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Frequently Asked Questions
What can food stamp benefits be used to purchase?
Food Stamp benefits can be used to purchase:
- Foods for human consumption.
- Seeds and plants to grow food for household use.
What you cannot purchase with food stamp benefits?
Food Stamp benefits cannot be used to purchase:
- Any non-food item such as pet food; soaps, paper products, and household supplies; grooming items and cosmetics.
- Alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.
- Vitamins and medicines.
- Any food that will be eaten in the store. *
- Any food marketed to be heated in the store. *
* Except as authorized in a county approved to operate a restaurant meals program.
Who can receive food stamp benefits?
You may be eligible to receive food stamp benefits, whether or not you work, if you have a low income.
What is the amount of food stamp benefits I will receive?
The amount of food stamp benefits a low-income person or family can receive is based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Thrifty Food Plan. The plan estimates how much it costs to provide a household with nutritious, low-cost meals. The estimates are revised every year to keep pace with changes in food prices. The average amount of food stamp benefits received per household is about $200 per month.
What is the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP)?
CFAP is a state-funded food stamp program for legal permanent non-citizens residing in the U.S., and determined ineligible for federal food stamp benefits solely due to their immigration status.
Where do I go to apply for food stamp benefits?
There are over 240 food stamp offices in California operated by local county welfare departments. Low-income people may apply for food stamps at any office located in the county where they live. To find information on your county click on the link County Welfare Departments . Also, there may be other locations were you can apply for food stamps.
If I am receiving SSI/SSP, can I also receive food stamp benefits?
If you are receiving SSI/SSP, you cannot receive food stamp benefits in California. However, your family may be eligible to receive Food Stamp benefits.