CalFresh Eligibility

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CalFresh Eligibility Step by Step

To qualify for CalFresh as a student, you must:

1. Be a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident

If this does not apply to you, you can apply for the Food Assistance Program instead, or check out other food resources (linked above).

2. Meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be Between 18-49 years old
  • Mentally and physically fit enough to be able to work
  • Be enrolled at least half-time (6 units or more)

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still be eligible! You will need to meet the income limits and other requirements but will not be asked to verify your student status. 

3. If you meet the student definition, you must also satisfy at least ONE of these qualifications:

*Temporary COVID Expanded Eligibility*

Student Programs

Graduate Programs

(current as of August 2021)

  • Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = $0

  • Eligible for work study

  • Been awarded work-study this academic year

  • Work 20 hours/week or an average of 80 hours/month 

  • Have a dependent under the age of 12

  • Receiving Cal Grant A or B

  • Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) 

  • Chafee Educational Training Voucher Program

  • Berkeley Hope Scholars 

  • Disabled Student’s Program (DSP)

  • Extended Foster Care (AB12/AB 212)

  • UC McNair Program

  • Doctor of Optometry (OD)

  • Juris Doctorate (JD)

  • Master of Public Affairs (MPA)

  • Master of Public Health (MPH)

  • Master of Public Policy (MPP)

  • Master of Social Welfare (MSW)

4. Meet the income bracket, which until September 2021 will be:

Household size

Maximum Monthly Gross Income

1

$2,128

2

$2,874

3

$3,620

4

$4,368

5

$5,114

6

$5,860

Each additional household member

+$748

*The income bracket is updated annually based on government guidelines.*