🍎Understanding CFAP: What do California residents need to know about food assistance eligibility?

Marcela Knaup
Nov 6
2 min read

What if you meet the income and other program requirements but are not eligible for CalFresh solely because of your immigration status? This is where the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) steps in.

How CFAP Fills the Gap

CFAP is a state-funded program that provides food benefits, often identical to CalFresh benefits, to qualified non-citizens who are not eligible for the federal CalFresh program

Primary Eligibility: CFAP is designed for non-citizens who are otherwise eligible for food assistance but are ineligible for CalFresh solely due to their immigration status under federal law.
Examples of Eligible Individuals: This often includes Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) living in the U.S. for less than five years, certain parolees, or victims of abuse (Source: Riverside County DPSS).
Benefits Are the Same: Like CalFresh, CFAP benefits are issued on the same type of EBT card and are used in the same way to buy groceries.

The Crucial Takeaway: If you apply for CalFresh and are denied due to your immigration status, the county office will automatically evaluate you for CFAP eligibility. You don't need to submit a separate application!

📝 How to Apply & Get Local Help

The process to apply for both CalFresh and CFAP is streamlined and uses the same application. When you apply, the county will determine which program, if any, you are eligible for.

Online: Apply at the official state portal, BenefitsCal.com, or through partners like CalFreshFood.org.
In-Person/By Mail: Contact your local county social services agency.

Important Note: Receiving benefits through either CalFresh or CFAP is safe and will not be considered a negative factor under the "Public Charge" rule for immigration applications.

The county's Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) has district offices that handle applications for public assistance programs like CalFresh and CFAP in the following cities:

City (Area)	EHSD Office Address (Primary Application Sites)
Antioch (East County)	4545 Delta Fair Boulevard, Antioch, CA 94509
Brentwood (East County)	151 Sand Creek Road, Suite A, Building 6, Brentwood, CA 94513
Pleasant Hill (Central County)	400 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Richmond (West County)	1305 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond, CA 94801
Hercules (West County)	151 Linus Pauling Drive, Hercules, CA 94547

While it's always best to call ahead or check the official EHSD website for the most current hours, the general hours for the public assistance offices are typically:

Office/Lobby Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone Hours (to speak with a representative): Often a shorter window, such as 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
By Phone: Call the Contra Costa County EHSD General Public Assistance line: 1-866-663-3225.