CalFresh Outreach

CalFresh Outreach Basics

What is CalFresh?

CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need. 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.

What the CalFresh Outreach Program can help you with:

Eligibility Prescreen
Application Assistance
Required Verifications
Interview Preparation
Recertification
Troubleshooting

Where do I go for Assistance?

Currently, all appointments are via phone or Zoom with one of our CalFresh Outreach Advocates. To book an appointment, select the CalFresh CSUN YouCanBookMe profile, choose your appointment type, then choose an available time from the synced calendar.

CalFresh Outreach Program

To find out if you are potentially eligible, information is available below. Please contact one of our CalFresh Outreach Advocates with any questions.

Basic Eligibility Information

Requirement details for California basic eligibility.

Student Eligibility Information

Details regarding additional requirements for California students.

Drop-in Assist

All appointments are via phone or Zoom with one of our CalFresh Outreach Advocates. To book an appointment, select the CalFresh CSUN YouCanBookMe profile, choose your appointment type, then choose an available time from the synced calendar.

Application Process

Step 1: Contact your CalFresh Outreach Advocate and complete the application prescreen.

Step 2: If you think you may be eligible, complete and submit an application with your CalFresh Outreach Advocate.

Step 3: Once the application is received by the county, your 30-day application period begins

Step 4: During this 30 day period, you will need to do the following:

Complete your INTERVIEW with the county office by phone or in person (The county office will either call or mail you a date and time for your interview)
Let your CalFresh Outreach Advocate know if you have not heard from the county within the first 7 days

Step 5: You will then be required to provide verification documents [to your county office. This must also be completed during the 30 day period. Your application will not be approved if you do not submit verification documents that meet their requirements. Examples of verification documentation include:

Copy of ID
Proof of address
Utility Bill
Pay stubs
Financial aid award letter and schedule (if a student)

Step 6: In order to keep your CalFresh benefits, you will be required to do the following:

Complete a Semiannual Report (called a SAR 7 Eligibility Report) 6 months after your initial application is approved. They County will let you know when this is due.
Complete a Recertification Application and be interviewed before the end of your certification period. The County will let you know when your Recertification Application is due and will send you a letter confirming the time and date of your interview. Most interviews will be conducted over the phone.

Verification Resources

Documents You Need to Have for CalFresh Application
All CalFresh applicants must submit verifications. Typical student verifications include:

Proof of Identification
Earned/Unearned income
Proof of residency (mail with current address)
Financial Aid/Work Study Award
Proof of units
Meal plan contract (if applicable)
Housing and Utility costs
More Information on Verification

Verification Request Full List
Select here for a full list of verification requirements (PDF)