Income limits for CalFresh in 2025 seem impossible - still getting denied despite struggling

Unfortunately the income limits are set federally, not by California. They don't adjust them properly for high cost areas like ours. One thing to look into - did they ask about your medical expenses? If you're over 60 or disabled and have medical expenses over $35/month, they can deduct some of that which might put you under the limit. Also, did they consider your housing costs? There's a shelter deduction that can help if you're paying more than half your income on housing.

Thanks for responding! I'm not disabled or over 60, so I don't think I qualify for the medical expense deduction unfortunately. The worker did ask about my rent but said something about it only mattering for the

maybe try applying during a month when u make less?? like if u ever take time off or work less hours? thats what i had to do cuz im in similar boat. also did u try the calfresh app? sometimes different workers will calculate things differently trust me

That's interesting... I'm on salary so my income is pretty consistent, but I do occasionally take unpaid time off. Maybe I could time my application for a month when I know I'll be taking a week of unpaid leave? I did apply through BenefitsCal online, never tried calling. Do you think I'd get different results if I called instead?

YUP. The system is COMPLETELY broken!!!! I make $2500/month, pay $1700 in rent and still got denied. Meanwhile my neighbor who doesn't even work somehow gets $250/month in CalFresh. Make it make sense!!! The income limits are a JOKE in California and they know it. They're designed to exclude working people who actually need help while keeping people dependent on multiple government programs. It's absolutely INFURIATING!!!

I understand your frustration, but the income limits are set federally - it's not California trying to exclude people. Your neighbor likely qualifies because they have different household circumstances or deductions that you don't have. The gross monthly income test is just the first step - if someone has dependents, high shelter costs, or qualifies for certain deductions, they may still be eligible even with similar income. Each case is evaluated individually based on household composition and expenses.

One option you might not have considered is applying for CalFresh through an Emergency Expedited Services request if you ever have less than $150 in your bank account and less than $100 coming in within 10 days. In those cases, they can process your application in 3 days and sometimes the eligibility requirements are different.\n\nAlso, have you looked into local food banks? Many don't have income requirements, and some deliver now. The Sacramento Food Bank has several locations and doesn't check income - it might help supplement your food budget while you figure out long-term solutions.

I didn't know about the Emergency Expedited Services - that's really good to know. My bank account does get that low right before payday sometimes. I'll ask about that option next time. I've been to the food bank a couple times but felt guilty taking food when I have a decent job... but you're right, it's there to help people in exactly my situation. Thank you for the suggestions.

Has anyone here used Claimyr to reach a CalFresh worker directly? I was in a similar situation where I kept getting denied online but when I finally got through to an actual person who could review my specific situation they found I was eligible after applying some deductions. Waiting on hold for hours wasn't an option with my work schedule, but I used claimyr.com and they called and waited on hold for me, then called me when they reached a person. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 showing how it works. Totally worth it to actually talk to someone who could help interpret the rules correctly in my case.

i never heard of this b4 but im gonna check it out!! i HATE being on hold 4ever and then getting disconnected after waiting an hour 😡

Have you tried the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program? It's for people who don't have cooking facilities or are homeless, but some counties let others use it too. My friend got denied regular CalFresh but somehow qualified for that program?? Maybe worth asking about?

The Restaurant Meals Program is only for CalFresh recipients who are elderly (60+), disabled, or homeless, and who can't prepare their own meals. You need to be eligible for CalFresh first, so this wouldn't help someone who's over the income limit. Good suggestion, but it wouldn't apply in this case unfortunately.

i think u should just lie about ur income lol thats what my cousins bf does, they never check

Please don't suggest this. CalFresh does verify income through various methods including tax records and employer verification. Providing false information on an application is fraud and can result in having to pay back benefits, fines, and in serious cases even criminal charges. It's not worth the risk.

Update: I called my county office today and spoke with a worker who suggested I reapply and make sure to include ALL my expenses. Apparently, there's something called the

That's great news! Yes, there are two income tests for CalFresh - the gross and the net. Some expenses that can be deducted include: 20% of your earned income automatically, a standard deduction (around $198 for a household of 1), medical expenses over $35 if you're elderly or disabled, dependent care costs, child support payments, and excess shelter costs (rent+utilities that exceed 50% of your net income). Make sure to document everything when you reapply. Good luck!

I'm so glad you called and got some helpful information! The shelter deduction can make a huge difference - if your rent and utilities are more than 50% of your net income (after other deductions), they can deduct the excess amount. With your rent being $1,850 and utilities on top of that, you're likely paying way more than 50% of your income on housing costs. That shelter deduction could potentially bring your net income down enough to qualify. Make sure to gather all your utility bills and any other documentation they might need. Fingers crossed this works out for you - it sounds like you definitely qualify for help!

@bc2679de8fd7 You should definitely try applying! I was in the exact same mindset - assumed I made too much and didn't even bother for the longest time. But reading through everyone's responses here really opened my eyes to how many deductions and factors they actually consider. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, but at least you'll know for sure. And if you do get denied, you'll have a better understanding of exactly why and what might change in the future. Plus, some of the folks here mentioned that different workers sometimes calculate things differently, so it might be worth a shot. Good luck if you decide to go for it!

This thread has been so helpful! I'm also in California dealing with similar struggles - my rent is eating up most of my income and I kept putting off applying for CalFresh because I assumed I wouldn't qualify. But reading about all these deductions (especially the shelter deduction) has given me hope. @fd111dffc265 I really hope your reapplication goes well now that you know about the net income calculation! It's ridiculous that they don't explain these deductions clearly upfront. @16f1cf625ae2 and @61ec8a31d0a7 thank you for breaking down all the different types of deductions - I had no idea there were so many factors beyond just gross income. I'm definitely going to apply now instead of just assuming I won't qualify. The worst they can say is no, but at least I'll know exactly where I stand.

Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm also in California (Orange County) and have been putting off applying because I assumed I made too much at $2,650/month with rent at $1,750. But seeing how the shelter deduction and other factors work makes me realize I might actually qualify. @fd111dffc265 I really hope your reapplication with all the proper deductions works out! It's so frustrating that the initial screening doesn't explain all these options clearly. @16f1cf625ae2 @61ec8a31d0a7 thank you for explaining the net income calculation - I had no idea about the 20% earned income deduction or how the shelter costs factor in. This thread has given me the motivation to actually apply instead of just struggling quietly. It's amazing how much support and knowledge everyone is sharing here!