Do CalFresh food stamps have an expiration date?

CalFresh: Providing Food Benefits for Low-Income Families

CalFresh, California’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a program aimed at supporting low-income families and individuals with food benefits.

The CalFresh program ensures that food stamps do not expire and can be used in stores without any time limit.

However, it’s important to note that while CalFresh benefits do not expire, the federal SNAP benefits will expire if left unused for an extended period of time, as per the program’s guidelines.

Duration of Benefits and Recertification

The CalFresh office determines the duration of benefits based on each individual’s income. Once the allocated time period ends, beneficiaries will need to undergo a recertification process to maintain eligibility.

CalFresh benefits vary depending on income and can range from as short as a month to a maximum benefit period of three years.

Expiration of SNAP Benefits

Snap benefits expire after nine months of non-use. If the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is not utilized during this time, the benefits will be removed from the account.

Exceptions to this expiration rule include members of the military who have been deployed, as well as beneficiaries who have been hospitalized or incarcerated.

Automatic Renewal and EBT Card Usage

Once approved, benefits will typically automatically renew every six to twelve months for beneficiaries who frequently use their EBT card. The EBT card functions as a debit card and is accepted at most grocery stores across the United States.

For more information, California residents can visit the CalFresh website or contact their local county’s office. Recipients can also check their CalFresh benefits online or find the expiration dates on the back of their EBT card.