CalFresh

CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides monthly assistance for low or no income individuals and families to purchase nutritious food. The CalFresh program issues monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, similar to an ATM card, to purchase food at retail stores and farmers markets that accept EBT cards.

All CalFresh applications and recertifications must be processed as soon as possible. CalFresh applications must be processed no later than thirty (30) calendar days from the date the application is received by the County. The County must notify the applicant in writing, if the case is approved or denied, no later than 30 calendar days from the date the County receives the CalFresh application. If you qualify based on an emergency situation, you may be eligible to receive CalFresh Expedited Service benefits within three (3) calendar days from the date the application is received by the County. If you are having problems with your CalFresh application, please email clientconcern@acgov.org.

How to Apply

Online

To apply for CalFresh and other programs online, please visit BenefitsCal.

We recommend you create an account so you can return to your information later on.

By phone

To apply by phone, or to request a CalFresh Mail-In application to be mailed to you, please call (510) 272-3663.

By mail

To apply for CalFresh by mail, you may send mail your CalFreshapplication to P.O. Box 12941, Oakland, CA 94604.

You may click here for a printable CalFresh application (CF 285). Translated forms can be found here.

If you are applying for CalFresh and other programs, such as Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, and/or Refugee Cash Assistance, use the SAWS 2 Plus form here.

In person

To apply for CalFresh in person, you may visit one our Alameda County Social Services Agency offices. Our offices are open Monday through Friday between 08:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with the exception of county holidays.

By Fax

To apply for CalFresh by fax, you may fax your CalFresh application to (510) 670-5095.

Minimum Requirements to File an Application

Alameda County encourages all applicants to submit their application as completely as possible however, the minimum requirements to file an application for CalFresh are:

• Name
• Address
• Signature

Rescheduling an Interview Appointment

You can now request to reschedule your initial CalFresh and/or CalWORKs interview online here.