CalFresh is a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 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.
Any individual who is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States may apply as long as the income guidelines and student eligibility rules are met. Loans, most grants, scholarships do NOT count as income for students.
Household Size/Gross Monthly Income
1...$2,148
2...$2,904
3...$3,660
A student is defined as someone between 18-49 years old, enrolled in classes at least ½ time, and physically/mentally able to attend school and/or work.
Most students live with roommates but they don't share a food budget, they would apply as a household of “1”
Students under 22 and not living with their parents/guardians can apply independently
Students under 22 and living with their parents/guardians must apply with them
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
Common student eligibility exemptions includes meeting at least one exemption...
CalGrant A or B Recipient
Must be eligible for CSAC Letter (CSASC Website)
Approved and Accepted for work study, even if the student does not have a work study placement*
Works 20 hours per week, or an average of 80 hours per month
Have dependent children under the age of 6 (or 12 without available child care services)
Recipient of CalWORKs (also known as cash assistance)
Not meeting any of these exemptions? Make sure to review other eligibility exemptions please review this handout and visit read through Frequently Asked Questions.
Independently
Visit GetCalFresh.org
Check out the Application Tools section of 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
This list contains various documents which are helpful to have for your application. However, you can submit an application without them and provide needed items after you apply.
1. Student Status Verification (Required)
The Verification Form changes depending on which eligibility is being used.
Download Financial Aid Award Letter from TritonLink OR have Financial Aid Counselor fill out a CSF-50 Form
2. Proof of ID (Required)
Ex.) School or Work ID, Driver's License, ID for Health Benefits/other Assistance Program, Voter Registration Card, Wage Stubs, Birth Certificate
3. Social Security Number (Required)
You do NOT need your actual Social Security Card, but should include your SSN on the CalFresh Application
If you do not include it, you’ll have to submit your Social Security Number later on
4. Proof of Income
Pay stubs for the last 30 days/4 weeks
Accessible through UCPath if working for UC San Diego
5. Proof of Rent or Lease Agreement
On-Campus Students:
This document allows HDH to release your Housing and Dining Contract to you
Fill out this document yourself and send it to housinginfo@ucsd.edu - include PID the email
Afterwards, you will receive an email from HDH with your housing contract in it—that is the document which you will submit in the CalFresh Application
Off-Campus Students:
Formal Lease/Rent Agreement
Informal rent or lease letter can be submitted, but must be dated with the amount paid and contact information for payee
6. Proof of Participation in Student Program - if applicable
Visit this handout for guidance
7. Additional Documents
May be needed depending on the case
Ex.) Contribution Document, Graduate Stipend Expense Document, etc.
Check your physical mail for your interview appointment with in the next week
The eligibility interview will take about 30 minute
The county call will be from a blocked number, please make sure to answer
A worker will ask you about your household, income, expenses, and other eligibility requirements
San Diego County will provide you with a list of documents to submit within 30 days from the date that you submitted your application to verify your eligibility
Create an account through MyBenefitsCalWin to track your benefits
Upload documents that may be needed post application via LaterDocs
Review this handout for an in-depth overview of how to maintain your benefits
Refer students to calfresh.ucsd.edu and advise them to fill out the CalFresh Assistance Form
If a student is persistent on talking to a specific person or prefers an email
Obtain their name, PID, and email address
Email calfresh@ucsd.edu via the Peer Educator email and CC the student
If a student is persistent in talking with a supervisor/”manager” OR their case seems unique/complex
Obtain their name, PID, and email address
Email enwatkins@ucsd.edu via the Peer Educator email and CC the student