Application Process

Step 1

Fill out our Eligibility Prescreen Form to see if you qualify for CalFresh benefits. 

Step 2

Schedule a CalFresh Appointment with our team to receive help with completing your CalFresh Online Application or on your own. (You may also schedule an appointment to ask our CalFresh Team any questions.)

Step 3 

Submit verification documents.

To qualify for CalFresh more quickly, we recommend submitting your verification documents with your application. However, you may submit your verification documents after you complete your application using Send Documents. Your application will not be approved if you do not submit these. Please refer to the following PDF for more information regarding verifying your eligibility.

• Verification Document Checklist (DOCX)

NOTE: Your 30-day application period begins after it is received by the county. 

Step 4

Complete your CalFresh Interview with the county office by phone. YOU will need to call the county office that you are applying for CalFresh in. The county office will NOT be calling you. You may also visit a CalFresh county office in person. 

Step 5

In order to keep your CalFresh benefits, you will be required to do the following every 6 months:

• Complete a Semiannual Report via the SAR 7 Eligibility Status Report form (PDF) 6 months after your initial application is approved. The county will let you know when this is due(make sure to check your mail).

• Complete a Recertification Application (PDF) and be interviewed before the end of your certification period. The county will let you know when this application is due and will send you a letter confirming the time and date of your phone call interview.

NOTE: It’s important to keep your mailing address updated with the county so that you receive important documents that pertain to your CalFresh eligibility.