§ BENEFITS
CalFresh (food benefits) – LA County
Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)
Who qualifies
LA County residents with low or no income and limited property, including people on CalWORKs, General Relief or SSI/SSP; U.S. citizens, legal residents, and some immigrants. Some adults 18-64 face work requirements starting June 1, 2026 unless exempt.
How to apply
Apply online at BenefitsCal.com. Or call (866) 613-3777 to have an application mailed (for Expedited CalFresh press 2, then 2 again), apply in person at any DPSS district office or outreach site, or mail/fax ((310) 215-8220) an application. At minimum you need your name, address (a district address is OK if you're homeless) and signature.
What it is
CalFresh puts money on an EBT card every month to buy groceries. If you have very little income or money in the bank, you may get Expedited CalFresh within three days, sometimes the same day. Immigrants who don't qualify only because of immigration status may qualify for the state-funded CFAP program instead.
What they offer
CalFresh EBT food benefits
freeMonthly grocery benefits on an EBT card.
Expedited CalFresh
freeBenefits within 3 days for households in urgent need.
California Food Assistance Program (CFAP)
freeState-funded food benefits for some immigrants not eligible for federal CalFresh.
Contact
About the organisation
LA County DPSS administers cash aid, food, and health coverage programs for county residents.
Service area
Los Angeles County