Food Benefits Are Available for Individuals Impacted By Recent Winter Storms; Help Is Being Offered to Those Who Live or Work in Kern, Mariposa, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Tulare, and Tuolumne Counties

 

Monterey County Department of Social Services (MCDSS) announces that individuals and families

impacted by recent severe winter storms may be eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food benefits

as part of continuing disaster recovery efforts.

A family of 4 with a monthly income up to $3,130 per month may be eligible to receive $939 in

food benefits through this program, which is available to those who lived or worked in the affected

counties mentioned above.

Individuals and families who lived or worked in the affected counties between February 21, 2023 –

March 22, 2023, may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh food benefits if the household experienced

at least one of the following as a direct result of the severe winter storms:

• At least one person in the household was not getting regular CalFresh food benefits,

• Money was spent because of the storms or related power outage,

• Money was lost from work because of the severe winter storms, or

• Money was spent because of damage to a home or business

Those who already receive regular CalFresh food benefits will not be eligible for Disaster CalFresh.

HOW TO APPLY

Households may apply April 17 – 25, 2023, by applying in any of the following methods:

• Telephone 1-877-410-8823

• Online at www.benefitscal.com or

• In person at the following MCDSS locations:

o 1000 S. Main Street Suite 216, Salinas CA 93901

o 116 Broadway, King City CA 93930

o 1281 Broadway, Seaside CA 93955

Pre-registration online applications for Monterey County will be available at www.benefitscal.com

beginning April 17, 2023.

Disaster CalFresh food benefits will be provided via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card,

which is like a debit card that can be used to purchase food items at grocery stores and other

authorized retailers. In most cases, these benefits will be available to eligible households within

three days of the date of interview. For more information contact Monterey County Department of

Socials Services at 1-877-410-8823.