Apply for CalFresh (SNAP) Benefits
(AB 309 CalFresh Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Homeless Youth-see page 105)
What’s your living situation & how are shared living situations handled?
In shared living arrangements where meals are purchased and prepared together, the Head of Household would apply for CalFresh benefits on behalf of the entire household (i.e. foster/relative caregiver, guardian homes).
Or
In shared living arrangements where meals are purchased and prepared separately, each individual may apply for CalFresh benefits separately (i.e. THP+FC, renting a room in a SILP).
Student Verifications: What will you need for your interview?
You will want to start gathering the following verification documents to submit to the county when requested before your case is approved.
- Identification (driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, or school ID card)
- Proof of residency (utility bill or something with a physical address, or written verification from roommate stating that you pay a portion of utilities or rent)
- Proof of income (usually last two pay periods)
- Proof of units enrolled in and proof of financial aid award package
- Contract showing meal plan (if applicable, must provide less than 50% of meals to be eligible)
- College faculty and staff can provide Cal Fresh Eligibility Criteria document for students
Don’t Forget: Rights & Responsibilities
- You have the right to ask for help to get the proof that is needed, to have 10 days to submit the requested proof, and to ask for a state hearing within 90 days.
- You have the responsibility to report changes as required and fully cooperate with County, State and Federal personnel.
You are committing a crime if you give false or wrong information, or do not give all the information on purpose to try to get CalFresh benefits that you are not eligible to receive, or to help someone else get benefits that they are not eligible to receive.
You must pay back any benefits you were not eligible to receive.
How do I apply?
Go to benefitscal.com- Fill out the whole application form, if you can. You must at least give the County your name, address, and signature (question 1 on page 1 of the application) to begin the application process for CalFresh.
- Each program has a symbol (shown at the top of the page) showing what questions pertain to what programs. Cash aid has a dollar sign as the picture. CalFresh has the picture of a shopping cart, and health coverage has the picture of an ambulance. For example, if you are not applying for cash aid, you do not need to answer questions marked only with a dollar sign.
What do I do next?
- You must have an interview with the County to discuss your application. If you have a disability, other arrangements can be made.
- If you did not fill out all of the application, you can finish it during your interview.
- You will need proof of your income if any, or your Unaccompanied Verification letter issued by your district.
How long will it take?
- It may take up to 30 days to process your application for CalFresh, cash aid, and Medi-Cal may take up to 45 days. Ask the County how to get your benefits or health care right away if you have an emergency.
You may be able to get CalFresh benefits within 3 calendar days if:
- Your household’s monthly gross income (income before deductions) is less than $150 and your cash on hand or in your checking or savings accounts is not more than $100.
What if I am homeless?
Please let the county know right away if you are homeless so they can help figure out an address to use to accept your application and get notices from the county regarding your case. For CalFresh and cash aid, homeless means you are:
- Staying in a supervised shelter, halfway house, or similar place.
- Staying at the home of another person or family for no more than 90 days straight.
- Sleeping in a place not designed for, or normally used as, a place to sleep (a hallway, a bus station, a lobby, or similar places).