How to Apply for CalFresh

CF logo

You can apply for CalFresh online, by phone, mail, fax or in person:

1. Online

Watch a video to learn how to apply on the BenefitsCal website

In the new BenefitsCal website you can:

  • Apply for CalFresh
  • Track your application
  • View your benefits
  • Upload documents
  • View notices
  • Submit a Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7)
  • Recertify your CalFresh benefits

Simply select the https://benefitscal.com/ link to begin the process. Proof of identity is necessary to be evaluated for expedited services (to receive CalFresh within 3 days).

You can apply on-line through GetCalFresh.org

          

In the GetCalFresh.org website you can:

  • Apply for CalFresh in minutes,
  • Find out if you are likely eligible to CalFresh,
  • Submit a CalFresh application in English or Spanish
  • Submit documents right from your phone

2. Call 2-1-1 San Diego.

2-1-1 San Diego can help callers access the CalFresh program by:

  • Assisting potentially eligible callers with completing the CalFresh application,
  • Sending an application packet to the caller to complete on his or her own,
  • Connecting callers with a Community Based Organization (CBO) that can help with the application process, or
  • Providing the address of the nearest County Family Resource Center where you can apply in person.

3. Call Access at 1-(866) 262-9881 to request application forms. 

Access can mail an application to you. Send the completed application to your local Family Resource Center via U.S. mail or drop it off at your local Family Resource Center. The date of application is the date the application is received by the Family Resource Center. 

It is very important to send proof of identity to be evaluated timely should you be eligible for expedited services (receive CalFresh benefits within 3 days). The date of application is the date the application is received by the Family Resource Center.

4. Download an application.

Print out the following document:

Application for CalFresh/SNAP Benefits / Solicitud Para Beneficios De CalFresh

  • Complete as much of your application as you can. Your name, address and signature are necessary to begin the application process.
  • Download the Notice to CalFresh Applicants (form 09-94 HHSA / form 09-94 HHSA SP) for additional information, to help you complete the application, and to select your interview preference (in-person or telephone interview).
  • Send the completed application and documents to your local Family Resource Center via U.S. mail, via fax, or drop them off at your local Family Resource Center. It is very important to send proof of identity to be evaluated timely should you be eligible for expedited services (receive CalFresh within 3 days). The date of application is the date the application is received by the Family Resource Center.

5. Visit your local Family Resource Center and request an application

Bring in all verifications/documents needed to apply for everyone applying for benefits. For a list of needed verifications, click the Application Process Tips link. It is very important to bring all verifications to be evaluated for eligibility promptly. The date of application is the date the application is received by the Family Resource Center.  

  • Download the Notice to CalFresh Applicants (form 09-94 HHSA / form 09-94 HHSA SP) for additional information, to help you complete the application, and to select your interview preference (in-person or telephone interview).

6. Application Process Tips

  • Below is a list of examples of documents that may be needed when applying for CalFresh benefits.
  • If you are eligible to CalFresh Expedited Service, you will only need to show your identification. The other information/documents can be given to the eligibility worker later (See FAQ, “What is CalFresh Expedited Service?”)
Verification Documents
Identification Identity may be verified through a variety of documents, including but not limited to, Department of Motor Vehicles ID or driver’s license, work or school ID, voter registration card or birth certificate
Residency Your driver’s license, check stubs, rent or mortgage receipt, lease agreement, or utility bill
Immigration Status Green card (I-551), I-94, or other document provided by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
Earned Income Check stubs, or a statement from your employer
Other Income Your award letter or a current benefit check (example: SSA, unemployment, disability)
Housing and Utility Costs Verified by customers statement on the application, periodic report, recertification or verbal statement
Medical Bills Health insurance, doctor bills, hospital bills, drug receipts, pharmacy statements, etc.