CalFresh Income Limits for Self-Employed in California: Are You Eligible for More Benefits?

The regular food stamp program, whose name is currently CalFresh, provides assistance for families and individuals with low incomes who require nutritional support for their households.

The CalFresh benefits are provided in the form of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) debit card, which funds the participant can use to shop for qualified food items at any grocery stores and farmers markets that accept the cards.

Applicants for CalFresh as beneficiaries must practice California residency and answer the eligibility questions that include forms and speaking to a specialist.

According to local government regulations, the labor rules are as follows: “Federal law requires that able-bodied individuals between the age of 18 and 50 who do not have dependents must either look for a job or work at least 20 hours weekly or 80 hours monthly in order to be qualified for CalFresh benefits.”

Income Limits for CalFresh

As of the update for the period from October 2024 to September 2025, the income limits for CalFresh are structured according to household size.

Here are the gross monthly income thresholds:

• 1-person household: Less than $2,510
• 2-person household: Less than $3,408
• 3-person household: Less than $4,304
• 4-person household: Less than $5,200
• 5-person household: Less than $6,098
• 6-person household: Less than $6,994
• 7-person household: Less than $7,890
• 8-person household: Less than $8,788

For each additional member beyond eight, an additional $898 is added to the gross income limit.

What Are The Income Guidelines For Eligibility For Calfresh Or Food Stamps?

Income standards prescribe the conditions for CalFresh based on gross household income (before deductions) and are different for each size of household.

For example, in the update published for the period October 2024 to September 2025, the countable yearly income limit for a one-person household is $ 30,200, and the limit increases progressively for a two- or persons household.

For instance, in a house that is occupied by eight people, the income should be less than equal to $8,788, while for any extra person, an extra $898 should be added.

CalFresh can also annually change the maximum benefit amounts based on the inflation rates or the spiraling cost of living. For one person living alone the qualifying amount is $292 per month and for eight, $1,756 with $220 extra for each additional person.