CalFresh Outreach

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?

Visit the Immediate Assistance page for additional information about how the CalFresh Outreach Program can help you! Apply at this link: http://www.getcalfresh.org/en/s/pitzercollege

Application Process

Step 1: Contact your CalFresh Outreach Team and take the application prescreen. If you are not sure who your CalFresh Outreach Team is, email PitzerCalFresh@gmail.com

Step 2: If you think you may be eligible, complete and submit an application with your CalFresh Outreach Team. Although the application is available online, we encourage you to apply online with the help of your CalFresh Outreach Team because they are very familiar with the questions and will likely get you through the application faster. Or use this link: http://www.getcalfresh.org/en/s/pitzercollege

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 Team 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. The 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.

Eligibility Information

Basic Eligibility and Student Eligibility

Information About Online Groceries

http://foodstampsnow.com/buy-groceries-online-with-california-ebt/