How to Apply for Welfare, Food Stamps & WIC in California

Tight times have brought an increase in applications for social services nationwide. Several government-funded programs exist to help struggling families meet basic survival needs. In California, families and individuals needing help with groceries and living expenses can apply for assistance through the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Pregnant women or mothers with children younger than 5 can apply for WIC services through the California Department of Public Health, (CDPH).

Things You'll Need

• Identification (driver's license, state ID card or passport)
• Social Security numbers for everyone in household
• Proof of income for past 30 days, if employed
• Proof of living expenses (rent or mortgage payment, household utility bills)

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Instructions

Applying for Food and Welfare Benefits

• 1

  Contact your county office of the California Department of Social Services, which manages food and other social service benefits. Download an application at www.dss.cahwnet.gov. Search for "food stamps." A list of county office locations is available on the site.

• 2

  Complete the application, answering all questions on the form. Provide as much of the requested information as possible. Include name, address and signature of the applicant to make sure the application is accepted by the county welfare office and processed.

• 3

  Mail or return a completed application in person to a local CDSS office. Applications are processed immediately and an eligibility worker will schedule a face-to-face interview to determine benefit amounts. Deliver the application in person to expedite the process.

• 4

  Interview in person with a social service worker, who will explain the program, calculate benefits and help you finish incomplete sections of the application forms. Face-to-face interviews are usually required, but may be waived by the eligibility worker in some situations. After the interview, the food stamp office will send an explanation of benefits letter.

Applying for WIC

• 5

  Access WIC income guidelines to determine eligibilty at www.cdph.ca.gov. WIC benefits can be used simultaneously with food stamps and other social services.

• 6

  Contact California WIC at 888-942-9675 to find the nearest office. California has 82 WIC offices throughout the state. A family of four is eligible if household income does not exceed $40,798.

• 7

  Go to the nearest WIC office to fill out an application and receive WIC vouchers or checks. Vouchers and checks can be used only for WIC-approved foods such as eggs, milk, juice, vegetables, peanut butter and dried beans. A list of approved items is available at the office.