Marin County: Food Benefits Program Accepting Applications June 1

MARIN COUNTY, CA -- Following a change in state law, Marin County residents who receive financial assistance from a federally funded program will soon be eligible to receive CalFresh food benefits.

As of June 1, people receiving Supplemental Security Income / State Supplemental Payment can apply to receive CalFresh benefits with assistance from the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services.

Also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), CalFresh provides qualified applicants with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that may be used like a debit card in participating grocery stores and farmers markets to supplement food purchases.

As of June 2018, 3,182 Marin County residents received SSI/SSP. Of that number,1,417 individuals (44.5 percent) were 65 years old or older and 2,427 (76.2 percent) were people with disabilities. Marin HHS expects 3,000 residents to be newly eligible to CalFresh food benefits with this program expansion.

SSI is a need-based program that provides a monthly benefit to individuals who are blind, elderly, or have a disability. For disabled people who have never worked, or those who haven't worked enough in the recent years to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, SSI may be the only program available to them.

“CalFresh is the best tool we have for fighting hunger and improving nutrition among lower-income residents,” County Social Service Division Director Jesse Paran said. “Some of the recipients are on fixed incomes and don’t have many additional resources for food aside from the CalFresh contributions. We’re thankful that this expansion is likely to increase participation and improve the health of our most needy residents.”

About 9,500 Marin residents receive CalFresh benefits. Last year, there were 4,263 children and 1,488 older adults receiving the benefits. The amount provided for one person ranges from $15 to $192 per month, with a national average of $105 to $110 per month for older adults and people with disabilities.

There are three ways to connect with HHS staff and apply:

• Apply at GetCalFresh.org;
• Call (877) 410-8817 to apply over the phone, or;
• Visit any HHS Public Assistance office: 120 North Redwood Drive, San Rafael (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.); 3240 Kerner Boulevard, San Rafael (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.); 16th Street, Point Reyes Station (9 a.m. to noon, 1-4:30 p.m.)

The CalFresh application process includes:

• Completing an application – by phone, online, or in person.
• Providing proof of income and expenses, if needed.
• Completing an interview – by phone or in person.

Counties determine eligibility in 30 days or less. For more information, call (877) 410-8817 or visit the Marin HHS CalFresh webpage or the State of California's page.