Do I qualify for CalFresh with $2,364 income and $1,950 rent in San Bernardino County?

You should definitely qualify! Your shelter costs are so high compared to your income that you'll likely get a decent benefit. For a single person household in 2025, the gross income limit is around $2,430 per month, so you're under that. Since your rent+utilities take up over 80% of your income, you'll probably qualify for the maximum benefit or close to it. San Bernardino County should make a determination within 30 days of your application, but they often process them faster.

Thank you so much! That's such a relief to hear. Do you know approximately what the maximum benefit would be? And will they let me know by mail or phone when I'm approved?

With your income and especially with your high housing costs, you'll likely qualify. The key is that CalFresh uses what's called the

I submitted my pay stubs but they didn't ask for my lease agreement. Should I call them to see if they need it? I'm worried about delays.

u definitely qualify! i was making like 2200 and paying way less in rent than u and i got benefits. they give u more if ur rent is higher so u should get good amount. they'll mail u a card with the money on it when ur approved

That's good to know, thanks! Did it take the full 30 days for you to get approved?

I had almost the exact same situation last year! My income was $2,400 and rent was $1,850. I got approved for $309 a month in benefits. But that was 2024 numbers so yours might be a little different for 2025. San Bernardino took about 2 weeks to approve mine.

This is absolutely WRONG information. The maximum benefit for a single person in 2025 is $292, not $309. Please don't mislead people with incorrect benefit amounts! The county offices already cause enough confusion without forum users adding to it.

I'm a eligibility worker (not in San Bernardino) but I can tell you that with your income and high rent costs, you'll almost certainly qualify. They'll apply what's called the excess shelter deduction since your housing costs are more than half your income. \n\nHowever, I strongly recommend calling to check on your application status after about a week. San Bernardino County's system has been having issues lately and applications are getting stuck. Don't just assume they're processing it.\n\nIf you have trouble getting through on the phone (which is super common), I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that can help you skip the phone queues and connect directly with a worker. Saved me hours of waiting when I needed to fix an issue with my mom's benefits. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

Thank you for the insider info! I'll definitely check on my application status next week. That service sounds helpful - I spent 45 minutes on hold when I called the first time and then got disconnected. So frustrating!

honey they JUST denied my application last month and i make 2400 with similar rent!! san bernardino county is getting stricter i swear. they said i was $32 over the income limit!! make sure u report ANY deductions u can - like if u pay child support or have medical expenses or care for a disabled person. those can help u qualify.

Did you appeal the denial? Because $2,400 is definitely within the income limits for a single person household for CalFresh in 2025. If you were denied for being $32 over, something isn't right. You should request a fair hearing.

omg really??? they told me the limit was $2,368!! maybe the worker made a mistake? how do i request a hearing??? is there a time limit??

Look, with that high rent compared to income, you should qualify but be prepared for them to question your living situation. Years ago when I applied with similar numbers (high rent compared to income), they asked me how I was sustaining myself and if I had unreported income or someone helping me pay bills. Be ready to explain your budget situation if they ask.\n\nAlso, San Bernardino County is NOTORIOUSLY slow with processing. The law says 30 days but I've seen them go over that constantly. If day 25 comes and you haven't heard anything, start calling DAILY. The system is broken and you have to advocate for yourself.

Ugh, that's stressful. I've been using credit cards to cover the gap but that's obviously not sustainable. I'll make a note to start calling at the 3-week mark. Thanks for the heads up!

dont 4get to ask them about emergency calfresh!! if ur super low on money now u can get benifits in like 3 days i think. u have to ask 4 it tho they don't offer it

This is good advice. Expedited CalFresh (emergency benefits) can be issued within 3 calendar days if you meet certain criteria: less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in resources, OR your combined monthly income and resources are less than your rent/mortgage and utilities, OR you're a migrant/seasonal farmworker with limited resources. With your income you might not qualify for expedited, but it's always worth asking.

wut about the semi annual reports?? those r such a pain. i lost my benefits for 3 months cuz i missed fillin out the SAR7 form. make sure u watch for that in the mail after u get approved!

Yes, this is important. Once approved, you'll need to complete a SAR7 form every 6 months and a recertification every 12 months. The SAR7 is much simpler but missing it will definitely cause your benefits to stop. San Bernardino County should send reminders, but it's good to track these deadlines yourself.

I'm in a similar situation and just got approved last month! With your rent being over 80% of your income, you'll definitely qualify and likely get close to the maximum benefit. The high shelter costs actually work in your favor for CalFresh calculations. One thing I wish someone had told me - when they calculate your benefits, they use something called the "excess shelter deduction" which basically means they recognize that your housing costs are eating up most of your income. This should boost your monthly benefit amount significantly. Also, since you mentioned struggling to afford food right now, definitely ask about expedited processing when you follow up. Even if your income is too high for the usual expedited criteria, sometimes they can approve it faster if you explain you have no money left for food after paying rent and utilities. Good luck! The process is stressful but it sounds like you have a strong case for approval.