CalFresh (formerly known as Food Stamps) is a nutrition program that helps students and their families buy healthy foods.
How Does CalFresh Work?
CalFresh benefits are issued on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card and can be used at most grocery stores and many farmers markets to buy food. You can even use CalFresh to purchase food online through sites like Amazon and Walmart.
If you are on a limited income and are struggling to buy the healthy foods that you need, then CalFresh may be able to help! Plus, CalFresh benefits do not impact your financial aid, and you do not need your parents' tax return information to apply.
Eligibility
Part 1. Do I Meet the Basic Requirements?
- You have at least one US Citizen, permanent resident, asylee, refugee, humanitarian parolee, or Special Immigration Visa (SIV) living in your household.
- Your household's monthly gross income falls within the limits in Table 1.
- You will also need to meet certain net income requirements based on certain household expenses.
Part 2. Am I Considered a College Student Under this Program?
- Are you 18 to 49 years old?
- If you are under age 22 and live with your parent/guardian, then your parent/guardian must apply for CalFresh benefits.
- Are you enrolled in at least six units?
- Are you physically and mentally fit to work?
No
If you answered no to any of these questions, you simply have to meet the Basic Requirements in Part 1.
Yes
If you answered yes, you must meet one of the following:
- Working at least 20 hours per week or an average of 80 hours a month, or
- Working on campus (any amount of hours), or
- Approved for federal or state work-study programs, or
- Attending or participating in an approved on-the-job training program
- Receiving CalWORKS benefits, or
- Approved for TANF-funded Cal Grant A or B, or
- A full-time student and have a dependent child under the age of 12, or
- A part-time student and have a dependent child
- under the age of 6, or
- between the ages of 6 and 12 where adequate child care is not available, or
- Enrolled in a Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE)
Note for DACA and Undocumented Students
Current CalFresh regulations prohibit DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and undocumented students from qualifying. However, there are college and community food resources available for DACA and undocumented students.
How to Apply for CalFresh
Here is what the application process looks like:
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Submit Application
Complete an application on the BenefitsCal website — the online application process takes only 30 minutes. Or contact your county Social Services department to apply in-person or over the phone. Note: The Department of Human Assistance is only for Sacramento County. -
Submit Proof of Situation
Submit proof of your current situation, which includes documents like your ID, paystubs, class schedule, and financial aid page. You can submit these documents with your application or through the BenefitsCal website within ten days from your appointment with your county. -
Prepare for Possible Follow-Up Questions
If the county has any questions, then they will call you for more information or clarification. -
Get Money for Groceries
If approved, then you will get an EBT card with money for groceries within 30 days.
Resources
To learn more about the CalFresh program and/or other food resources that are available to you, connect with our colleges and/or our community partners.
College Resources
- American River College's Basic Needs Center
- Cosumnes River College's Hawk Cares Program
- Folsom Lake College's Basic Needs Resources
- Sacramento City College's Basic Needs Resources
Using Your Benefits
The SNAP retail locator tool can help you find authorized food service retailers in your area.