Income guidelines are the maximum income thresholds set by government programs to determine who qualifies for assistance. They are based on:

  • Household Size: The number of people living in your household.
  • Gross Income: Total income before taxes and deductions.
  • Net Income: Income after allowable deductions like housing costs, childcare, and medical expenses.

Different programs within BenefitsCal have distinct income limits tailored to their specific goals.

CalFresh Income Guidelines

CalFresh, California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps low-income households purchase nutritious food. Eligibility is determined by comparing your gross and net income to federal poverty levels (FPL).

  • Gross Income Limit: Typically set at 200% of the FPL for most households.
  • Net Income Limit: After deductions, income must fall below 100% of the FPL.
  • Example for 2024:
  • Household of 1: Gross Income Limit: $2,266/month, Net Income Limit: $1,133/month.
  • Household of 4: Gross Income Limit: $4,625/month, Net Income Limit: $2,313/month.

Medi-Cal Income Guidelines

Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health insurance for eligible individuals and families. The income limits depend on household size and whether you’re part of an expanded eligibility group.

Income Limits:

  • For adults (ages 19–64) under the expanded program, income must be at or below 138% of the FPL.
  • Pregnant women and children have higher income limits, up to 213% of the FPL.
  • Example for 2024:
  • Household of 1: $1,677/month (138% FPL).
  • Household of 4: $3,660/month (138% FPL).

CalWORKs Income Guidelines

CalWORKs offers cash assistance and services to families with children in need. Eligibility depends on both gross and net income, as well as property limits.

  • Gross Income Test: Total household income before deductions must be below the maximum aid payment (MAP) level for the family size.
  • Net Income Test: After allowable deductions, income must be less than the MAP level.
  • Example for 2024:
  • Family of 3: Gross Income Limit: $1,810/month, Net Income Limit: $1,000/month (approximate).

How to Determine Your Eligibility

  • Calculate Your Income: Include all sources of income, such as wages, unemployment benefits, or Social Security.
  • Consider Deductions: Apply allowable deductions for housing, childcare, or medical expenses.
  • Compare to Guidelines: Check your household size and income against the program-specific limits.

Using BenefitsCal to Check Income Eligibility

BenefitsCal simplifies the process of determining eligibility with built-in tools:

  • Eligibility Calculator: Use the online tool to estimate if your income qualifies you for a program.
  • Application Portal: During the application process, the system compares your income to program thresholds.
  • Caseworker Assistance: Reach out for support to ensure accurate evaluation of your income and deductions.

Tips for Applying with Income Guidelines

  • Provide accurate documentation, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit statements.
  • Update your income information regularly to ensure continued eligibility.
  • If your income changes, report it immediately to avoid delays or disruptions in benefits.

FAQs 

Income guidelines set maximum income limits to determine eligibility for programs like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs.

You can compare your income to the program-specific limits or use the BenefitsCal eligibility calculator.

Yes, larger households have higher income limits, and thresholds are adjusted accordingly.

Report any income changes immediately through your BenefitsCal account or to your caseworker to avoid disruptions.

Yes, deductions like housing, childcare, and medical expenses can reduce your countable income.