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CalFresh Eligibility

Do I Qualify for CalFresh? 

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Income Eligibility and Household Information

  Income Guidelines (October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025)

  Household Size	Gross Monthly Income (200% FPL)	Maximum CalFresh Allotment
  1	$2,510	$292
  2	$3,408	$536
  3	$4,304	$768
  4	$5,200	$975
  5	$6,098	$1,158
  6	$6,994	$1,390
  7	$7,890	$1,536
  8	$8,788	$1,756
  Each additional member	+$898	+$220

   

• Immigration Status

  People with the listed immigration statuses are eligible for food benefits. Receiving benefits will not affect you or your family's immigration status:

  • U.S. citizen
  • Legal permanent resident
  • T-Visa or U-Visa holder (or applicant)
  • Asylee
  • Refugee
  • Parolee (or applicant)
  • VAWA relief applicant
  • Cuban or Haitian entrant
  • Other lawful temporary residents
• Additional Meals

  If your household is receiving more than half (11 or more) of their meals per week from another source, they may not be eligible for CalFresh. If receiving 10 or less meals per week from another source, they may be eligible for CalFresh.

Student Eligibility Requirements

If you meet at least one of the following options, then you may be eligible!

• Student must be enrolled in 6 UNITS or more
• Students under the age of 22 and who live with their parents must apply together
• College Student Exemptions (must meet at least one of the following):
  • Student works in a paid position for at least 20 hours a week or 80 hours a month
  • Eligible for Federal Work-Study and HAS NOT refused a work assignment 
  • Receives Cal Grant A or B
  • Has an estimated Family Contribution of $0
  • Enrolled in an Approved LPIE Program at CSUSM 
• Exerting parent control over a dependent of 6 years old or in between 6 and 12 with no adequate childcare or a single parent with a dependent of 12 years old or younger.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply?

Student Documents

• Proof of Student Status
• Proof of Financial Aid (examples: TANF letter, financial aid award letter)
• Proof of EFC of $0
• Proof of eligibility for work-study 
• Verification letter of LPIE (if necessary)

Additional Documents

• Proof of identification (examples: drivers license or identification card, passport, work or school ID, birth certificate, voter registration card)
• Social security numbers for everyone who is applying
• Proof of immigration status
• Proof of rent expenses
• Proof of income from the last 30 days (examples: pay stubs, statement from employer, alimony check, award letter for unemployment or disability benefits )
• Proof of child support paid
• Proof child or adult care costs (example: bills)
• Proof of disability (example: award letter)
• Proof of medical costs if 60+ or disabled (examples: receipts for prescriptions, copay, service animal costs, glasses, hearing aids)