Bakersfield (Main Office)
100 E California Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93307
(661) 631-6000
all locations
Our family will not go hungry. We have options.

Food Stamps Program Highlights

FOOD STAMPS HELP FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS:

  • Buy more healthy foods. Buy more fruits and vegetables year round for their family. Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
  • Stay Healthy by eating nutritious foods.
  • Stretch their food budget to buy food for the whole family.
  • View the Food Pyramid at http://www.mypyramid.gov/downloads/MiniPoster.pdf

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

  • Receive an application when you ask for it and turn in your application the same day you receive it.
  • Receive your food stamp benefits (or be notified that you are not eligible for the program) within 30 days after you turn in your application.
  • Receive food stamp benefits within three (3) days if you are eligible and have little or no money.
  • Have a fair hearing if you disagree with any action taken on your case.

YOU CAN APPLY FOR FOOD STAMP BENEFITS BY DOING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

  • You may request an application in person, by phone, by fax, by mail, or at the California Department of Social Services - Food Stamp Programs website. Your application starts the day the county receives your signed application. You will receive an appointment by mail for a face-to-face interview or you may ask to complete your interview over the phone if you have a good reason why you cannot come to the office, or
  • Apply in person at your local Human Services office, especially if you need food stamp benefits right away, or call the Food Stamp Application Line at 661-631-6062. Leave your name and address and the application form will be mailed to you with a return envelope. Mail the completed, signed application forms in the envelope. Your application starts the day the county receives your signed application. You will receive an appointment by mail for a face-to-face interview or you may ask to complete your interview over the phone if you have a good reason why you cannot come to the office, or
  • You can fax the completed, signed application form to 661-631-6573. Your application starts the day the county receives your signed application form. You will receive an appointment by mail for a face-to-face interview or you may ask to complete your interview over the phone if you have a good reason why you cannot come to the office.

DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE NEEDED:

  • At the time of your interview, please bring verification with you of your income and expenses. If you need assistance in obtaining this information, please discuss this with your food stamp worker at the time of the interview. The following are examples of what to bring:
    • Proof of identity (driver's license, etc.), alien status. Using Food Stamps will not affect your immigration status or the immigration status of your family.
    • Social Security Numbers for all household members.
    • If employed, proof of income (wage stubs, earning statements, etc.) for the past 30 days.
    • Bank statements for checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, credit union accounts, retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, dividends, etc.
    • Proof of shelter costs (rent or mortgage payment, lot rent, household, real estate, taxes, utility bills – heat, electricity, water/sewage/garbage, telephone, etc.)

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE TO:

  • Answer all questions completely and honestly when you apply for food stamp benefits. Sign your name to certify, under penalty of perjury, that all your answers are true.
  • Report all income, resources, property, household composition, citizenship and other required data. Computer matches reveal data regarding payroll records, noncitizen status, property and social security. Failure to give full and correct information is punishable by law.
  • Not put your money or possessions in someone else’s name in order to be able to get food stamp benefits.
  • Use food stamp benefits only to buy eligible items. Food stamp benefits may be used only for the purchase of food to be prepared at home, certain prepared foods, or for seeds to grow your own food.
  • Comply with Statewide Fingerprint Imaging Service (SFIS).
  • Unless exempted for some reason, all adults must be involved in job search activities.
  • Eligible households will receive a California State Advantage Card (EBT) in the mail or at the office. Benefits are available on a staggered schedule, one-tenth of food stamp households receive them on the first working day of the month, the next tenth on the second working day, and so on for the first 10 working days of each month. Using food stamp benefits for any other purpose, or buying or selling food stamp EBT cards, is punishable by law.
  • Not sell, trade, or give away your food stamp benefits, or any food stamp cards or documents.
  • Promptly report changes in household circumstances to the food stamp office. Eligible households will call the Department of Human Services Customer Assistance Telecenter to report changes and/or ask questions regarding their Food Stamp (or Medi-cal) eligibility. The CAT phone number is 1-800-472-7702.