Students
Temporary student exemptions are ending due to the end of the Public Health Emergency declaration. Students that already get CalFresh will be able to keep their benefits until their next recertification date. Students who wish to apply under the temporary exemptions must do so on or before June 9th, 2023.
For students whose certification periods end April, May or June 2023, the last day they can recertify under temporary exemptions is June 30th, 2023.
On July 1st, 2023, CalFresh will go back to the previous student eligibility rules and the following temporary student rules will no longer apply:
They have been awarded work study, even if they do not have a work study job.
They have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0.
Important dates:
June 9th, 2023- Last day for students to apply under expanded eligibility
June 30th, 2023 - Last day for students with April, May or June 2023 receritifcation dates to process recertifications (RRR) under temporary exemptions.
Students can only qualify for CalFresh if they meet certain criteria. Read carefully in order to find out if you are considered a student and whether you may be eligible. Even if you are not eligible for CalFresh, remember that other people in your household may still qualify.
First, it is important to determine if you are considered a student.
You are considered a student if you are:
1. Age 18-49 and is physically and mentally “fit” for employment. If the person has a disability, they are not considered a student.
2. Enrolled at least half-time* in regular curriculum at an “institution of higher education”** in which the regular curriculum meets the standard requirements for graduation or certification in a particular field of study.
*Half-time is determined by the institution in which you are enrolled.
**An institution of higher education is a business, trade, technical or vocational school that usually requires a high school diploma or GED; or a junior, community, two-year or four-year college or university, or graduate school. It does not matter whether a high school diploma or GED is required.
If you are considered a student, you can get CalFresh if you:
Work at least 20 hours per week, on average, OR
Are approved for state or federal work-study money and anticipate working during the term, OR
Are a full-time student with a child under age 12, OR
A part-time student with a child under age 6, OR
A part-time student with a child age 6-11 without adequate child care, OR
Are receiving CalWORKs, OR
Are enrolled in CalFresh employment and training or another job training program accepted by CalFresh, OR
Do not plan to register for the next school term.
The student eligibility rules do NOT apply to people who are:
Age 17 and under or age 50 and older, OR
Physically and mentally “unfit” for employment, OR
In high school, OR
Enrolled less than half-time, OR
Enrolled in programs or classes that do not require a high school diploma or GED, OR
Enrolled in schools that are not considered institutions of higher education.
If you are not a student and you meet other eligibility requirements, you should apply for CalFresh.
For more information, visit the CalFresh Guide on student eligibility and how student aid is counted.