Methods of Applying 

We encourage students to apply in person at the Basic Needs Center during our drop-in hours to ensure applications are completed with all necessary documents to prevent wrongful denials. However, there are multiple ways students can apply based off of time and accessibility whether it be online, in-person or over the phone: 

• To apply online, you can begin at the BenefitsCal website to walk you through. 
• To apply in-person, you can visit our center in suite #3200 at the Calpulli center or at a San Diego County Family Resource Center.
• To apply over the phone, you can call 2-1-1 or the Access Customer Service Call Center at +1 866-262-9881

Steps in Applying

1. Complete the Application

You are welcome to review our Eligibility page to determine if you may be an approved applicant for CalFresh or re-review above to select the right method for you in submitting your application. You can also receive assistance from our center by visiting our main page on CalFresh for more information. In your application, you will provide basic information about yourself, your household, income and expense details. 

2. Upload Verification Documents

Required documentation will be requested on your application. These documents can be submitted through the creation of a BenefitsCal account or drop off at the nearest Family Resource Center. These documents may include identification (ID/Driver's License, Passport, Legal Permanent Resident Card), proof of income (Paystubs, Letter from employer, Zero Income Statement), college-related forms (Financial Aid Award Letter, Transcripts) or household expenses (Rent/Mortgage, Home Insurance). 

3. Complete your Interview 

You will be required to have a brief interview via phone by a county eligibility worker to review over your application and verify information. The interview can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes to complete. 

4. Next Steps

The county will process your application within 30 business days (or 3 days if you qualify for expedited services). If you are approved, you will then receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer Card (EBT) and a separate pin in the mail to use for grocery purchases. If you are denied, you will receive a "Notice of Action" mail which will detail why you were not approved. This can be for a variety of reasons, but we encourage you to connect back with the County Office or reapply again at a later time if your circumstances have changed. You can connect with our office at [email protected] or call +1 619-594-4133

5. Maintain your Benefit 

It is required that approved recipients of CalFresh update the county every six months for any changes that may have occurred in your financial circumstances - also known as the SAR7 Report. If your SAR7 is not completed, your CalFresh benefits may be canceled. In addition, there is an Annual Recertification Form that must be completed once a year. Although you may complete a paper verison of the SAR7 or the Annual Recertification, we encourage students to create a BenefitsCal account for reminders and online completion of these forms. 

Questions? 

 
Read over our FAQ page to learn more about the CalFresh program and what you need to know 

Not sure if you qualify for CalFresh? You can visit our Eligibility page to know more. 

For any direct inquiries on CalFresh, please connect with us by sending us an email at [email protected]