CalFresh

CalFresh

CalFresh color logo

What is CalFresh?

CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program). CalFresh dollars help stretch a tight food budget and help many people afford to incorporate healthy foods like fruits and vegetables into their diets.

CalFresh is the name of the USDA-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the state of California. Recipients receive and “spend” CalFresh benefits electronically, via personal Golden State Advantage electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards that look just like any other credit or debit cards.

 

  • What is CalFresh Outreach (CFO)?

    The CalFresh Outreach Program is funded through the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and is implemented in partnership with county social services offices. It assists people through the entire CalFresh application process, including assistance with the application itself, obtaining verification documents, navigating the 30-day application period, as well as the renewal process.

  • Request Assistance

    If you have questions about the application process or need help applying, you may contact Myrna Reyes by emailing calfresh@compton.edu or completing the Compton College and CalFresh Prescreen form to request direct application assistance.

  • Eligibility Basics

    Most college students are eligible. Review the Basic Eligibility Information (PDF).

  • Information about CalFresh

    The CalFresh program is a federal nutrition assistance program, offered through your local county Department of Public and Social Services (DPSS) office. The program issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used to incorporate healthy foods like fruits and vegetables in your diet and can be purchased at many markets and food stores. Many college students are eligible!

    You can also watch a video created by LA County office of DPSS that describes the program in more detail:


  • Application Process 

    Step 1: Explore your CalFresh Eligibility

    Complete our CalFresh pre-screen form and consent of service for to see if you are eligible!

    You have the right to apply for CalFresh even if you do not appear to be eligible. If you have questions about the form, please contact a CalFresh support worker at calfresh@compton.edu

    Step 2: Submit an Application

    Want help applying? Book an appointment with a Calfresh support worker today. Appointments are normally available for scheduling up to two weeks in advance.

    Application website

    If you need help outside of the listed appointment times, contact our support staff at calfresh@compton.edu

    Prefer to apply on your own?

    Apply using the BenefitsCal website

    The online application can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes for a single person household, however, please be aware it can take longer if you include more than 1 individual on the application. Note: You can only apply for benefits again if the 30-day period since you most recently applied has passed.

    Step 3: Submit Verification Forms

    Required documents can be submitted:

    -Online through BenefitsCal account

    -Through mail or county drop-off box

    Note: Required verifications will be listed before you submit application online as well as verbally through DPSS Support Worker when you complete your interview

    Step 4: Complete Your Interview

    Via Phone: You can call the 866-613-3777 and complete your interview with your application number for reference. The county will also send you a letter of a date and time they will contact you if you do not contact them. Be aware that they will call from an unfamiliar, unknown or blocked number, so please pick up as it could be the county attempting to reach you.

    Step 5: Receive Benefits

    If you are approved, you will receive an approval letter

    Note: When you receive expedited services, you will receive an approval letter, pending verification. You MUST submit your pending verifications forms within the next 10 businesses days to receive benefits the following month. If you receive a Notice of Approval Pending Verification, you must submit by date listed on letter or your benefits will be stop.

    Step 6: Submit the SAR7 and Annual Recertification

    CalFresh recipients are required to report their income, expenses, and other financial changes every 6 months and year mark to keep benefits.

    Check BenefitsCal.com to maintain benefits. Reach out to our CalFresh support worker for help completing/uploading these documents.

 

Compton College and CalFresh Prescreen Form

Compton College and the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) are collaborating to provide more students information and access to CalFresh resources and to study the impact of these resources on student success.

STUDENT CALFRESH PRESCREEN FORM

General Questions about CalFresh?

You are welcome to email calfresh@compton.edu or ask questions in person during the semester at our table at the Farmers Market. You will also find walk-up office hours published on  Things to do on Campus

 

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