CalFresh Outreach Center
CalFresh = Money for Groceries
The staff of Cal State LA's CalFresh Outreach Center can assist, advise, and advocate with the CalFresh application process. We help students determine their eligibility, obtain verification documents, navigate the 30-day application period, and the renewal process.
Please fill out the Pre-Screening Form linked below and we will contact you to schedule an appointment. We are assisting students virtually, but our center is open, and walk-ins are welcome!
What is CalFresh?
CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, provides monthly benefits to purchase groceries for low-income individuals and families.
The benefit amount a household receives is dependent on household size, income, and monthly expenses. The program issues monthly benefits through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works just like a debit card. Most local grocery stores and farmer’s markets accept EBT.
Am I Eligible?
To be eligible for CalFresh you must meet the following eligibility guidelines:
Basic Household Eligibility
Your household income must be under the limits listed in the following table:
household = a person living alone or a group of people living together who purchase and prepare food together.
|
Number of People in Household |
Gross Monthly Income |
Max CalFresh Allotment* |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
$2,148 |
$250 |
|
2 |
$2,904 |
$459 |
|
3 |
$3,660 |
$658 |
|
4 |
$4,418 |
$835 |
|
5 |
$5,174 |
$992 |
Legal Status
Your household must include at least one U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
*Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students are not eligible for this federally funded program.
Student Exemption
If you are a student who is between 18 and 48 years of age, at least one of the following must apply to you:
- Work 20+ hours a week
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0
- Cal Grant A or B recipient
- Eligible for Federal Work-Study
- Enrolled in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
- Medically verified as unable to work and registered with the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD)
- Participant in Guardian Scholars Program or Extended Foster Care Act
- CalWORKs Recipient or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
- A student with a child between 6 -12 years old with no adequate childcare
- Enrolled in an approved Student Employment Program
Current Cal State LA Student Employment Programs include:
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (ABSN)
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work Program (BASW)
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist Training Program
- Master of Social Work Program (MSW)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- M.A in Child Development
- M.A in Communicative Disorders with an emphasis in Speech-Language Pathology
- M.S. in School-Based Family Counseling
- Doctor of Audiology (AuD) Program
Application Process
Step 1: Submit Pre-Screening Form
If you think you may be eligible, please complete our Pre-Screening Form
Once we receive the form, a CalFresh team member will contact you to schedule an appointment.
Step 2: Meet with a CalFresh Intern
Meet with a CalFresh Intern to submit an application through GetCalFresh.org and upload the required verification documents.
Examples of verification documentation include:
- Copy of ID
- Proof of address and rent/mortgage receipt
- Utility bill(s)
- Pay stubs of income from the last 30-days
- Financial aid award letter and class schedule
Step 3: Interview
Complete an interview with a county eligibility worker over the phone.
Step 4: Keep Your Benefits
If approved, you will be required to complete the following:
- SAR 7 Report - six months after your initial application is approved, the county will mail the SAR 7 to the mailing address you provided at the time of your application.
- Recertification Application - after a year of receiving benefits, the county will mail you a packet and schedule a follow-up interview if necessary.
Meet the CalFresh Internship Team
Emily
Jacqueline
Julissa
Contact CalFresh Outreach
Meet with our Team
We are assisting students virtually via Zoom but our center is open. We are located in the Student Services Building on the 4th Floor.
Questions?
Email us at calfreshoutreach@calstatela.edu
Call us 323.343.6074
This website was funded by USDA, SNAP, known in California as CalFresh, an equal opportunity provider and employer, and the California Department of Social Services.
