MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Department of Social Services (MCDSS) has announced 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 four 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 following affected counties: Kern, Mariposa, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Tulare and Tuolumne.
Individuals and families who lived or worked in the affected counties between Feb. 21 and March 22 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 by applying in any of the following methods:
- Telephone 1-877-410-8823;
- Online at benefitscal.com; or
- In person at the MCDSS locations: 1000 S. Main St., Suite 216, Salinas; 116 Broadway, King City; 1281 Broadway, Seaside.
Pre-registration online applications for Monterey County will be available at benefitscal.com beginning April 17.
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.
