Frequently Asked Questions - CalFresh

We recognize that there is a lot of information out there about the impact of HR1 and eligibility for CalFresh. Despite these changes, we expect that many college students will still be eligible for CalFresh and we are encouraging folks to stop by and speak with us to learn more. If you would like to check eligibility guidelines, please fill out a CalFresh prescreener. If you have any questions, please reach out by completing a BNC Assistance Form or emailing us at calfreshsupport@berkeley.edu.

Please stop by our Food Pantry for support with any immediate food access.

Starting April 1, 2026, there are changes to eligibility criteria that will limit which non-citizen groups are eligible for CalFresh. To find more information about these changes, please visit the CDSS webpage. Folks that are currently receiving CalFresh and meet one of the non-eligible non-citizen groups, will remain eligible until recertification as long as they continue to meet other CalFresh eligibility criteria.

Some lawfully present noncitizens, including battered non-citizens and parolees, may qualify for the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP). County workers should be working with these folks to let them know, if eligible, which programs they qualify for.

Starting June 1, 2026, college students enrolled less than half-time (6 units or less at UC Berkeley) will be impacted by ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) changes.

Folks that are enrolled less than half time will need to meet the following requirements:

• Work at least 80 hours a month. Work can be for pay, for goods or services (for something other than money), unpaid, or as a volunteer;
• Participate in a work program at least 80 hours a month. A work program could be SNAP Employment and Training or another federal, state, or local work program;
• Participate in a combination of work and work program hours for a total of at least 80 hours a month;
• Participate in workfare (performing community service or public sector work) for the number of hours assigned to you each month (the number of hours will depend on the amount of your SNAP benefit.)

Most college students are not expected to be impacted by the new work requirement rules. 

A great way to stay up to date with the impacts of HR1 is to access this HR1 fact sheet. The purpose of this fact sheet is to ensure everyone has the correct law/policy information, related data, and information on the impacts of HR1. Given the changing landscape, this fact sheet will continuously be updated as needed.

The new ebtEDGE online portal and mobile application allow you to access new features to better manage your EBT account from your mobile device or web browser

Your EBT card will be sent in the mail and should arrive at your address within two weeks of approval. You will receive your EBT card and pin as separate letters. If it has been longer than two weeks, you should complete an Alameda County Client Concern form

Create an account on BenefitsCal to keep up to date on any notices from the County and to track the status of your case

• You miss the County call for you phone interview 

• The County never calls you for your scheduled interview 

• You want to notify your caseworker about any necessary actions you were supposed to take

• Have any questions about paper mail in the past 30 days

• Have questions about your CalFresh application

If you applied in Alameda County and you missed your phone interview, please reach out to the County by completing the Alameda County Client Concern Form.

If you need additional support or applied in a County outside of Alameda, please stop by our Open Hours between Monday-Friday from 1-4:30pm in the Basic Needs Welcome Center (located on the first floor of the MLK student union) for additional support.

Please use this link to find information on county offices and phone numbers

The items listed below are examples of documentation that can be submitted with your CalFresh application. If you need assistance in obtaining any of the required documentation to complete your application, please let your CalFresh County worker know. Your County worker is required to offer assistance. If you have additional questions or need support, feel free to contact the BNC's CalFresh Team.

Identification (Required): 

• Students should attach a copy of 1 form of identification. Identification can include:

• Birth Certificate 

• Drivers License 

• State ID

• US Passport

• For non-citizens: Permanent Resident Card or other relevant immigration paperwork

Financial Aid Award Letter (Required *If Applicable): 

• Financial award letter showing or Federal/State Work-Study

  • To access your letter go to CalCentral >> My Finances >> View Awards 

  • Save the whole document as a PDF

Class Schedule (Required):

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

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

• Enrollment Verification

• CalCentral >> My Academics >> scroll down to Academic Records on the bottom left >> Enrollment Verification >> Request Official Verification 

• Make sure to select: "My Program and Plan" as well as "My Earned Degrees"

Housing (Optional but Highly Recommended):

• It can be beneficial to include how much you spend on rent. Ways to show proof of rent include: 

• Mortgage or rent receipt

• The first page of a lease agreement (should include applicant's name and amount paid)

• Venmo/Zelle transactions that show applicant's name and amount paid

• Statement from landlord or subletter

• If you live in an on campus apartment, click here

• CalCentral >> My Finances >> View PDF Statement >> under Your Bills select the document with your most recent bill

Paystubs (Required If Working):

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

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

• 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. 

Yes! You may still be eligible for CalFresh and will not have to verify your student status. You will still need to meet income and other requirements.

Complete our CalFresh prescreener to help determine likely eligibility.