CalFresh

No. CalFresh benefits are provided in addition to financial aid. They do not negatively impact eligibility or total amount you will receive in financial aid. 

No. CalFresh is available to everyone who meets the eligibility requirements.

If you tried to enroll in CalFresh and received a Notice of Action letter saying you have been denied, we encourage you to call your county office. Most cases can be resolved by calling the county directly and asking for clarification about why the decision has been made. If you disagree with the decision made by the county about your case, fill out the back of the 'Notice of Action' to submit an appeal.

Participants can use their benefits to purchase food— including refrigerated prepared meals—and seeds for growing their own food. CalFresh benefits are accepted at many local grocery stores and farmers' markets, allowing you to buy fresh, local fruits and vegetables. Additionally, benefits can be used at participating restaurants and fast food locations such as:

• Subway

• Jack in the Box

• El Pollo Loco

• Pizza Hut

• McDonald’s

• Taco Bell

• Papa Murphy’s (take-and-bake pizza)

No. CalFresh benefits do not need to be paid back.

No, you are not required to report CalFresh benefits when you or your family is filing tax returns.

Some noncitizens may be eligible for CalFresh (GetCalFresh.org/immigrants). Even if you are not eligible for CalFresh, other members of your family may be eligible. Getting CalFresh won't count as a public charge if you are working toward citizenship. If you are undocumented and experiencing food insecurity, check with your college's UndocuAlly for resources around campus food pantry and local food banks. Sharing your immigration status is not required to use their services.

If you feel comfortable applying for CalFresh on your own, application can be completed in less that 10 minutes by visiting The CalFresh Application website.

A household is a person or group of people who buy and prepare food together.

• You may live with people who don't count as a household member, under CalFresh standards such as a roommate, who purchases and prepares their own food.
• If you are under the age of 22 and live with biological, adoptive, or stepparents you must apply together, even if you purchase and prepare your own food.
• If you are married and live with your spouse, you and your spouse must apply as one household.
• Unmarried couple living together with a common child must apply together.

Call 2-1-1 and ask for free food resources in your community.

You could receive expedited CalFresh services within three days of submitting a CalFresh application if:

• Your household has less than $150.00 in monthly gross income and does not have assets (resources) over $100
• Your household's total month income and resources are less than the monthly rent or mortgage, and utilities
• You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker who has stopped receiving income from work and do not have assets (resources) over $100.00.

• Grocery stores 
  Snap Retail Locator
• Farmers markets
  Farmers Market Finder
• Online grocery shopping at select retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Safeway, Albertsons, Vons and Instacart. (Delivery fees cannot be paid for with CalFresh benefits).

• In most cases, the county has 30 days after you turn in your application to determine if you will get CalFresh food benefits. During the 30 days, the county office will interview you. The interview will be either over the phone or in person to go over your application with you.
• The county may call from a blocked or unknown number. Try to answer your phone calls from unrecognized numbers after submitting your application.
• If you missed your interview, call your county office to reschedule.
• If an interview is not completed within 30 days, you may need to re-apply to CalFresh.