CalFresh is California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to assist eligible individuals or households buy food to support their access to healthy and nutritious food. CalFresh food funds are accessed by using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card at most grocery stores. Eligibility and the amount of CalFresh benefits you receive depends on your household size, income, and certain living expenses.
Immigrants (legal permanent resident, victims of trafficking, asylees, and others)
Seniors (60+)
Students
People with Disabilities
SSI Recipients
Students MUST meet both standard and student eligibility
Students MUST meet a citizenship requirement
Students MUST be a San Diego County resident for thirty days
The CalFresh Household monthly income BEFORE taxes (gross) must NOT exceed the amount for the household size.
Household Size/Gross Monthly Income
1...$2,430
2...$3,288
3...$4,144
4...$5,000
For more information: San Diego Income Table
Students must be:
Between the ages of 19-49 and
Enrolled in classes at least half-time in an institution of higher and education and
Physically and mentally be able to attend school and work
Students must meet at least one eligibility exemption:
CalGrant A or B Recipient
TANF funded & CSAC letter
Approved and Accepted for work study
Full-time student who is a single parent to a child under 12 years old
Part-time student w/ a child (6-11 years old) without adequate childcare
Have dependent children under the age of 6 (or 12 without available child care services)
Office for Student with Disabilities (OSD)
Works 20 hours per week, or an average of 80 hours per month
Employed in an on-campus position
Enrolled in an approved Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE)
McNair Program or Chancellor's Associates Scholarship Program (CASP)
Programs for Current and Former Foster Youth
Recipient of CalWORKs (also known as cash assistance)
Does not plan to register for the next school term
Not meeting any of these exemptions? Make sure to visit and read through Frequently Asked Questions.
*Not available to international & undocumented students, however iTable is a program under the ISEO office and was established as a branch of the Hub. It is a resource tailored to international students as this program functions as a grocery assistance service based off of CalFresh. Financial allotments average to $600 per quarter. For more information: itable.ucsd.edu
Note about Meal Plans on Campus:
Students who live on campus and receive one of the three lowest dining plans may be eligible for qualification so long as income and one other exemption is identified:
Resident Hall Dining Plans that May Make UCSD Students Eligible for CalFresh
The 3936 Plan & The 1968 Plan
Resident Hall Dining Plan that May Make UCSD Student NOT Eligible for CalFresh
The 5904 Plan
Important Tips Before Applying:
Most students live with roommates, but they typically do not share a food budget. Therefore, they should apply as a household of "1."
Students under 22 who do not live with their parents/guardians can apply independently.
Students under 22 who live with their parents/guardians must apply together with them.
Independently
Visit GetCalFresh.org
Check out the CalFresh Website
Apply via mobile device, laptop, or tablet
Application Assistance
Complete CalFresh Assistance Form
A CalFresh Outreach Assistant will connect with you for 1:1 support
An email will be sent with links for online/in person availability for appointments
Questions? Email calfresh@ucsd.edu
The following documents are helpful for your application. However, you can submit your application without them and provide any necessary items later.
1. Student Status Verification (Required)
The Verification Form varies depending on your eligibility criteria.
You can either download your Financial Aid Award Letter from TritonLink or have a Financial Aid Counselor complete a CSF-50 Form. The form must indicate at least one of the following: CalGrant A or B, UCSD Grant, or Federal Work Study
2. Proof of ID (Required)
Examples: School or Work ID, Driver's License, ID for Health Benefits/Other Assistance Programs, Voter Registration Card, Wage Stubs, Birth Certificate.
3. Social Security Number (Required)
You do NOT need to provide your actual Social Security Card, but you should include your SSN on the CalFresh Application.
If you do not include it, you will need to submit your Social Security Number later.
4. Proof of Income
Provide pay stubs for the last 30 days or 4 weeks.
If employed at UC San Diego, pay stubs can be accessed through UCPath.
Note: Loans, most grants, scholarships do NOT count as income for students.
5. Proof of Rent or Lease Agreement
On-Campus Students:
Sumbit an On-Campus Housing Tenancy Verification form. This document allows HDH to release your Housing and Dining Contract to you.
Complete the form and send it to housinginfo@ucsd.edu, including your PID in the email.
You will receive an email from HDH with your housing contract, which you will submit with your CalFresh Application
Off-Campus Students:
Submit a formal Lease/Rent Agreement
An informal rent or lease letter can also be submitted but must be dated and include the amount paid and the payee's contact information.
6. Proof of Participation in Student Program (if applicable)
7. Additional Documents
Additional documents may be required depending on your specific case.
Examples: Contribution Document, Graduate Stipend Expense Document, etc.
Check Your Mail
Within the next two weeks, you will receive an interview appointment notice by physical mail.
Eligibility Interview
The interview will last approximately 15-30 minutes.
Expect the call from a blocked number, so be sure to answer.
The interviewer will ask about your household, income, expenses, and other eligibility requirements
Submit Required Documents
San Diego County will provide you with a list of documents to submit within 30 days of your application date to verify your eligibility.
Track Your Benefits
Create an account through MyBenefitsCalWin to track your benefits
You can upload any additional documents required post-application via LaterDocs
For a detailed overview of how to maintain your benefits, review the provided handout.
Referral Process
Direct students to calfresh.ucsd.edu and advise them to fill out the CalFresh Assistance Form
If a Student Requests a Specific Contact or Prefers Email Communication
Collect their name, PID, and email address.
Email calfresh@ucsd.edu via the Peer Educator email, and CC the student
If a Student Requests to Speak with a Supervisor or Has a Complex Case
Collect their name, PID, and email address.
Email enwatkins@ucsd.edu via the Peer Educator email, and CC the student