CalFresh Application Support
CalFresh, also known as SNAP/EBT, is a federally funded program that provides eligible
students with up to $298 per month to purchase food. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT
card, which can be used at most grocery stores, farmers' markets, and online retailers.
If you find that you are not eligible for CalFresh, or if the federal rules feel confusing, frustrating, or discouraging, please know that you are still welcome here. Our Mini Market and Basic Needs services are open to all students, regardless of CalFresh eligibility.
We are here to support you and help you explore other resources that may meet your needs. You deserve access to food and support.
Important CalFresh Updates (2025-2026)
CalFresh policies are updated annually and may also change due to new federal or state legislation. This includes both routine annual updates and significant policy changes that may affect eligibility for some households.
The language and information below explains eligibility rules for CalFresh that are set by the federal government under the national SNAP program.
Federal changes modify work requirement rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD).
Beginning June 1, 2026:
- Work requirements apply to adults ages 18–64 (expanded age range).
- The exemption for adults responsible for a child now applies only if the child is under age 14 (previously under 18).
- Certain previous exemptions (such as veteran status, homelessness, or former foster youth status alone) are eliminated.
- Individuals subject to these rules may be limited to receiving only three full months of benefits within a three-year period unless they meet work participation requirements or qualify for an exemption.
Not all recipients are affected. People with disabilities, those caring for young children, and other exempt individuals are not subject to time limits.
California Department of Social Services (CDSS) All County Letter No. 25-92 implements federal law changes that significantly narrow which noncitizens qualify for CalFresh.
Beginning April 1, 2026
CalFresh eligibility for noncitizens will be limited to the following categories:
- U.S. Citizens Noncitizen
- U.S. Nationals
- Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
- Individuals lawfully residing under the Compact of Free Association (COFA)
- Cuban/Haitian Entrants
Many immigration categories that were previously eligible under federal SNAP rules will no longer qualify solely based on that status.
Individuals Impacted
The following groups will generally lose CalFresh eligibility unless they qualify under another category (such as becoming an LPR):
- Asylees Refugees
- Most humanitarian parolees (unless classified as Cuban/Haitian Entrants)
- Survivors of trafficking
- Battered noncitizens
- Certain other humanitarian statuses previously eligible under SNAP
Want To See If You're Eligible?
Please take a look at the CalFresh Student Eligibility Overview below and complete a CalFresh prescreener to see if you qualify.
CalFresh Student Definition
- Between the ages of 18 and 49.
- Enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education.
- Physically and mentally able to attend school and work.
AND Meet at least one Student Exemption:
- Been awarded work study for the current academic year.
- Work 20 hours/week or 80 hours/month.
- Have a dependent under the age of 12.
- Receive TANF-funded Cal Grant A or B (note, not all Cal Grant A or B are TANF Funded. An email from the California Student Aid Commission can serve as documentation).
- Enrolled in an approved Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE).
*Students pursuing a certificate or an associate's degree that is LPIE approved are eligible.
List of Approved LPIE Programs at Las Positas CollegeFull List of Approved LPIE Programs
A U.S. Citizen, or Lawful Permanent Resident, or at least one of the following is true:
- Has US citizenship
- Has a green card (for any length of time)
- Has refugee or asylum status
- Has parolee status for at least one year (Ukrainian parolees may qualify before one year)
- Has, or is applying for, a U-Visa or T-Visa
- Is an applicant for VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) relief
- Has Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)- would need to have their case reviewed for any documentation and see the status of their application for LPR
- Deportation withheld in certain circumstances
- Is a Cuban/Haitian entrant as defined in 501(e)
- Is an adult or minor who is a survivor of a severe form of human trafficking, or their spouse/parents/children
- Certain spouses and children who are survivors of interpersonal violence
- Is an Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant on certain Visa types
- Be a veteran of the United States military, or a member of the United States military, or a spouse or child of a person in the military, or a veteran
- Be a member of a Hmong or Laotian tribe that fought with the United States military during the Vietnam War, who is lawfully residing in the United States
- On August 22, 1996, have been 65 years or older and lawfully residing in the United States (i.e., born before August 22, 1931)
- Be an American Indian with certain rights to cross the border between the United States and Canada or Mexico, limited to specific Visa Codes
- Be a non-citizen national (born in American Samoa or Swain’s Island)
A household is a group of people who regularly buy and eat food together.
- The people in a household do not have to be related to each other.
- Households can be as small as one person
- The same address can have more than one household
- You don't need to have a home to receive CalFresh.
Is your household's gross monthly income (before taxes and deductions) within the limits in the chart below?
*Note: Student Financial Aid is not counted as income for CalFresh. Individuals receiving SSI/SSP in California are not eligible for CalFresh, but other household members may be.
For Federal Fiscal Year 2026 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026) Number of People in Household Gross Monthly Income Max CalFresh Allotment* 1 $2,610 $298 2 $3,526 $546 3 $4,442 $785 4 $5,360 $994 5 $6,276 $1,183 6 $7,192 $1,421 7 $8,110 $1,571 8 $9,026 $1,789 Each additional member $918 +$218
- Unpaid internships or volunteer work do not count towards the work requirement.
- Students who live with their parents must be 22 years of age or older to apply as an individual household.
- International, DACA, and DREAM students may not be eligible, even with a work VISA/SSN.
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) may be eligible.
- Students with a state certified disability only need to meet basic eligibility.
Need CalFresh Application Support?
The Basic Needs Department has dedicated staff to help students navigate the CalFresh application process, understand eligibility requirements, and access this vital long- term food resource.
The application takes about 45–60 minutes, and benefits are typically received within 30 days of approval. Click the link below to schedule a one-on-one appointment with us.
CalFresh Application Process
The CalFresh application process includes several required steps. Below is an overview of what to expect when applying for benefits.
Apply Either
- Online through BenefitsCal.
- By phone via the CalFresh Info Line 1-877-847-3663.
- In person at the county office (counties must provide interpretation services and accommodations).
Verification
- Households may need to provide documents.
- What's required varies by household.
Examples of Documentation
1. Proof of Identification
- Passport
- Driver's License or Real ID
- School ID
- Military ID
- Social security card
- Proof of application (if no SSN exists)
2. School Information
Note: If you’re uploading these documents online, you may select "School Verification" as your document type.
- Financial Aid Award Letter
- Class schedule or syllabus
- To access your class schedule, log in to your MyPortal >>Open Student Services>>Registration>>Student Detail Schedule>>Printable Class Schedule>>Select Current Term >>Print Page>>Save PDF
- Registration schedule or fees
- Financial aid College or university enrollment
- Written statement
- Attendance records
- Certificate of completion or diploma
3. Income (For Students Who Are Working)
- Pay stubs for the last 30 days OR
- Statement of earnings from your employer
Students with Work Study Jobs: Earnings from work-study jobs do not count as income for CalFresh; it's considered part of your financial aid package and is an exempt resource, meaning you should inform your caseworker that it's work-study income and provide proof, like your award letter, to ensure it's not counted against your benefits.
Interview
- The county schedules an interview (often by phone) to confirm the application info and ask follow-up questions.
- Your caseworker will verify application details such as your student status, school enrollment, rent, utilities, bank accounts, and other relevant information.
- Interviews can usually be rescheduled. Procedures vary by county.
Eligibility decision and EBT issuance
- The county makes a decision on eligibility typically within 30 days after a completed application process.
- If your application is approved, you will receive an approval notice, an EBT card, and a new PIN if this is a new case, sent to the address you provided.
- If your application is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision with support from the Basic Needs Department.
After Approval: Using Your CalFresh Benefits
What CalFresh can/can’t buy
- Can buy: most groceries with a nutrition label, plus seeds/seedlings.
- Can’t buy: non-food items, supplements, and hot prepared foods (unless a special program applies).
Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)
- Older adults (60+), people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness may be eligible to use CalFresh for hot meals at approved restaurants.
Farmers’ markets and Market Match
Market Match is a widely available nutrition incentive program in California that allows individuals to increase their purchasing power for fresh, healthy food.
How It Works:
- Swipe your EBT card for the amount you want to spend (for example, $10 or $15).
- You will receive: That same amount in regular market tokens (usable for most SNAP-eligible foods), plus
- An additional matching amount in Market Match tokens or vouchers.
- Market Match funds can be used specifically to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Many markets offer a daily match of $10 or $15, but the exact matching structure and maximum amount may vary by location.
For the most accurate information, it is recommended to visit the information booth at your local market or check FMFinder.org for participating locations.
