CalFresh

Eligibility Information

Who do you purchase and prepare food with? Use this number of people in your household to determine which row to use on the chart below.

Using this row, is your household under the gross monthly income limit? If yes, go to the next question. If no, your household is likely not eligible for CalFresh benefits.

Does your household include at least one US citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR)? If yes, go to next question. If no, your household is likely not eligible for CalFresh benefits.

Does your household receive the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)? If yes, your household is  not eligible for CalFresh benefits.

Is anyone in your household provided more than half (11 or more) meals per week from another source? If yes, that individual likely won't be eligible for CalFresh benefits BUT others in your household still may be eligible.

Is anyone in your household a college student per CalFresh standards (enrolled at least half-time (typically 6+ units) and between ages of 18-49)? If yes, please visit college student eligibility for additional eligibility information.

Is anyone in household physically/mentally unable to work and/or is receiving disability benefits from any source? If yes, skip the next student question and apply. If no, go to the next question.

Is anyone in household a college student per CalFresh Food guidelines: enrolled at least half-time and between ages of 18-49? If yes, please see  additional student eligibility information.

If you are a student between the ages of 18 and 49, enrolled in at least 6 units, have no meal plan (or have a meal plan that provides ten or less of your meals/week), you must also meet any ONE of the following:

• Working and getting paid for an average of 20 hours per week OR a total of 80 hours a month
• Approved (or awarded or accepted) for federal or state work study, anticipates working, and has not refused a work assignment (can still be eligible even if a work study job has not begun or is not currently available)
• Receiving Cal Grant A OR B AND is not married, 25 years of age or younger and has income less than $50,000
• Be enrolled in a state funded program that increases employability (EOP, EOPS, WIOA, DSPS, CARE, UC McNair, Puente Project, or MESA)
• Be enrolled in a program that increases employability for current and former foster youth (Guardian Scholars, FYSI, CAFYES, ETV or Extended Foster Care)
• Be exerting parental control over a dependent household member under the age of 6 OR between the age of 6 and 12 with no adequate childcare (as determined by the county on a case-by-case basis)
• Be a single parent of a dependent household member under the age of 12 AND enrolled full-time (12+ units)
• Participating in the CalFresh Employment and Training Program (CFET) or be a recipient of CalWorks or AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children)

Other Things to Consider

• Unpaid internships or volunteer work do not count towards the work requirement
• Students who live with their parents must be 22 years of age or older to apply as an individual household
• International, DACA, and DREAM students may not be eligible, even with a work VISA/SSN
• Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) may be eligible
• Students with a state certified disability only need to meet basic eligibility

Step 1

Complete this CalFresh Pre-Screen Form. 

CalFresh Pre-Screen Form

By completing the pre-screen you can help us determine if you are eligible for the CalFresh program. If you would the CSUSB CalFresh Outreach Team to complete a prescreen with you, contact us at basicneeds@csusb.edu or call 909-537-3663. 

Step 2

Gather Your Documents.

You will need to submit documents as part of the application process. Prior to starting an application, gather the documents listed below.  During the GetCalFresh.org application process you will have the opportunity to upload documents. Your application will not be approved if you do not submit verification documents to the county. Verification documentation that will be required include:

• Valid Identification (Drivers License, Passport, State Identification Card)
• Pay Stubs for the last 30 days
• Rent Receipt or Lease Agreement
• Class Schedule (for student only)
• Financial aid award letter (student only)
• Proof of $0 Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) (student only, if applicable)

Step 3

Complete the CalFresh Application. 

Application Option 1: Complete the application online. This will submit your information directly to your county of residence. 

CalFresh Application

Application Option 2: Complete the application with a member of the CalFresh Outreach Team. 
Although the application is available online, we encourage you to apply with the help of our team because they are familiar with the application and documentation requirements. 

CalFresh Application Appointment

Once the application is received by the county, your 30-day application period begins.

Step 4

Conduct your interview. 

You will need to complete a 30 minute interview with a county representative by phone or in person. The county office will either call or mail you a date and time for your interview. Your application will not be approved without completing this interview. The county representative will verify the information submitted in your application and may request additional documentation. 

Let our CalFresh Outreach Team know if you have not heard from the county within the first 10 days.

Step 5

Keep your CalFresh benefits.

You will need to complete a Semiannual Report (called a SAR 7 Eligibility Report) 6 months after your initial application is approved. The County will let you know when this is due.

Recertification is required every year. An application and interview must be completed before the end of your certification period. The County will let you know when your Recertification Application is due and will send you a letter confirming the time and date of your interview. Most interviews will be conducted over the phone.