CalFresh, EBT or SNAP is a food grant program in the state of California that can stretch your food resources. It won’t affect your existing financial aid and you don’t need your parent’s tax returns to apply.
Eligible students may receive up to $292 each month in benefits which can be used at select locations and stores. To find locations that accept SNAP/EBT benefits, please reference the following:
All students must meet income and social security guidelines. The following qualifications are a good indicator of eligibility:
- A student enrolled at least half-time in any school, training program or college. [see special rules providing exceptions for some students and others in unusual situations.]
- Receiving federal or state work-study money*
- EFC of $0
- Working 20+ hours a week
- Receiving a Cal Grant
- Students with children, as follows:
- Full-time student with a child under age 12; or
- Part-time student with a child under age six or a child between ages six and 12 for whom adequate care is not available; or
- Receiving CalWORKs
*“Receiving” means when the student is approved for state or federal work study for the current school term, anticipates working during the term, and has not refused a work assignment. [ACL 17-05; ACIN I-89-15.] This exemption applies even if a work study job assignment has not yet begun or is not available. The exemption begins the month the school term starts or the month work study is approved, whichever is later. The exemption continues until the end of the month the school term ends. [MPP § 63-406.212]. CDSS has created a form letter that colleges can use to verify work study approval, [ACL 20-114.] see below.
How to Apply
- Visit CalFresh.org
- Make sure to provide the following verification documents (which can also be uploaded after submitting your application):
- Proof of identification (Birth certificate, passport, California State ID or Driver’s License)
- Proof of attendance at USC (A pdf copy of your financial aid summary page)
- Proof of rent (This can be the housing part of financial aid summary or lease agreement)
- Ensure the document is dated with the amount paid, and contact info for the payee
- Proof of Income (Most recent pay stub received from employer(s) usually for last month)
- Work-Study verification
- Social Security Number (card not necessary)
- Fill out the CalFresh Student Exemption Form (if applicable).
- You’ll get a call from CalFresh in a couple of days to verify your situation.
- If approved, with no county delays, you’ll get money within 30 days through an electronic benefits transfer card (EBT).
Need assistance applying? [See a video on How to Apply for Benefits]
CalFresh Navigation Assistance
Need help with CalFresh? Please complete the intake form if you have any additional questions about CalFresh, require assistance applying for CalFresh, or already have CalFresh but have encountered a problem with your benefits. Please note you will have to sign-in with your USC credentials in order to access the form.