CalFresh
The CalFresh program helps families and people who have little or no income buy groceries. CalFresh benefits are not cash. CalFresh benefits come loaded on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that can be used like a bank debit card to buy food at most grocery stores, farmers markets, some online grocery sites, and other places that sell food.
Households that meet the criteria below for Expedited Service may be entitled to receive benefits within three days.
- Have no more than $100 in liquid resources and less than $150 gross income for the month of application
- Be a destitute seasonal or migrant farm worker household and have no more than $100 liquid resources
- Have monthly shelter and utility costs that exceed the household’s combined liquid resources and gross income for the month of application
You can sign up for CalFresh online at BenefitsCal.com. Our staff is also available to serve you online, by phone, email, fax, drop-off/mail-in services, and in person. To schedule an appointment to meet with a worker, please call 888-472-4463.
Skip the Line with BenefitsCal.com
In 2023, Ventura County moved to a new system called BenefitsCal, where you can apply for and manage many of your benefits online.
Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief clients can check status or renew their benefits online, report changes, and upload documents at BenefitsCal.com:
What is CalFresh?
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Learn About Changes to CalFresh Work Requirements
New federal laws are changing CalFresh work requirements this year. Visit CalFresh for information in English and Spanish on this and other pending changes and dates.
CalFresh en el Mercado de Agricultores (video)
Double Your Dollars at Participating Farmers Markets
If you are enrolled in CalFresh, you can double your CalFresh dollars at a certified farmers market through the Market Match Program. To find local farmers market participating in Market Match, go to FMFinder.org. Learn more about Ventura County farmers markets at VCCFM.org.
Participating Restaurants Offer CalFresh Meals
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows CalFresh clients who are 60 years or older, people with disabilities, and individuals who are homeless to use their EBT cards to purchase meals from participating restaurants. Ventura County is now recruiting local restaurants for the RMP.
CalFresh Employment and Training Program
This voluntary program gives you access to a wide range of employment resources such as: job search, training, support and more. Contact your caseworker to sign up or call 1-888-472-4463.
Keep Your EBT Card Secure
We transitioned to chip-enabled EBT cards in early 2025. These new cards provide additional security, but scammers may still try to steal your benefits. Be aware of potential text or phone scams asking for EBT information.
Protect Your EBT Benefits
- No legitimate organization should ever ask for your card number or PIN. Do not share it!
- Change your PIN often.
- Use only the free, official ebtEDGE mobile and web-based app. Beware of copycat apps that try to charge a fee.
- PDF in English/Español).
If you think your benefits may have been stolen, take one of the following steps right away:
- Call the customer service telephone number on the back of your EBT card, 877-328-9677.
- Contact your eligibility worker.
- Call HSA’s Customer Service Center at 888-472-4463.
Learn About Benefits and Immigration Status
To complete your application and for quality control purposes, you may be called by the County of Ventura. Please make sure your phone number is up to date and that unknown callers are not blocked so we can reach you.
HSA does not discriminate based on disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. If you have a disability and feel you have been discriminated against, please contact:
Francisco Mora, Civil Rights Coordinator
855 Partridge Drive, Ventura, CA 93003
805-477-5166, TTY 800-735-2922 or 711.