Apply on Your Own

Steps to Apply for  ! 

This website is a guide to help you apply for CalFresh on your own. CalFresh, also known as SNAP/EBT, is a long term food assistance program that awards eligible students up to $291 per month for groceries.

CalFresh Eligibility Guide

Learn about income limits and rules

CalFresh Pre-Screener

Use this form to learn if you are likely eligible

Need Assistance?

Book an appointment with the CalFresh team

CalFresh Application Video Demo

BNC Apply on Your Own CalFresh

Want a step-by-step guide for your application? You can follow along with one of our CalFresh Ambassadors here!

Apply in Three Steps

1. Application

1. Applying for CalFresh

  • Complete the Basic Needs Center CalFresh Pre-Screener

  • We highly recommend completing the Basic Needs Center's CalFresh pre-screener before you apply for CalFresh. The form will help determine if you are likely eligible for CalFresh benefits. Note, you are still able to apply even if the pre-screener indicates you are not likely eligible.

  • Apply for CalFresh

  • Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a meal plan? Am I still eligible?

If you have a meal plan with more than 11 meals per week, you may not be eligible for CalFresh. 

I am not a US Citizen. Can I apply for CalFresh?

You may still qualify! Receiving CalFresh will have no impact on your application for citizenship and/or a green card. For more information, please visit this website.

How will my parents'/guardians' income affect my CalFresh application?

  • If you live by yourself, you don’t have to provide your parents’/guardians' income on your application. You will only need to include information about who you cook and prepare meals with. If your parents send you money routinely, you have to report that money since that is considered a part of your income. 
  • If you live with your parents/guardians and are under the age of 22, then you will need to include them and their information on your CalFresh application, even if you don’t cook or prepare meals together.

I am a GSI who makes more than the maximum income limits, can I still qualify? 

Potentially. While your financial aid (any money that goes toward your tuition, supplies, or material fees) is not treated as income, your monthly paychecks will count and must be reported. Additionally, lump sum payments such as fellowships or scholarships may be excluded. For further clarifications, please refer to the CalFresh Graduate Student FAQ

2. Upload Documents

2. Verification Documents

The second part of the application is submitting verification documents. Please note that below are examples but this list is not meant to be exhaustive. If you need assistance in obtaining any of the required documentation to complete your application, let your CalFresh County worker know as soon as possible or reach out to the Basic Needs Center for support. 

  • What Documents Should I Submit?

Identification (Required)

Examples of Identification include: driver's license, California I.D., U.S. passport, birth certificate, or Cal ID

Financial Aid Award Letter (Required)

Financial award letter showing Cal Grant A or B, and/or Federal/State Work-Study, and/or 0 EFC, as well as Estimated Cost of Attendance. To access your letter go to CalCentral >> My Finances >> View Awards>> Save the whole document as a PDF

Pay Stubs (Required, if applicable)

  • For non-work study jobs: dated check stubs for the last 30 days or statement of earnings from an employer.

    1. If you are a UC employee, statements can be found here.

    2. Make sure your name is clearly visible.

  • For work-study jobs: your wages will not count as income. Make sure your worker knows your position is work-study.

Schedule of Classes/Enrollment Verification (Required)

Provide documentation showing the number of units by:

  • Schedule of classes showing the number of units you are taking

    • CalCentral >> My Academics >> View Academic Summary >> Print OR

  • Enrollment Verification
    • CalCentral >> My Academics >> scroll down to Academic Records on the bottom left >> Enrollment Verification >> Request Official Verification 
    • Make sure to select include: "My Program and Plan" as well as "My Earned Degrees"

Proof of Housing Expenses (optional but highly recommended)

Housing expenses are optional but we encourage everyone to include them since they could impact how much benefits you may receive. Examples of rent/housing expenses may include: 

  • Rent receipt (if you pay rent online, a receipt should be emailed to you)
  • Lease agreement which indicates the amount you pay
  • Venmo/Zelle transactions that show your name and the amount you pay
  • For University Apartments or UC Village:
    • CalCentral >> My Finances >> View PDF Statement >> under Your Bills select the document with your most recent bill

Educational Expenses (optional but recommended)

If you are paying for tuition, mandatory fees, books, supplies, transportation, dependent care, or other education-related expenses, you can include verification with your application. 

  • Where Do I Submit Documents?

  • To avoid delays, we recommend submitting your verifications when you apply for CalFresh. If you are unable to submit the verification with your application, you can submit verifications online via: 
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3. Interview

3. County Phone Interview

The County has up to 30 days after you turn in your application to determine if you will get CalFresh. (Applicants who qualify for expedited services should expect to hear from the County within 3 business days). During the 30 days after you submit your application, the County may contact you for an interview to go over your application.

  • Phone Interview

  • The County does not have a specific number they call you from, so be on the lookout for unfamiliar numbers, including unknown or blocked numbers. We recommend picking those up, as it could be the county.
  • You should also check your paper mail, since notices will be sent to the address you provided in the application. 

  • Missed Phone Interview

  • If you applied in Alameda County and you missed your phone interview, please reschedule the CalFresh interview online within 20 days of submission here. 
  • For all other Counties, call to reschedule an interview or check the status of your application.  Here is a list of the County CalFresh office phone numbers.

  • When to Contact the County

  • You miss the County call for your phone interview
  • The County never calls you for your scheduled interview
  • Want to notify your case worker about any steps you were asked to take
  • Have not received any paper mail in the past 30 days
  • Have questions about your CalFresh application

Here is a list of the County CalFresh office phone numbers(link is external). 

Post Application

My CalFresh Application was Approved:

  • Your approval notice, EBT card, and new PIN will arrive by paper mail at the address you provided.
  • Once you receive your EBT card, it is ready to use! Watch our “Come Shop with Us” video on how to use EBT cards at the grocery store.  
  • With CalFresh, you may be eligible for additional discounts on utilities, internet, and at participating farmer's markets. Click here to learn more!

My CalFresh Application was Denied:

Voices of CalFresh:

As an overextended grad student, having one less thing to worry about has been such a relief. CalFresh has made my trips to the grocery store less stressful because I can focus on buying foods that nourish my body and soul, instead of focusing on the prices.
Bex Hick, MSW Class of 2024
As a disabled student-parent food security has always been a concern. My fear paired with the cost of living made grocery shopping seem like a daunting, intimidating, and unaffordable expense and experience. Utilizing CalFresh has provided me with the opportunity to focus on studies without food security being a primary concern. As a parent, my priority is always my children’s needs and CalFresh helps meet that need.
JP Piña, Class of 2024

Would you prefer assistance? Click here to contact the BNC for support.