CalFresh is the new name for the Food Stamp Program in California. CalFresh is also known as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). CalFresh is a federal supplemental nutrition program for low-income families and individuals that meet certain income guidelines. CalFresh benefits help supplement your food budget and allow families and individuals to buy nutritious food.
CalFresh benefits are accessed by using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. An EBT card is used the same way you would use a debit or ATM card. Eligibility and the amount of CalFresh benefits issued depend on your household size, income and certain living expenses.
How to Apply for CalFresh
You can apply for CalFresh online, by phone, mail, fax or in person:
1. Online
In the new Benefits CalWIN website you can:
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- Apply for CalFresh,
- Find out if you might be eligible to CalFresh and/or Medi-Cal benefits,
- Submit a Quarterly Report (QR 7) and
- Recertify your CalFresh case.
Simply select the https://www.benefitscalwin.org/ link to begin the process. Proof of identity is necessary to be evaluated for expedited services (to receive CalFresh within 3 days).
2-1-1 San Diego can help callers access the CalFresh program by:
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- Assisting potentially eligible callers with completing the CalFresh application,
- Sending an application packet to the caller to complete on his or her own,
- Connecting callers with a Community Based Organization (CBO) that can help with the application process, or
- Providing the address of the nearest County Family Resource Center where you can apply in person.
3. Call ACCESS at 1-(866) 262-9881 to request application forms.
ACCESS can mail an application to you. Send the completed application to your local Family Resource Center via U.S. mail or drop it off at your local Family Resource Center. The date of application is the date the application is received by the Family Resource Center.
It is very important to send proof of identity to be evaluated timely should you be eligible for expedited services (receive CalFresh benefits within 3 days). The date of application is the date the application is received by the Family Resource Center.
4. Download an application.
Print out the following three documents:
1) Application for CalFresh/SNAP Benefits,
2) Statement of Facts, and
3) CalFresh/SNAP Benefits Your Rights and Responsibilities.
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- Complete as much of your application as you can. Your name, address and signature are necessary to begin the application process.
- Download the Notice to CalFresh Applicants (form 09-94 HHSA) for additional information, to help you complete the application, and to select your interview preference (in-person or telephone interview).
- Send the completed application and documents to your local Family Resource Center via U.S. mail, via fax, or drop them off at your local Family Resource Center. It is very important to send proof of identity to be evaluated timely should you be eligible for expedited services (receive CalFresh within 3 days). The date of application is the date the application is received by the Family Resource Center.
Bring in all verifications/documents needed to apply for everyone applying for benefits. For a list of needed verifications, click the Documents Needed to Apply link. It is very important to bring all verifications to be evaluated for eligibility promptly. The date of application is the date the application is received by the Family Resource Center.
- Download the Notice to CalFresh Applicants (form 09-94 HHSA) for additional information, to help you complete the application, and to select your interview preference (in-person or telephone interview).
What happens after I submit the application?
What is Expedited Service?
Can I check the status of my application?
What if I am denied?
After your application is received, a Human Services Specialist (HSS) will review your application and documents. You will receive a phone call and/or letter to set up either a telephone or face-to-face interview appointment and to request any necessary verifications. The interview may be held with the head of household, spouse, authorized representative or any other responsible household family member. During the interview, the HSS will:
- Explain the program rules;
- Explain your rights and responsibilities;
- Go over the application; and
- Ask about your circumstances.
When all forms and documents are received, your application will be processed as quickly as possible, but no later than thirty (30) days from the date the county receives your application. We will send you a Notice of Action when a decision is made that will tell you if you are eligible, the amount of benefits, and when they will begin. If you are not eligible, we will send you a Notice of Action telling you the reason you are not eligible.
Expedited Service means you can get your CalFresh in three (3) days.
You are eligible to CalFresh Expedited Service if:
- Your household has less than $150.00 in monthly gross income and does not have assets (resources) over $100.00; or
- Your household’s total monthly income and resources are less than the monthly rent or mortgage, and utilities; or
- You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker and you do not have assets (resources) over $100.00
Yes, if you haven't received a decision on your case and it is past the timelines listed above, contact ACCESS at 1-866-262-9881 to check on the status of your application.
You may be eligible for assistance from another source. Visit our Additional Resources page for links to other resources (2-1-1, WIC, San Diego Food Bank). If you believe that you were wrongly denied, you can file an appeal by following the instructions on the back of your Notice of Action. Visit the Appeals Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) website for more information.
The County is an equal opportunity provider. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the County is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, marital status, ethnic group identification, sexual orientation, domestic partnership, or political beliefs.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_program.html
