What Is CalFresh?

CalFresh (federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP) provides monthly grocery benefits to help eligible students and families buy healthy food.

Benefits are provided on an EBT card (called the Golden State Advantage Card), which works like a debit card and can be used at most grocery stores, markets, and many farmers markets.

CalFresh can help stretch your food budget so you can focus more on school and less on food costs.

CalFresh is available to many students who meet income guidelines and at least one student eligibility exemption.

In general, students ages 18–49 enrolled at least half-time (6+ units) must meet one of the conditions below to qualify.

You may be eligible if you meet one or more of the following:

• Work 20 hours per week (80 hours per month) in paid employment
• Are approved for Federal Work-Study (even if you have not started working yet)
• Receive a Cal Grant A or B
• Participate in an eligible program that supports student success or employment, such as:
  • EOPS
  • CARE
  • DSPS/EAC
  • NextUp / Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI)
  • Chafee Grant (ETV)
  • MESA
  • Participate in CalWORKs
• Participate in CalFresh Employment & Training (CFET)
• Are responsible for a child under age 12
• Are responsible for a child under age 6
• Are a single parent enrolled full-time (12+ units) with a child under age 12
• Are enrolled in certain career education or workforce training programs

If you are enrolled less than half-time (fewer than 6 units), you may still qualify without meeting student exemption rules.

Basic Needs staff can help determine eligibility.

Immigration Eligibility

Students who may qualify include:

• U.S. citizens
• Permanent residents
• Certain eligible non-citizens

Undocumented students are not eligible for CalFresh, but mixed-status households may still qualify if other household members are eligible.

Additional Things to Know

• Living with your parents may affect household eligibility if you are under age 22
• Unpaid internships and volunteer work do not count toward the 20-hour work requirement
• Students receiving SSI/SSP may now qualify for CalFresh if they meet other eligibility rules
• Receiving CalFresh does not affect your financial aid

The amount of CalFresh you receive depends on:

• your household size
• your income
• certain expenses (such as rent, utilities, childcare, and medical costs)

A household is a person living alone or a group of people who live together and buy and prepare food together. Household members do not need to be related.

Eligible students may receive up to about $292 per month for one person. Larger households may qualify for higher monthly benefit amounts.

Most households receive at least about $23 per month, depending on eligibility.

Because CalFresh benefit levels are updated each year, actual award amounts may vary.

For the most current income limits and benefit levels, visit the official BenefitsCal website or contact the Basic Needs Center for assistance.

Students can apply online by visiting:

BenefitsCal.com (California’s official application website)

You may also apply using GetCalFresh.org, a simplified application supported by community partners.

What Information Do I Need to Apply?

Before applying, review the CalFresh Application Checklist to gather documents such as:

• Photo ID
• Proof of income (if working)
• Class schedule or enrollment verification
• Housing or utility information (if available)

You can still apply even if you do not have all documents ready. A Basic Needs staff member can help you submit them later.

Need Help with Your Application?

The Ventura College Basic Needs Center offers free one-on-one assistance with:

• Completing your application
• Uploading documents
• Preparing for your county interview
• Renewing benefits

Support is available in person or during weekly Zoom workshops.

Stop by during regular office hours or contact us:

Ventura College Basic Needs Center
BCS Building (next to the VC Bookstore)
📞 (805) 289-6583
📧 vcbasicneeds@vcccd.edu

For answers to common questions about CalFresh eligibility, benefits, and the application process, visit the official California benefits website:

BenefitsCal.com

If you would like help reviewing your eligibility or completing an application, the Ventura College Basic Needs Center is available to assist you.

📞 (805) 289-6583
📧 vcbasicneeds@vcccd.edu