Confused about CalFresh vs General Relief eligibility - how different are they?

CalFresh and General Relief are completely different programs with different rules! For CalFresh, owning a car doesn't disqualify you at all - they don't count your primary vehicle as a resource. You can absolutely get both programs at once. CalFresh eligibility is mainly about your income, not your resources. For a single person in 2025, the gross monthly income limit is about $2,850. General Relief is county-run and has stricter resource limits ($1,500 in most counties) and usually lower income limits. Apply for CalFresh ASAP through BenefitsCal or your county office. You might get expedited service if your income and cash are very low right now.

ya they totally diffrent i got both last year when i was homeless. GR has those stupid work requirements and they cut u off after a few months in most counties. calfresh is wayyy better and u can keep getting it as long as ur income stays low. dont forget to tell them ur paying rent even if its just to a friend, u get more food stamps that way

I'm a former eligibility worker, and I can clarify a few things. CalFresh and General Relief (sometimes called General Assistance) are completely separate programs: 1. CalFresh is federally funded and focuses only on food assistance. Resource limits don't apply to most households anymore, so your car won't affect eligibility. 2. General Relief is county-funded emergency cash aid with strict resource limits (usually $1,000-2,000 total), time limits (usually 3-9 months depending on your county), and mandatory work requirements in most counties. 3. You can absolutely receive both simultaneously if you qualify for each. Based on what you've shared (no income, $300 savings), you should qualify for expedited CalFresh service, which means benefits within 3 calendar days of completing your application. Make sure to check the box requesting expedited service and emphasize your urgent situation.

Don't waste time with the county phone lines - I spent 4 hours trying to reach someone about my expedited CalFresh last month. Finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to a live person in about 15 minutes. They basically wait on hold for you and call you back when a worker picks up. Saved me so much frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

The system is DESIGNED to confuse you and make you give up!!! I've been fighting with them for MONTHS about my benefits. They'll find ANY excuse to deny you - a missing piece of paper, a form filled out wrong, literally ANYTHING. And good luck getting anyone on the phone to explain why! Apply for EVERYTHING you can and DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Take pictures of every paper you submit. Get names of every worker you talk to. The counties lose paperwork ALL THE TIME and then blame you for it.

Back to your original question about the differences: CalFresh (2025 figures for single person): - Income limit: $2,850/month gross - No resource/asset test for most households - Lasts as long as you're eligible (recertify every 12 months) - Must report changes if income goes above $1,800 (your IRT level would be specified on notices) - Benefits range from $25-$300+ monthly depending on income - Can be used only for food items at approved retailers General Relief (varies by county): - Income limit: Usually much lower than CalFresh - Resource limit: Usually $1,000-2,000 total - Time limited: Most counties limit to 3-9 months - Requires work activities/job search - Benefits usually $200-400 monthly - Cash benefit that can be used for any needs Definitely apply for both if you qualify!

lol I remember how confused I was too! applied for medi-cal and ended up with calfresh too which was a nice surprise. the worker never explained anything just gave me an ebt card one day. btw food banks are really good these days while u wait for benefits to start

I was on GR for 9 months last year and it SUCKED. they make u do these stupid job search forms every week and if u miss ONE appointment they cut u off for like 30 days as "penalty" 🙄 calfresh is way less drama just fill out the SAR7 every 6 months and recert once a year

Just wanted to add that you should definitely apply for CalFresh through BenefitsCal online if possible - it's way faster than going to the office in person. You can upload all your documents right there and track your application status. Since you have no income and only $300 in savings, you'll almost certainly qualify for expedited service (benefits within 3 days). Also, that $400 you're paying your sister absolutely counts as a shelter expense! Make sure to mention it because it increases your benefit amount. The county worker should help you figure out what documentation you need for that. Don't let the system overwhelm you - you're asking all the right questions and it sounds like you'll qualify for both programs. Good luck with your applications!