Navigating CalFresh: A Guide to Student Eligibility in California

CalFresh is a California financial aid program, funded by the USDA as a nutrition assistance program, designed to help individuals and families, including students, buy food and eat healthier. It can stretch a tight food budget, allowing students to incorporate healthy foods like fruits and vegetables into their diet. Many UC San Diego students could be eligible for CalFresh! Across California, all CSU campuses have dedicated CalFresh Outreach programs to assist students with the application process and determine their eligibility for this benefit.

Understanding CalFresh and its Benefits

CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides eligible individuals and households with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. This card functions like a debit card and can be used at many grocery stores, markets, and even some farmers' markets to purchase food. Recipients receive and “spend” benefits electronically via an EBT card that looks like a credit card.

General Eligibility Requirements

CalFresh eligibility is divided into two requirement sections: general requirements and student exemption requirements. You must fulfill BOTH of these sections to be eligible. To qualify for CalFresh, applicants must meet certain general requirements, including income limits. Individual/household must have a gross income that does not exceed the limit for the total number of applicants. Please refer to the chart below for household sizes. Every applicant must be below the maximum income limit for their respective household. Please refer to the income threshold document for specific guidelines. These limits are based on household size and gross monthly income (total income before taxes/deductions). A CalFresh Household is an individual or group of people who live together AND purchase and prepare meals together. Your household must be under the gross monthly income limit in the "Income Guidelines" table below. Maximum allotment is not guaranteed. The income guidelines are updated periodically.

Household Definition

A household is defined as a person living alone (yourself) or a group of people (including yourself) currently living together who buy and prepare food together.

Mandatory Households

Individuals that must be included in your household, when currently living together, even if you do not buy and prepare food together. If you are under 22 years and living at home with your family, you must apply together as a household. If you are 22 years or older and living at home with your family, you can apply separately from your family.

Income Deductions

Students can make certain CalFresh Income Deductions, which are allowable expenses that can be subtracted from the household’s monthly gross income.

Citizenship

Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or have eligible non-citizen immigration status to qualify. citizens to qualify. For a full list of qualifying immigration statuses, and information regarding Public Charge or other FAQ’s visit GetCalFresh.org. International, DACA, and DREAM students will not be eligible, even with a work VISA/Social Security Number. Reach out to our team about other food support services or visit our pages here.

Meal Plans

You cannot have a dining hall meal plan above 10.5 meals/week. Students who have a meal plan must have a meal plan that only provides 10 meals or less per week. These include the 120 meals (per academic year) or less. UC Merced Students who live on-campus are required to enroll in the Unlimited Meal Plan and are therefore ineligible while residing on campus; unless a meal plan exemption for extraordinary circumstances has been submitted and approved. Students who live off-campus and/or commute are not considered residents of an institution.

Student-Specific Eligibility Rules

The rules prohibiting “students” from getting CalFresh benefits are complex. There are myriad definitions and exceptions affecting student eligibility for CalFresh. But to boil it down to its essence, the bar against a student getting CalFresh requires a two-step determination: First, does the person fit the definition of “student”? If so, then second, does the student NOT fall within one of the listed exceptions? Carefully evaluate these two questions to ensure the prohibition against a student getting CalFresh benefits is correctly determined.

Defining a Student

For CalFresh purposes, a student is generally defined as an individual aged 18-49 who is physically and mentally fit and enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education. The student - aged 18-49 - must be physically and mentally fit. Physically or mentally "fit": If an individual in a household is physically/mentally unable to work and/or is receiving disability benefits from any source, they do not need to meet the student eligibility qualifications listed below. However, they will be required to provide verification of disability. The student must be enrolled at least “half time.” This component is defined by the school. [7 C.F.R. The student must be enrolled in “higher education.” [7 C.F.R.

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"Regular curriculum" means the course in which the person is enrolled meets the standard requirements for graduation or certification or qualification in a particular field of study. If the program or course - as opposed to the college - does not require a diploma or GED, the student bar would not apply. [MPP § 63-406.111(a)(2)(A); 60 Fed.Reg. See, generally, 7 C.F.R. §§ 273.5(b); MPP § 63-406.211.

Student Exemptions: How to Qualify

Even if you meet the definition of a student, you may still be eligible for CalFresh if you meet one of several exemptions. Before exploring student exemptions, check the "Top 5 Basic CalFresh Eligibility Requirements" section above. You only need to meet a student requirement (exemption) if you fit the state definition of a student in section 5. Make sure to remember your Student Exemption during your interview with the County. Here are some common exemptions:

Working at Least 20 Hours Per Week: Students who work an average of 20 hours per week are exempt from the student eligibility restrictions.
Receiving Cal Grant A or B: Students approved for a TANF-funded Cal Grant A or B are eligible. Approved for a TANF-funded Cal Grant A or B.
Federal Work-Study: Students who are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year, as determined by the school. Receiving federal or state work-study money. “Receiving” means when the student is approved for state or federally work study for the current school term, anticipates working during the term, and has not refused a work assignment. [ACL 17-05; ACIN I-89-15.] This exemption applies even if a work study job assignment has not yet begun or is not available. The exemption begins the month the school term starts or the month work study is approved, whichever is later. The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 expands the exception for work study to any student eligible to participate in a state or federally financed work study during the regular school year, as determined by the school. While this exception is in effect, it is no longer required that students be approved for work study and anticipate working. Awarded AND accepted work study offer.
Zero Dollar Expected Family Contribution: The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 adds an exception to the CalFresh student rule for students who have a zero dollar expected family contribution. [Id.] This is determined by information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application. The California Student Aid Commission determines who has a zero dollar expected family contribution. Verification can include, but is not limited to, a letter from the California Student Aid Commission confirming a zero dollar expected family contribution, a student’s Student Aid Report or a financial aid offer letter.
Having a Dependent Child: Students with a dependent child under the age of 12 may be eligible, especially single parents or those without adequate childcare. Be responsible for a dependent child under age 6; OR dependent child 6 to 11 and no adequate childcare is available. Be a single parent responsible for the care of a dependent child under age 12. If you are a student with a dependent, consider applying for Calfresh!
Enrolled in CalWORKs:
Enrolled in a CalFresh Employment and Training (FSET) Program: Students enrolled in a CalFresh employment and training (FSET) program, or other state or local job training programs that USDA will accept. [7 C.F.R. Enrolled in a CalFresh employment and training (FSET) program, or other state or local job training programs that USDA will accept. [7 C.F.R.
Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE): Enrolled in a program to increase the student’s employability, including programs for low-income students that are operated by a state or local government where one or more of the components of the program are equivalent to an Employment and Training (E&T) component. [7 C.F.R. § 273.5(b)(11).] Those components include Adult Basic Education, Career & Technical Education, English Language Acquisition, Work Readiness Training, and Work Experience. CDSS determines whether a state or local program qualifies under this definition. [ACL 22-46.] Campus based programs that meet these requirements must submit an application to CDSS on or before September 1, 2022. Counties will no longer participate in the process of identifying campus based LPIEs. Programs at private institutions are no longer eligible for LPIE status because the programs must be operated by a state or local government. Enrolled in a program to increase the student’s employability, including programs for low-income students that are operated by a state or local government where one or more of the components of the program are equivalent to an Employment and Training (E&T) component. [7 C.F.R. Enrolled in a Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE). Enrolled in an approved Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIEs), which students can be qualified through their major. The approved list of LPIEs can be found here. For more information about how to apply as a student enrolled in an LPIE please review this document. Students participating in College Corps are considered to be participating in a Local Program that Increases Employability ("LPIE") and may qualify for CalFresh. Students will still need to meet other CalFresh eligibility criteria, such as citizenship requirements. Graduate students enrolled in certain degree programs that require an Employment and Training (E&T) component are considered to be participating in a Local Program that Increases Employability ("LPIE") and may qualify for CalFresh. Don't see your degree program on the list, but believe it requires an E&T component? Approved academic and professional programs have been reviewed and approved by the California Department of Social Services. These programs are known as Local Programs that increase Employability (LPIE). The programs all have a Education and Training (E&T) component, which is defined as a service, activity, or program designed to help students gain skills, training, or work experience. Designed to educate students on seven personal finance topics, the Fresh Finances Program also serves as a CalFresh student eligibility! Have questions regarding the Fresh Finances Program?
Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act program: Enrolled in a Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act program.
Does not intend to register for the next normal school term: [7 C.F.R. Does not intend to register for the next normal school term. [7 C.F.R.

Important Dates to Remember

These new exemptions will no longer be available to new CalFresh applicants beginning on June 10, 2023 (30 days after the end of the federal Public Health Emergency). Students who are currently exempt under one of the COVID-19 exemptions must remain exempt until their next annual recertification. [Id.] Student status is not redetermined mid-period or periodic report. [Id.] Beginning July 1, 2023, students who must do annual recertification will need to meet one of the permanent exemptions to the CalFresh student rule in order to be eligible.

LPIE Programs

Students can be qualified through being enrolled through their graduate program. The approved list of LPIEscan be found here. For more information about how to apply as a student enrolled in an LPIE please review this document. There are many ways UC San Diego students could be eligible for CalFresh! Check out below for a step-by-step view on eligibility.

How to Apply for CalFresh

You have the right to apply for CalFresh even if it seems like you may not be eligible. CalFresh Advocates cannot determine your eligibility for CalFresh, this can only be determined by CalFresh County Representatives after applying.

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Contact Your Campus CalFresh Outreach Center: Some CSU campuses have dedicated CalFresh Outreach Centers to pre-screen students and help eligible students apply for benefits. Contact your Campus CalFresh Outreach Center to gain access to the online application portal and receive support over the 30-day application process. Use the drop-down menu below to find an Outreach Center on your campus or get help with your CalFresh application.
Complete the Application: The application usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Code for America made this site in partnership with the State of California.
Verification: You’ll get a call from CalFresh in a couple of days to verify your situation.
Required Documents:Students will need to submit their Employment Verification Form. The Employment Verification Form can be obtained from UC Path, by logging in and going to the Income & Taxes tab. Some programs may require additional verification forms, please check the notes of the Verification Forms Document, to see if this applies to your program and how to request them.

Addressing Common Concerns

Mixed-Status Families

Mixed-status families can still apply for CalFresh if they have eligible members in their households! Mixed-status families can still apply for CalFresh if they have eligible members in their households! For example, undocumented parents can apply for benefits for their citizen children. See this article on Unique Family Composition for more information. Example: If a parent is undocumented, they can still apply for CalFresh on behalf of their child.

Immigration Status

If you, someone in your family, or someone in your household is undocumented, eligible household members can still apply for and receive benefits. The CalFresh Office is NOT allowed to share client records with Immigration & Customs Enforcement. Receiving CalFresh will not affect immigration status and you will not be deemed a “public charge” for using CalFresh. No worries! Check in with our CalFresh Team before making a final decision about eligibility.

Conclusion

CalFresh can be a lifeline for students struggling with food insecurity. By understanding the eligibility requirements and available exemptions, students can determine if they qualify for this valuable resource. Don't hesitate to reach out to your Campus CalFresh Outreach Center for assistance with the application process.

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