2024 CalFresh income limit for family of 3 - did it increase this year?
Can anyone tell me what the current income limit is for CalFresh for a family of 3 in 2024? I think we might qualify now since my hours got cut at work. My gross monthly income is about $3,100 and it's just me and my two kids. I heard the limits went up but the county website still shows old information from last year. Also, do they still do that 20% income deduction thing or was that changed? Thanks for any help!
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Destiny Bryant
For 2024, the gross monthly income limit for a household of 3 is $3,288. The net income limit (after deductions) is $2,529. And yes, they still do the 20% earned income deduction, plus you can deduct certain housing costs and childcare expenses if applicable. Your $3,100 is under the gross limit, so you should definitely apply! The limits did increase from 2023.
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Hattie Carson
•Thank you so much! That's great news. I pay about $1,900 in rent and $500 in childcare. Does all that count as deductions?
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Dyllan Nantx
ur defineitly eligible!!! i make like $3,000 and got approved for me + my 2 kids last month. they raised the limits in october i think. just make sure u bring ALL ur pay stubs when u apply or they'll deny you ask me how i know lol
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Hattie Carson
•Thanks! Did you apply online or in person? I've heard horror stories about the online system glitching and losing documents.
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Destiny Bryant
@OP - Yes, both rent and childcare expenses count as deductions! For housing, there's a cap on how much can be deducted, but childcare costs for working parents are fully deductible. With your income and those expenses, you're very likely to qualify for a decent benefit amount.
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Hattie Carson
•That's such a relief. Every bit helps right now with grocery prices being so high.
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TillyCombatwarrior
I just went through recert last month and I'm a family of 3. The worker told me the gross income limit is now $3,288 for 2024. But be prepared for a LONG wait to get approved... took them 27 days to process mine even though they're supposed to do it in 30. Almost ran out of food waiting!
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Anna Xian
•Honestly 27 days isn't bad... when I applied in January they took the FULL 30 days and then sent me a letter asking for more verification which reset the clock another 30 days!! I was about to lose my mind until someone told me about Claimyr.com - you can actually get through to a real CalFresh worker on the phone instead of waiting forever. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. So worth it when you're trying to check on your application status!
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Jungleboo Soletrain
The income limits change every October when the federal poverty guidelines update. For fiscal year 2024 (Oct 2023-Sept 2024), the gross monthly income limit for 3 people is $3,288 and net is $2,529. Since you mentioned your hours were cut, make sure to bring documentation of that change. Also, California has an Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) - they'll assign you one if approved, and you only need to report income changes if they exceed that number between regular reports.
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Rajan Walker
•Can I just point out that the "net income" calculation is super confusing. When I applied, I thought it meant take-home pay after taxes, but it actually means after the CalFresh deductions. So don't calculate your net income yourself - they do it differently than you might think! I almost didn't apply because I thought I was over the net limit.
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Nadia Zaldivar
OMG I got denied because I was literally $50 over the income limit last year and it was THE MOST FRUSTRATING THING EVER!!! They told me to reapply when my income changed. I didn't know they raised the limits!!! Thanks for this thread - I'm going to reapply right now since I'm under the new limit!!!
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Hattie Carson
•Hope it works out for you this time! It's crazy how being just a little over can disqualify you completely.
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Dyllan Nantx
@OP I applied online but honestly I had to upload my documents like three times because the website kept saying they didn't get them. So annoying. If I could do it again I would probably just go to the office in person tbh
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TillyCombatwarrior
•Ugh the BenefitsCal website is the WORST. It told me my documents uploaded successfully but then I got a denial letter saying I never submitted them. When I called, they magically "found" them after I complained enough. Always save screenshots of your confirmation pages!
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Hattie Carson
Does anybody know how long it takes to get the EBT card once you're approved? I'm trying to plan out my budget for the next couple months.
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Destiny Bryant
•It typically takes 7-10 business days to receive your EBT card in the mail after approval. The good news is that your benefits will be retroactive to your application date, so even if the card takes a while to arrive, you'll get all the benefits you're entitled to from when you first applied.
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Anna Xian
just a heads up, when they calculate your income they use GROSS not net! I got confused because my net income after taxes is way less than what they counted. And they average your last 30 days of income unless you have a sudden change like getting fired or hours cut - then they can use your new expected income instead. Make sure to explain your situation clearly on the application.
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Hattie Carson
•Thanks for explaining that! My hours just got cut last week so I'll definitely mention that and bring documentation.
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Jungleboo Soletrain
One more thing that might help: when you apply, you can request expedited services if you meet certain criteria (very low income/resources or high housing costs compared to income). If eligible for expedited services, they must process your application within 3 calendar days instead of the standard 30. Might be worth asking about if your situation is urgent.
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Hattie Carson
•That's super helpful information! My rent is more than half my income right now, so I'll definitely ask about expedited services. Thank you!
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