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Program: CalFresh

Agency: COUNTY OF SONOMA HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (HSD)


Resource Number: 4719181
Alternate name: Food Stamps, Cal Fresh

Description

Provides monthly assistance for low or no-income individuals and families to buy food. CalFresh is issued monthly on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, similar to an ATM card. Allows for food purchases at stores accepting EBT. Includes approved online retailers, grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets.

Visit the Sonoma Economic Assistance Division webpage for more information. Visit the guide to EBT in California for income eligibility requirements. Visit the BenefitsCal webpage to sign up for CalFresh online.


Changes to CalFresh due to H.R.1 Bill

Changes to the CalFresh program due to the H.R. 1 legislation are included in the Eligibility section of this entry. 


Note: for CalFresh application please expect wait times for walk-in or phone service. It is recommended to apply online for faster service.




Program Phones:
877-699-6868Phone
Main Number and to Schedule Appointments
707-565-5511Phone
South County Office - Petaluma
707-565-2715Phone
Paulin Drive Office - Human Services Division

Website: sonomacounty.gov/
Email: [email protected]

Location information
HSD Economic Assistance - Paulin Drive Office  
Location: 2550 Paulin Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(Map)
Program Hours:
In-Person Lobby Hours: Monday - Friday 8am-4pm

Phone service hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8am–4pm
Disabilities Access: Fully accessible to individuals using mobility aids
Mailing Address: PO Box 1539

Program Delivery
Eligibility: Must be a Sonoma County resident. Must meet income eligibility requirement.



Household Size Monthly Gross Income

1 $1,632

2 $2,215

3 $2,798

4 $3,380

5 $3,963

6 $4,546

7 $5,129

8 $5,712

*Each extra person $583


Emergency CalFresh benefits are available within three days if your family has less than $100 or made less than $150 this month.

Changes effective April 1, 2026
Most lawfully present immigrants are no longer eligible for CalFresh. This includes groups such as refugees, asylees, parolees (with limited exceptions), trafficking survivors, and certain Afghan and Ukrainian parolees.

On June 1, 2026, work requirements expand to ages 18-64 (up from 54). Exemptions end for certain groups, specifically impacting veterans, young adults aging out of foster care, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

There is now a three-month limit to CalFresh benefits for those that do not meet work requirements or have an exemption.
Effective June 1, 2026, to receive CalFresh beyond 3 months in a 3-year period, individuals must complete about 20 hours per week (80 hours averaged by month) of activities such as paid employment, volunteering, job training, or education OR be exempt due to one of the following conditions:
-Are younger than age 18 or age 64 or older
-Have a child under 14 in the home
-Are unable to work at least 20 hours a week due to physical or mental health condition
-Are caring for someone sick, injured, or disabled who will need help for more than 30 days
-Are pregnant
-Are receiving or applying for disability benefits
-Are unable to work due to drug or alcohol addiction, domestic violence or mental health issue
-Are in school at least half-time
-Identify as Indian, Urban Indian, or California Indian
Languages: Interpreter services available, Spanish, English
Application Process: Call to apply over the phone, or complete application in-person or through the website https://benefitscal.com/
Program Fees: No fee.
Documents Required: -Proof of residency
-Personal identification
-Driver's license, school or work ID
-Social security numbers (only required for the person you are applying for)
-Proof of income (pay stubs for all members of the household, verification of unearned income, unemployment insurance, disability benefits)
Defined coverage area:
CA-Sonoma County


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