My Benefits CalWIN (also written MyBenefits CalWIN) was California’s online portal for CalFresh (SNAP), Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs. It has been replaced by BenefitsCal.com. If you previously used MyBenefits CalWIN, you should create a new account at BenefitsCal.com or link your old case to the new system. Your benefits are not affected by the change. Use BenefitsCal to apply, upload documents, report changes, and complete renewals.
Quick Facts Table
Item
Information
Program
My Benefits CalWIN (legacy portal) → replaced by BenefitsCal.com
California residents who meet program-specific rules for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs
Income Limits
CalFresh: gross limit $2,610/month** for 1 person (200% FPL); **Medi-Cal:** up to **138% FPL** for adults; **CalWORKs:** MBSAC limit (e.g., **$963/month for 1 in Region 1)
Monthly Benefit
CalFresh max:$298** (1 person) to **$994 (4). CalWORKs MAP:$734** (1) to **$1,416 (4) non-exempt, Region 1. Medi-Cal: coverage, not cash
Application
Online at BenefitsCal.com; by phone or in person at a county office
Processing Time
CalFresh: generally 30 days (expedited in 3 days for very low income); Medi-Cal: up to 45 days (90 days for disability-based)
Renewal
CalFresh: SAR 7 midway and annual recertification; Medi-Cal: annual redetermination; CalWORKs: periodic reporting
Available States
California only
Last Updated
February 2026
What Is My Benefits CalWIN?
My Benefits CalWIN was California’s online self-service portal for health and human services in 18 counties that used the CalWIN eligibility system. The portal itself no longer operates. It has been replaced by BenefitsCal.com, a single statewide portal for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, and Refugee Cash Assistance.
The transition happened in phases. Most former CalWIN counties moved to BenefitsCal starting in 2022 and continuing through 2023. The old MyBenefits CalWIN website and app are no longer available for new applications or case management. Your benefits did not stop because of the system change. You simply need to use BenefitsCal to manage your case going forward.
Who Qualifies to Use BenefitsCal?
You can use BenefitsCal if you are a California resident and either (a) already receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs, or (b) want to apply for one or more of those programs.
You do NOT need BenefitsCal if:
You are applying only for Medicare (federal, through Social Security).
You are seeking Section 8 housing or LIHEAP utility assistance through a separate agency.
You live outside California.
Key point: The portal is a tool for existing and new cases. It does not set eligibility; the county eligibility worker applies program rules to your information.
Income Limits: 2026 Figures for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs
Income limits are program-specific and updated annually. The figures below are current for 2026.
CalFresh (SNAP) Income Limits
California uses the 200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) gross income test for most CalFresh households under the Modified Categorical Eligibility (MCE) rule.
Household Size
Gross Monthly Limit (200% FPL)
Maximum Monthly Allotment
1
$2,610
$298
2
$3,526
$546
3
$4,442
$785
4
$5,360
$994
5
$6,276
$1,183
6
$7,192
$1,421
7
$8,110
$1,571
8
$9,026
$1,789
Each additional
+$918
+$218
Source: Santa Clara County CalFresh charts, effective 10/01/2025–09/30/2026.
Important exception: If every household member receives SSI, you may apply under 165% FPL rules, which have a lower gross limit but still allow eligibility. Households with a member age 60 or older or disabled are only required to meet the net income test, not the gross test.
Most adults ages 19–64 qualify for Medi-Cal up to 138% FPL.
Single adult: about $22,025 per year** (≈ **$1,835/month). Some county materials list slightly different rounded figures; the exact MAGI threshold for 2026 is $22,024.80 annually for one person.
Family of four: about $45,540 per year.
Children may qualify at higher levels: 266% FPL for children and young adults under 19 (about $87,780/year for a family of four).
Seniors and people with disabilities seeking non-MAGI Medi-Cal face different rules, including asset tests (see below).
CalWORKs Income Limits (Region 1, effective 7/1/2026–6/30/2027)
CalWORKs uses the Minimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC) as its income limit.
Family Size
MBSAC Monthly Limit (Region 1)
1
$963
2
$1,581
3
$1,960
4
$2,325
5
$2,653
6
$2,983
7
$3,280
8
$3,569
Source: San Francisco HSA CalWORKs Fact Sheet, effective July 1, 2026.
Asset Limits
Asset rules vary sharply by program and population.
CalFresh: The resource limit is $3,000** for most households. For households with at least one member age **60 or older or disabled**, the limit is **$4,500.
MAGI Medi-Cal (adults and children):No asset test. Eligibility is based on MAGI income.
Non-MAGI Medi-Cal (aged, blind, disabled, long-term care): Beginning January 1, 2026, the asset limit is $130,000 for one person**, plus **$65,000 for each additional household member (up to 10 people). This is a major change from the previous $2,000 individual limit; California has substantially liberalized non-MAGI asset rules.
CalWORKs: The resource limit increased to $12,552** for most assistance units. For units with a member age 60 or older or disabled, the limit is **$18,829.
Household Requirements
CalFresh: The household generally includes everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares food together. Certain people, such as boarders, may be excluded.
Medi-Cal: Household size is based on tax-filing relationships—who claims whom as a dependent—not simply who shares an address.
CalWORKs: The “assistance unit” includes the eligible child(ren) and the relative caretaker(s). A child must be deprived of parental support due to absence, death, disability, or unemployment of a parent.
Citizenship and Immigration Eligibility
CalFresh: Under current federal rules, eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), Cuban/Haitian entrants, and Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants. LPRs generally must have a five-year waiting period or qualify for an exemption. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for CalFresh, but their U.S. citizen children may be.
Medi-Cal:Lawfully present immigrants may qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal. Undocumented adults ages 19–59 are eligible only for emergency and pregnancy-related services as of January 1, 2026, under current state rules. Children and certain other groups may have broader eligibility.
CalWORKs: Requires U.S. citizenship or satisfactory immigration status. Undocumented immigrants are generally ineligible, but their citizen children may qualify.
State Differences: A Single State Portal, 58 County Agencies
BenefitsCal is a statewide portal, but eligibility is determined by county human services agencies. The rules are set by federal and state law, so income limits and benefit amounts are the same across counties, with one important exception: CalWORKs has two regions (Region 1 for high-cost counties, Region 2 for lower-cost counties), and grant amounts differ slightly by region.
Required Documents
Having these ready prevents delays:
Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport).
Social Security Numbers for household members applying.
Proof of income (pay stubs, SSI/SSDI letter, unemployment statement).
Proof of California residency (lease, utility bill).
Immigration documents (if applying as a non-citizen).
Proof of pregnancy (for presumptive Medi-Cal).
Child care expenses (for CalFresh deductions).
Medical expense receipts (for elderly/disabled CalFresh deductions).
You can also apply by phone or in person at your county human services office. BenefitsCal is mobile-friendly and works on smartphones.
Processing Time
CalFresh: Generally 30 days from a complete application. Expedited CalFresh can be issued within 3 calendar days if your household has very little income and resources.
Medi-Cal: Up to 45 days for most applicants; 90 days for disability-based determinations.
CalWORKs: Varies, but the county must act on a complete application within 45 days.
CalFresh: Benefits load onto the Golden State Advantage EBT card each month. The load date depends on your case number’s last digit and is viewable in BenefitsCal.
CalWORKs: Cash assistance is issued monthly, typically through the EBT card or direct deposit.
Medi-Cal: No cash payment; coverage is provided and providers bill Medi-Cal directly.
Renewal Process
CalFresh: You must complete a SAR 7 (Status and Annual Report) at the 6-month mark and a recertification at the 12-month mark. BenefitsCal sends reminders; missing the SAR 7 can terminate benefits.
Medi-Cal: Annual redetermination is required. Respond to the county’s renewal packet by the deadline. California has been phasing out continuous coverage for some populations, so timely response is critical.
CalWORKs: Periodic reporting and recertification; the county will notify you of deadlines. Welfare-to-work requirements also apply for most non-exempt adults.
Reasons Applications Are Denied
Income over the program limit.
Missing verification documents.
Household composition not meeting program rules (e.g., no eligible child for CalWORKs).
Immigration status not qualifying.
Failure to cooperate with the county (missing interview, not providing information).
For CalWORKs: failure to meet welfare-to-work requirements or time limits.
Appeals Process (State Hearing)
You have 90 days from the date of the notice (or the date of the action, if no notice was sent) to request a State Hearing.
How to request: Follow the instructions on your notice. You can request a hearing online, by phone, or in writing through your county office. If you request a hearing before the effective date of a reduction or termination, your current benefits may continue while the hearing is pending.
Common Mistakes
Continuing to use MyBenefitsCalWIN after migration. The old portal is gone; use BenefitsCal.
Creating a new account but not linking the old case, which can cause delays.
Missing the SAR 7 or renewal deadline.
Not reporting income changes (required for CalFresh and CalWORKs).
Assuming Medi-Cal is automatic—you must respond to redetermination notices.
Waiting until the last minute to appeal; the 90-day window is strict.
Recent Changes (2025–2026)
MyBenefitsCalWIN fully retired; BenefitsCal is the sole statewide portal.
CalFresh maximum allotments increased by 2.1% for FFY 2026. For a single person, the maximum rose from $291 to **$298; for a family of four, from $973 to **$994.
Non-MAGI Medi-Cal asset limit reinstated at $130,000 for one person (effective January 1, 2026), a significant liberalization.
**CalWORKs resource limit increased to $12,552** (or $18,829 for units with an elderly/disabled member).
Federal H.R. 1 immigration changes narrowed CalFresh eligibility for some noncitizens; LPRs with five years or an exemption remain eligible.
Common Questions (12 FAQs)
1. Is My Benefits CalWIN still available? No. MyBenefitsCalWIN has been replaced by BenefitsCal.com. The old portal no longer accepts applications or case changes. Create a new account at BenefitsCal or link your old case.
2. Will switching to BenefitsCal affect my benefits? No. The system change does not change your eligibility, benefit amount, or case. Your benefits continue as long as you remain eligible.
3. How do I create a BenefitsCal account? Go to BenefitsCal.com and select “Create an Account.” You will need an email address and basic information about your household. If you had a MyBenefitsCalWIN account, you can link your existing case during sign-up.
4. What is the CalFresh income limit for one person in 2026? The gross monthly income limit is $2,610** (200% FPL). The maximum monthly CalFresh allotment for one person is **$298.
5. What is the Medi-Cal income limit for a single adult? Most adults ages 19–64 qualify up to 138% FPL, which is about $22,025 per year** (≈ **$1,835/month).
6. Does California Medi-Cal have an asset test? For MAGI Medi-Cal (most adults and children), no. For non-MAGI Medi-Cal (aged, blind, disabled), there is an asset limit of $130,000 for one person as of January 1, 2026.
7. How long does CalFresh take to process? Generally 30 days from a complete application. If you qualify for expedited service, benefits can be issued within 3 days.
8. What is the CalWORKs grant for a family of four? In Region 1, the non-exempt Maximum Aid Payment for four people is $1,416 per month. Region 2 amounts are slightly lower.
9. Can undocumented immigrants get CalFresh? No. CalFresh is limited to U.S. citizens, LPRs, and certain qualified noncitizens. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible, but their U.S. citizen children may be.
10. How do I appeal a CalFresh denial? You have 90 days from the notice date to request a State Hearing. If you appeal before the action takes effect, your benefits may continue during the appeal.
11. What is a SAR 7? The Status and Annual Report (SAR 7) is a mid-year report required for CalFresh. It asks you to confirm your income, household, and expenses. Missing it can terminate your benefits.
12. Is there a mobile app for BenefitsCal? BenefitsCal is mobile-friendly and works in a smartphone browser. California does not currently operate a separate native app for the statewide portal; access is through BenefitsCal.com.
Key Takeaways
My Benefits CalWIN is retired. The current portal is BenefitsCal.com.
Your benefits did not stop because of the system change; create or link an account to manage your case.
CalFresh 2026: gross limit $2,610/month** for 1 person; maximum benefit **$298.
Medi-Cal adults: up to 138% FPL (≈ $22,025/year for one person).
CalWORKs 2026: MBSAC limit $963/month** for 1 in Region 1; non-exempt MAP for 4 is **$1,416.
CalFresh asset limit:$3,000** (or **$4,500 if elderly/disabled).
Non-MAGI Medi-Cal asset limit:$130,000 for one person (effective Jan. 1, 2026).
Appeals: You have 90 days to request a State Hearing.
Processing: CalFresh generally 30 days; Medi-Cal up to 45–90 days.
If you are using BenefitsCal for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs, you may also qualify for these programs. None are administered through BenefitsCal, but they serve overlapping populations.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Helps California households pay heating and cooling bills. Administered through local community action agencies.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher: Rental assistance administered by local public housing agencies and HUD.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5, administered by the California Department of Public Health.
Child Tax Credit / Earned Income Tax Credit: Federal tax credits administered by the IRS that can provide cash refunds to working families.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Federal cash assistance for aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income, administered by the SSA.
Medicare Savings Programs: Help with Medicare premiums and cost-sharing for low-income Medicare beneficiaries, administered by California DHCS.
Pell Grants and Federal Student Aid: Need-based college grants, administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Veterans’ Benefits:Disability compensation, pensions, and healthcare through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Head Start / Early Head Start: Early childhood education and family support for low-income children.
California Food Assistance Program (CFAP): State-funded food benefits for certain immigrants who are ineligible for federal CalFresh due to immigration status.
