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FOR MEDICAL, POLICE, FIRE EMERGENCIES ALWAYS DIAL 9-1-1.
2-1-1 TTY/TDD (877) 211-3233
Outside of County (888) 877-3211 News You Can Use
Free Tax Preperation
If you make $50,000 or less you could qualify for free tax preparation.
All returns prepared through a VITA Tax Prep site are done at no charge. As many VITA sites are located near paid tax preparers, before you sit down to have them prepare your tax return, always ask, “Is this a VITA site? Is there any charge for preparing my federal and state forms?” If there is a charge quoted, leave immediately and contact 2-1-1 to verify the address of the VITA site.
FamilyWize Discount Card
Save up to 30% or more off your prescriptions. Individuals that have no health insurance or have no prescription coverage can start receiving immediate savings by presenting the FamilyWize discount card at any participating pharmacy. Click here for more information and to download and print your discount card.
To view a report of how much money FamilyWize discount cards are saving residents in Monterey County, Click here.
Publications and Recognition
Rob Pappani, Board Chair for United Way Monterey County, speaks out about the valuable service of 2-1-1
"Soapbox: 2-1-1 Monterey County connecting statewide"Article in the Salinas Californian reflecting on 2-1-1 service to the community in 2010
"2-1-1 Monterey County sees needs grow"The Monterey County Board of Supervisors recognizes 2-1-1 Monterey County for its efforts in serving the community View the Resolution here.
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Related Links
CalFresh
*For immediate food assistance, call 2-1-1.
On October 23, 2010, California Department of Social Services introduces Calfresh, an inspiring new brand, name and design for the California food assistance program. Cal Fresh is California’s name for the federal food assistance program known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The new name and logo represent the diverse food available in California and reflects that the program supports nutrition, healthy living, and California agriculture. The goal of the program is to be a stepping stone to an improved quality of life for Californians, by helping the entire state have access to healthy and nutritious foods.
Currently, 2.3 million Californians receive CalFresh benefits. Unfortunately, there are over 5.2 million Californians that are income-eligible, leaving almost 3 million people unserved in our state according to the California Food Policy Advocates. In Monterey County alone, 66% of those eligible do not particpate, meaning less food on the table for their families and a loss of $67 million/year of additional income that could be spent supporting local families and the community.
What is CalFresh?
CalFresh is a program funded by the USDA to help improve health and nutrition of families with low incomes. CalFresh can stretch food dollars, allowing families and individuals to buy more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and other healthy foods.
Who Can Receive CalFresh?
CalFresh is for all types of individuals and families that fit within the eligibility guidelines. CalFresh is not only for mothers or families with children. Fathers, single adults, people with disabilities and seniors are also eligible for CalFresh. If a parent is ineligible, he or she can apply on behalf of his or her children.
CalFresh is an entitlement program. This means that all who apply and qualify as eligible will receive benefits and will not “take someone else’s place.” The USDA sets aside funds for the program, and because there is currently underparticipation in the program millions of dollars in benefits are being left unused.
When you apply, your income and many other factors are taken into account to determine whether or not you are eligible. By calling 2-1-1 Monterey County, you can be prescreened for major eligibility criteria, helping you to understand if you might be eligible to receive CalFresh and to feel more prepared before you begin the application process.
How Does CalFresh Work?
How Much Can I Receive In CalFresh Benefits Each Month?
The amount you receive depends on your income, expenses, and family size. Most households with CalFresh get about $200 each month.
What If I Am Already Receiving Food Assistance? Can I Apply For CalFresh?
If you are already receiving Supplemental Nutritional Assistance on an EBT card, you are now automatically enrolled in CalFresh! Your benefits will continue without interruption and there is no need to also apply for CalFresh. The eligibility requirements remain the same, only the name has been changed to reflect the goal of the program and what it really is – a way for people to provide healthy food for their families.
How Do I Apply?
You can read about the application process on the State of California’s website or you can call 2-1-1 for more information.
Our 2-1-1 Client Service Representatives prescreen callers with a few quick questions to see if they or anyone in the household meet the basic criteria to be eligible for CalFresh. If you might be eligible, they can help direct you to the next step in the process of applying.
2-1-1 Monterey County can also provide you with additional information about the CalFresh program, including the options in the County for applying and the locations where you can apply and/or receive assistance with completing the application.
What Is Prescreening?
Prescreening is a process during which callers answer a few questions regarding major criteria for CalFresh eligibility. This process is referred to as “prescreening” to reinforce that it is not a process to determine eligibility and it does not “screen out” potential applicants. While prescreening is an essential piece of California’s outreach efforts, it can also offer an opportunity to spread incorrect information or inappropriately discourage a person from applying for CalFresh.
Prescreening only determines whether the caller may be eligible for CalFresh.
Can I Prescreen Myself?
You can click here to use this resource tool to check if you are likely eligible.