In addition to Medi-Cal eligibility you may also qualify for other Public Assistance Programs such as Food Stamps, Cash Aid, CalWORKS, Homeless Assistance, or General Relief.  Monthly grant benefits are available on a convenient electronic EBT card. You may request these programs be added to your pending Medi-Cal application if requested early in the process and by doing so expedite your medical benefits sooner. An application screening registration, fingerprinting, and face to face appointment interview will be required to add these programs.

Normally Medi-Cal and CMSP applications may take up to 45 days to be completed. Regular Food Stamp applications may take 10 to 30 days to be completed. By also applying for “Expedited” Food Stamps or Cash Aid your medical application paperwork can be combined into one application and processed much faster- often within 3 days. You may request these “Expedited Services” along with your Medi-Cal or CMSP if you meet certain criteria and requirements listed below. (Fleeing fellons or convicted drug fellons- after August 22,1996 are not eligible for Food Stamps)

You may have the right to get “Expedited” Food Stamps within three days if your household meets one of the following criteria:

• If you have an eviction notice or notice to pay or evict
• If your utilities have been shut off or have a shut-off notice
• If your food will run out in 3 days or less
• If you need essential clothing, such as diapers or cold weather clothing

Your household must be eligible for the Food Stamp Program and:

• Have rent or mortgage & utility costs more than your liquid resources & this month's income before deductions.
• Have no more than $100 liquid resources and less than $150 income for the month before deductions.
• Have no more than $100 liquid resources and at least one member who is a migrant or seasonal farm worker.

Before you can get “Expedited” Food stamps within three days it is required that you:

• Be screened to determine if you qualify for “Expedited” Services
• Complete required application paperwork and documentation requirements
• Attend an interview at the Department of Health & Human Services
• Provide all the facts and verifications asked for during your interview
• Provide proof of your identity, citizenship, and Social Security number
• Provide income, property, resource, and residence verification
• Meet eligibility requirements and income and property limits
• Provide other requested verifications for all family household members

You may receive “Expedited” Food Stamps ... (if eligible) …….…3 days (after screening)

You may receive “Immediate Need” Cash Aid … (if eligible) …....1 day   (after screening)