Older adults and people with disabilities in Los Angeles County receiving Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, became potentially eligible to receive CalFresh food benefits as of June 1, 2019.

“This expansion of the CalFresh Program helps our department serve the county’s most vulnerable and food insecure populations,” said Department of Social Services Director Antonia Jiménez. “It will ensure that they will not have to decide between buying food, paying rent or medication.”

CalFresh serves as a safety net for the county’s most vulnerable low-income residents. Delivered electronically via an electronic benefits transfer or EBT card that works like a bank debit card, the benefit can be used at participating supermarkets, restaurants and farmers markets.

The Department of Public Social Services urges residents in need of food assistance to apply for CalFresh.

Understanding that many older adults may face transportation and mobility access challenges, the department encourages customers to take advantage of the many enrollment options that do not require a visit to a DPSS office.

Customers can apply by phone by contacting the DPSS Call Center at 866-613-3777, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., online by visiting getcalfresh.org, which is accessible on any computer or mobile device or via the department’s Your Benefits Now application system.