi-Cal, which covers: Emergency care Pregnancy care Nursing home care Who can still get full-scope Medi-Cal, no matter their immigration status Children ages 0-18 Pregnant people (during pregnancy and for one year after) People under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday January 20

ts (age 19-64) January 2027 Work Rules Work Rules Starting January 1, 2027, some adults will need to work, volunteer, go to school, or be in training to get to keep their Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal will send you a letter if this applies to you. Who this applies to Adults ages 19-64 who get Medi-Cal through the Affordable Care Act expansions, including adults covered under the new rules for immigrants. Who this does not apply to These work or volunteer rules do not apply to: Children (0–18) Adults 65 and older Pregnant people (during pregnancy and one year after) Parents and caregivers of children ages 0-13 People with disabilities People with serious physical or mental health conditions, or substance use problems People released from jail or prison in the last 90 days People on Medicare Part A or Part B American Indians or Alaska Natives People under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birth

h Eligibility Checks Six-Month Eligibility Checks Starting March 1, 2027, some Medi-Cal members will have their eligibility checked twice a year instead of once. Who this applies to Adults ages 19-64 who get Medi-Cal through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansions, including those affected by the immigrant-related changes listed earlier. Who this does not apply to These members will continue to renew once a year: People not in the ACA new adult group Pregnant or postpartum people Alaska Native or American Indian members People under age 26 who were in foster care on their 18th birthday Important to know If you miss deadlines, you could lose your Medi-Cal coverage. October 2028 Copayments Copayments Starting October 1, 2028, some adults on Medi-Cal may need to pay a fee (called a copayment) for certain services. Who this applies to Adults (19-64) who: Are not pre

Visit Fee-for-Service Transition for more details Starting January 1, 2027, some members will get their care through Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medi-Cal instead of a health plan. This changes how you get care, not whether you can keep Medi-Cal. Who this applies to People who are undocumented. Some people with green cards who are in the five-year waiting period before they can get full-scope federal Medicaid. People considered Permanently Residing in the U.S. Under Color of Law (PRUCOL), meaning they are allowed to stay in the U.S. even without formal immigration status. Visit Immigration Status and Medi‑Cal Changes to see if this applies to you. Important to Know You will stay covered if you renew on time. You will not be in a health plan any more. Instead, you can go to any doctor or clinic that accepts FFS Medi-Cal. “Fee-for-Service” does not mean you pay. Medi-Cal still pays for your care. Specialty mental health and substance use treatment will continue through County Behavioral Health Plans. Your medicines will still be covered by Medi-Cal Rx. Dental care is not changing for most members. How dental care works depends on your county. Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports (services only available in health plans) will not continue in FFS Medi-Cal. Other help is still available, like Community Health Workers, chronic care management, doula services, and county mental health programs. DHCS will offer n

begins. July 2027 Dental Coverage Dental Coverage Starting July 1, 2027, some Medi-Cal members will stop getting full-scope dental services. Who this applies to Your dental coverage depends on your immigration status. Visit Immigration Status and Medi‑Cal Changes to see if this applies to you. Important to know You can still get emergency dental care, including: Bad tooth pain Infections Tooth removal You will continue to get full dental benefits if you are: A child (ages 0-18) Pregnant (during pregnancy and up to one year after) Under age 26 and were in foster care on your 18th birthday Immigration Status Changes Immigration Status Changes Starting October 2026, the federal government will change how it classifies some immigration statuses. These changes affect whether some adults can continue keep federally funded full-scope Medi-Cal. If you are affected, you will get state-funded full-scope Medi-Cal unti

l us to request a paper application in the mail. Apply Online Types of Coverage Medical Coverage is available for individuals and families through programs including Medi-Cal, Medicare Premium Payment assistance, and the County Medical Services Program (CMSP). Medi-Cal Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program. This is a public health insurance program that pays for a variety of

l.com to apply online, upload documents, renew benefits, or report changes Call 530-265-1340 if you have questions about your case or need to request a new BIC or EBT card Call 1-877-328-9677 to check your EBT balance Employment Services orientation can be completed online. How To Apply You can apply online at

Medi-Cal. Contact Us Public Assistance Email Public Assistance Physical Address 950 Maidu Avenue Suite 120 Nevada City, CA 95959 Phone 530-265-1340 Fax 530-265-9860 Directory Kristin Plante Program Manager Email Kristin Plante Cash Benefits CalFresh & Nutrition Veterans Benefits Medi-Cal & Healthcare Housing & Community Behavioral Health Contact

Your destination for affordable health insurance, including Medi-Cal. SEE INSIDE Things to know Helpful items checklist 3 Application 4 Application for Sign the application Attachments 25 Health Insurance A. Special enrollment B. Other health insurance C. Choose a health and dental plan 29 30 32 D. American Indians & Alaska Natives 34 E. Employer contact 36 Frequently asked questions (FAQ) 39 “Did you remember” checklist 43 Covered California is the place where people can get free or low-cost health insurance, including Medi-Cal. We will check to see if you quali

ed to be used with a screen reader or a keyboard. Application for Health Insurance TM Your destination for affordable health insurance, including Medi-Cal Covered California is the place where See Inside individuals and families can get Things to know 1–2 affordable health insurance. With Application 3–51 just one application, you’ll find out if Attachments A–F 52–73 you qualify for free or low-cost health Frequently Asked 74–86 insurance, including Medi-Cal. Questions (FAQ) The state of California created Covered California™ to help you and your family get health insurance.

Donde encontrará cuidados de salud asequible, incluyendo Medi-Cal. VEA ADENTRO: Cosas que debe que saber Lista de cosas que son útiles 3 Solicitud 4 Solicitud de Firme la solicitud 25 Anexos A. Inscripción especial 29 seguro de salud B. Otro seguro de salud C. Elija un plan de salud y dental D. Indígenas americanos y Nativos de Alaska 30 32 34 E. Información de su empleador 36 Preguntas frecuentes (FAQ, por sus siglas en inglés) 39 Lista de cosas que son útiles “No se olvide de revisar” 43 Covered California es el lugar donde l

ATTENTION! This PDF application is distributed solely for printing. To apply for Medi-Cal while using assistive technology, go to www.coveredca.com and use the online portal. This document is not designed to be used with a screen reader or a keyboard. Application for Health Insurance TM Your destination for affordable health insurance, including

CalFresh offers food benefits to low income households so that they can purchase the food they need.

CalWORKS is a temporary financial assistance program for low or no income families with children.

BenefitsCal Log In

If your EBT Card is Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Call customer service right away at (877) 328-9677. Once reported, your EBT card is disabled and you are told how to get a new card. Call customer service as soon as possible! If someone uses your card and personal identification number (PIN) to get benefits, these benefits might not be replaceable.

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is the benefit delivery system that allows CalFresh, CalWORKs, and other program recipients to use a card, much like a debit card, to access their food and cash benefits.

Only unauthorized transactions may be eligible for replacement. You may get your benefits replaced if your card was with you when the theft happened. This includes theft from skimming, scamming, or other similar methods. You must report the theft to your local county office within 90 days of when the theft occurred.

How to Request a Hearing On-Line: Request a Hearing Online

If you disagree with an action taken by the County or the Department of Health Care Services, or you disagree with an eligibility determination made by Covered California, you have 90 days to request a state hearing. After 90 days, you must prove you had a good reason for asking late.

If you have trouble understanding English, be sure to tell us your language (and dialect) so we can arrange for you to have language assistance at the hearing.

You must at least give the County your name, address, and signature (question 1 on page 1) to begin the application process.

You must have an interview with the County to discuss your application. Most interviews are done by phone, but it can be done in person at the County office or other place arranged with the County. If you have a disability, other arrangements can be made.

You will need to give proof of your income, expenses, and other circumstances to see if you are eligible.

Receive your CalFresh benefits (or be notified that you are not eligible for the program) within 30 days after you turn in your application.

It may take up to 30 days to process your application. You may be able to get benefits within 3 calendar days, if you meet one of the Expedited Service criteria: • Your household’s monthly gross income (income before deductions) is less than $150 and your cash on hand or in checking or savings accounts is $100 or less; or • Your household’s housing costs (rent/mortgage and utilities) are more than your monthly gross income and cash on hand or in checking or savings accounts; or • You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker household with less than $100 in checking or savings and 1) your income stopped, or 2) your income has started but you do not expect to get more than $25 in the next 10 days.

If you have a disability or need help with this application, let the County Welfare Department (County) know and someone will help you. If you prefer to speak, read, or write in a language other than English, the County will get someone to help you at no cost to you.

For cash aid and Medi-Cal, it may take up to 45 days. Ask the County how to get your benefits or health care right away if you have an emergency.

For cash aid you must fill out questions 1 through 5 on pages 1 and 2 of the application and sign it to begin the application process.

You must turn in this recertification application and be interviewed before the end of your certification period to continue receiving CalFresh.

SAR 7 ELIGIBILITY STATUS REPORT REPORT MONTH

What is BenefitsCal? A new, improved experience to apply for and manage your benefits.

The ABAWD work requirement is a federal rule. People who are considered ABAWDs can only get 3 full months of CalFresh benefits every 3 years. ABAWDs may get benefits for longer than 3 months if they are working, excused from the work requirement, or are living in a county that is waived from the work requirement. The ABAWD work requirement applies to you if you: Are between the ages of 18 and 64 years old; Do not live in a CalFresh household with a CalFresh household member under 14 years old; Are considered physically and mentally able to work at least 20 hours per week; and Are not excused from the rule.

How can I be excused from the ABAWD work requirement? You may be excused from the ABAWD work requirement if you are: Under age 18 or over age 64 Living in a CalFresh household with a CalFresh household member under age 14. You are excused from the general CalFresh work requirements Unable to work at least 20 hours per week or a total of 80 hours or more per month because of a physical or mental health issue. Unable to work because you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, survivor of domestic violence, experiencing chronic homelessness or impacted by the Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems. The condition must be tied to a physical or mental health issue. Pregnant (any stage of pregnancy). Identify as an Indian, Urban Indian or California Indian under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). Participating in an Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) training program for at least half-time. Living in an area where the ABAWD work requirement is waived.

However, effective March 1, 2027, the age requirement for ESAP eligibility has increased from 60 to 65. California’s ESAP is approved with four existing waivers which, beginning March 1, 2027, apply only to CalFresh households where all members are age 65 or older and/or have a disability and the household has no earned income. Individuals ages 60 through 64 who do not have a disability will no longer be eligible to participate in ESAP. There have been no changes in eligibility for people with a disability.

The CFAP expansion will be implemented on October 1, 2027.

Beginning on April 1, 2026, the following categories of lawfully present immigrants are no longer eligible for CalFresh: Asylees Refugees Parolees (unless they are Cuban and Haitian Entrants) Individuals with deportation or removal withheld Conditional entrants Victims of trafficking Battered noncitizens Iraqi or Afghan with Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) who are not Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) Certain Afghan Nationals granted parole between July 31, 2021, and September 30, 2023 Certain Ukrainian Nationals granted parole between February 24, 2022, and September 30, 2024 This change will be implemented for existing CalFresh households at their next recertification following April 1, 2026.

OCTOBER 1, 2026 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2027 California Monthly Income Eligibility Standards Allotments and Deductions

1 $2,660

2 $3,608

3 $4,554

4 $5,500

5 $6,448

6 $7,394

7 $8,340

8 $9,288

OCTOBER 1, 2026 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2027 California Monthly Income Eligibility Standards Allotments and Deductions

1 $1,330

2 $1,804

3 $2,277

4 $2,750

5 $3,224

6 $3,697

7 $4,170

8 $4,644

OCTOBER 1, 2026 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2027 California Monthly Income Eligibility Standards Allotments and Deductions

1 $306

2 $562

3 $808

4 $1,023

5 $1,217

6 $1,463

7 $1,616

8 $1,841

OCTOBER 1, 2026 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2027 California Monthly Income Eligibility Standards Allotments and Deductions

1 $1,729

2 $2,345

3 $2,960

4 $3,575

5 $4,191

6 $4,806

7 $5,421

8 $6,037

OCTOBER 1, 2026 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2027 California Monthly Income Eligibility Standards Allotments and Deductions

1 $2,195

2 $2,976

3 $3,757

4 $4,538

5 $5,319

6 $6,100

7 $6,881

8 $7,662

APPLICATION FOR CALFRESH BENEFITS

APPLICATION FOR CALFRESH , CASH AID , AND/OR MEDI-CAL/HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS

RECERTIFICATION FOR CALFRESH BENEFITS

SAR 7 ELIGIBILITY STATUS REPORT