CDSS Programs CalFresh CFAP Who is Eligible

Who is Eligible?

Current CFAP Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible to CFAP, non-citizens must currently be ineligible for CalFresh benefits solely due to their immigration status under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996.

Some examples of CFAP Eligible individuals are non-citizens who are:

  • Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) who have not met the five (5) year United States (U.S.) residency requirement or 40 qualifying work quarters criteria;
  • Parolees. 
  • Conditional entrants; or
  • Are battered or abused.

Eligibility Details

To learn more and apply, please visit How to Apply for CalFresh. 

As of March 9, 2021, CalFresh and CFAP are not considered public charge programs. This means using CFAP will not affect your application for a U.S. visa or your family-based application for a green card. CFAP is a state-funded food benefit and is safe to use.

For more information about public charge, please visit the following:

  • California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Public Charge webpage, click HERE.
  • California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) Public Charge Guide (available in 21 languages), click HERE.
  • Department of Homeland Security, click HERE.