Can DACA recipients in California get food stamps? The answer is yes, in most cases. The California Food Assistance Program (CFAP), also known as CalFresh, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. DACA recipients are eligible for CalFresh if they meet the program’s income and asset limits. It is crucial to note that DACA recipients must also meet certain work requirements to be eligible for CalFresh. These requirements include being employed or enrolled in a training or education program for at least 20 hours per week. For more information regarding CalFresh and DACA, resources like the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) website can be useful.
DACA Program Overview
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is a United States immigration policy that allows certain individuals who entered the country illegally as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and to be eligible for a work permit. The program was created by executive order in 2012 by President Barack Obama and was rescinded in 2017 by President Donald Trump. However, in June 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration’s rescission of DACA was unlawful, and the program was restored.
Do DACA Recipients Get Food Stamps in California?
California state law allows undocumented immigrants, including DACA recipients, to apply for and receive CalFresh benefits (California’s food stamp program). However, eligibility for CalFresh benefits is subject to income and asset limits, and DACA recipients must meet all the same eligibility requirements as other California residents.
- To be eligible for CalFresh benefits in California, DACA recipients must:
- Be a resident of California.
- Meet income and asset limits based on household size.
- Be a U.S. national, citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident (or meet specific non-citizen eligibility criteria).
- Apply for and participate in CalWORKs, if required.
- Meet other specific eligibility requirements, such as being unemployed or underemployed.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Net Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,099 | $1,570 |
| 2 | $2,815 | $2,110 |
| 3 | $3,531 | $2,650 |
| 4 | $4,246 | $3,190 |
| 5 | $4,961 | $3,730 |
| 6 | $5,677 | $4,270 |
| 7 | $6,392 | $4,810 |
| 8 | $7,107 | $5,350 |
If you are a DACA recipient and you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can apply for CalFresh benefits online or at your local county social services office. You will need to provide proof of your identity, residency, income, and assets. If you are approved for benefits, you will receive a CalFresh EBT card that you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
For more information about CalFresh benefits for DACA recipients in California, please visit the California Department of Social Services website or contact your local county social services office.
California Food Stamps Program Eligibility
The California Food Stamps Program, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program is federally funded and administered by the state of California. To be eligible for SNAP benefits in California, you must meet certain requirements, including:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
- Have a Social Security number or a Document Number issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Meet income and resource limits.
- Live in California.
- Be unemployed or underemployed.
- Be a member of a household that includes a pregnant woman, a child under the age of 18, a person over the age of 60, or a person with a disability.
Income limits for SNAP benefits in California are based on the federal poverty level. The maximum gross monthly income limit for a household of one person is $1,838. The maximum gross monthly income limit for a household of two people is $2,469. Income limits increase for larger households.
Resource limits for SNAP benefits in California are also based on the federal poverty level. The maximum resource limit for a household of one person is $2,500. The maximum resource limit for a household of two people is $3,500. Resource limits increase for larger households.
If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can apply for SNAP benefits online or at your local county social services office. The application process takes about 30 days. Once you are approved for benefits, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,838 |
| 2 | $2,469 |
| 3 | $3,099 |
| 4 | $3,729 |
| 5 | $4,359 |
| 6 | $4,989 |
| 7 | $5,619 |
| 8 | $6,249 |
Note: Income limits are subject to change. Please visit the California Department of Social Services website for the most up-to-date information.
DACA and Public Benefits
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provides relief from deportation and the opportunity to apply for renewable two-year employment authorization to certain undocumented immigrants who meet specific criteria. However, DACA recipients are not eligible for most public benefits, including food stamps.
Eligibility Criteria for Food Stamps in California
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Resident of California
- Meet income and asset limits
- Work or have a qualifying reason for not working
DACA recipients do not meet the first eligibility criterion because they are not U.S. citizens or legal residents.
Other Public Benefits Available to DACA Recipients
Although DACA recipients are not eligible for food stamps, they may be eligible for other public benefits, such as:
- Driver’s license
- In-state tuition at public colleges and universities
- State-funded financial aid
- Access to job training and placement programs
The availability of these benefits varies from state to state. DACA recipients should contact their state’s Department of Social Services to inquire about eligibility for specific benefits.
Table of Public Benefits Availability for DACA Recipients
| Benefit | Availability to DACA Recipients |
|---|---|
| Food stamps | No |
| Driver’s license | Varies by state |
| In-state tuition at public colleges and universities | Available in some states |
| State-funded financial aid | Available in some states |
| Access to job training and placement programs | Available in some states |
DACA Recipients and Food Stamps in California
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provides undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children with temporary protection from deportation and allows them to apply for renewable two-year work permits. However, DACA recipients are not eligible for most federal public benefits, including food stamps. In some states, including California, DACA recipients may be eligible for state-funded benefits, such as food stamps, with certain restrictions and limitations.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for food stamps in California, DACA recipients must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of California.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 59.
- Have a Social Security number (SSN) or a valid Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Meet the income and asset limits set by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
Income and Asset Limits
The income and asset limits for food stamps in California are based on the federal poverty level. For a household of one person, the gross income limit is 130% of the federal poverty level, and the asset limit is $2,250. For a household of two people, the gross income limit is 185% of the federal poverty level, and the asset limit is $3,500. The income and asset limits increase for each additional household member.
How to Apply
DACA recipients who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for food stamps online or by mail. The application process is the same for DACA recipients and citizens or legal permanent residents.
To apply online, visit the CDSS website. To apply by mail, download the application form from the CDSS website and mail it to the address provided on the form.
Additional Resources for DACA Recipients
- California Department of Social Services: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/
- California Food Stamps Program: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/foodstamps/
- Immigration Legal Resource Center: https://www.ilrc.org/
- National Immigration Law Center: https://www.nilc.org/
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,603 | $2,250 |
| 2 | $2,167 | $3,500 |
| 3 | $2,731 | $4,750 |
| 4 | $3,295 | $6,000 |
| Each additional household member | $564 | $1,250 |
Thanks for reading, folks! I hope this article was helpful in answering your questions about DACA recipients and their eligibility for food stamps in California. If you’re still curious about other aspects of DACA or food stamps, feel free to drop by again later. I’m always adding new information and updates to the site, so you never know what you might find. Until next time, keep on learning and growing!