Application Process

Step 1: Complete the Application Process

Step 2: Upload Documents

The documents required for a CalFresh application can vary based on a student’s situation. Typically, the County will request:

• Proof of Identity
• Proof of Residency
• Proof of Income
• Proof of Expenses
• School Verification

If you are missing a document, you may still submit a CalFresh application but you must provide that documentation within 10 days to ensure no delay in processing. To send documents to the County, you may:

• Upload documents directly through your BenefitsCal dashboard
• Request a CalFresh Outreach Assistant to send documentation on your behalf.
  • You must sign a Release of Information form prior to requesting this service. Please email us at calfresh@ucsd.edu or visit our in-person drop in hours if you need assistance submitting your documents.

Need help finding your documents? Watch the video below or refer to the document page for assistance!

Step 3: Submit your application

If you created an account, you can save progress on your application and return to it later. When you have completed, reviewed, and submitted your application, you will receive an application number first and receive a case number later. 

The county typically processes an application within 10-30 days during which they will schedule an over-the-phone interview.

• You will receive timely updates regarding your application status through your BenefitsCal dashboard and via mail.
• If you have any questions regarding your application status, you may:
  • Contact your county via BenefitsCal 
  • Request a CalFresh Outreach Assistant to submit a case inquiry
    • You must sign a Release of Information form prior to requesting this service. Please email us at calfresh@ucsd.edu or visit our in-person drop in hours if you need assistance submitting your documents.
  • Schedule a Case Inquiry with a County Worker
    • Please fill out our Case Inquiry (County of San Diego) Form to schedule an appointment. 

Interviews are conducted at the processing period of your application and annual recertification. The county worker will familiarize you with the CalFresh program and answer any questions you may have, and inform you of your rights and responsibilities. The county worker will also gather additional information to determine your eligibility for benefits.

• Interviews will be scheduled within 30 days after your application is filed.
• Any supporting documentation needed after an interview must be provided within the next 10 days.
• An interview may take as few as 5-10 minutes, but be sure to allot at least 30 minutes for the entire interview.
  • • For further assistance, please refer the video below: 
• Don’t Miss the Call
  • Check BenefitsCal to confirm your interview timeslot and assure that you can receive calls from the County.
  • If you have missed your interview, you may:
    •  Call 833-246-6948 to reschedule.
    • Reschedule on the BenefitsCal dashboard.

 Step 5: County Decision

The County will decide your approval status within 30 days of submitting your application. 

• • If you are approved: The county will mail separately your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and PIN card number. You will also receive an approval letter via your BenefitsCal dashboard 
    • If you are eligible for expedited services, you may receive an approval letter with pending verification. You must send any supporting documents to BenefitsCal within the next 10 days to receive your benefits for the following month.
    • If you have been approved and have questions about how to utilize your benefits, you can review our Using CalFresh and Benefits tab  
    • When it comes time to re-certify your benefits, you may choose to do so on BenefitsCal either independently or with a CalFresh Outreach Assistant
      • Please fill out our CalFresh Assistance Form to schedule recertification assistance with a CalFresh Outreach Assistant.

• If you are denied: The county will mail your denial letter and you will receive a denial letter via your BenefitsCal dashboard. 

• • If you believe you’ve been wrongfully denied, you may:
    • Reach out to a CalFresh Outreach Assistant to submit a case inquiry.
      • You must sign a Release of Information form prior to requesting this service. Please email us at calfresh@ucsd.edu or visit our in-person drop in hours if you need assistance.
    • Schedule a Case Inquiry with a County Worker.
      • Please fill out our Case Inquiry (County of San Diego) Form to schedule an appointment.