Applying

Undergraduate and Graduate Students Applying

APPLICATION NOTES

• Please create a BenefitsCal account prior to beginning a new application. This allows you to check your case status, updates, and upload necessary documents
• If disabled, experiencing homelessness, and/or 60+ years old, you may be eligible to purchase prepared foods at participating vendors through the Restaurant Meals Program. Drop by office hours for more information!
• You can apply as a one-person household, even if you have roommates, with your UCLA addressas your permanent address. CalFresh is only concerned with who you regularly cook and prepare foods with.
• If you are under 22 years old and are currently living with your parents, you must apply as a household with your parents.
• Are you a college student? Please select “Yes.”
• In the application, choose "No" for the following question "Do you want an authorized representative to help with your application"

VERIFICATION DOCUMENTS

Please have these documents ready when you apply for CalFresh. Your application will not be approved without these documents:

• CA ID / passport / birth certificate / driver's license / social security card
• pay stubs from the last 30 days (if you are working)
• proof/screenshots of deductions (rent, car insurance, gas, etc)
• a rent or lease agreement, or Bruin Bill for housing (you only need the part of the lease that states how much you pay and your signature)
• screenshot of your class schedule
• proof of enrollment (myUCLA -> Classes -> Enrollment Actions -> Proof of Enrollment)
• a financial aid award letter (can be downloaded from eFAN on MyUCLA) that shows acceptance of work study, Cal Grant, etc.
• LPIE Document (if applicable)
• Release of Information Form (if you want our team to contact the county about your case) Let us know via email in the event that you want us to call the county. Make sure to include details about your case issue in the email.

TIMELINE AFTER SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION:

Mail

DPSS sends all important information via the mail. You should receive a letter in the mail within 2 weeks after you apply for CalFresh with your case information. You can contact your caseworker via the phone number provided in this letter. You can also use your case number provided in the letter to create a BenefitsCal, to check the status of your case and update your verification documents.

Phone Interview

This is required to complete the CalFresh application. This is required to complete the CalFresh application, and consists of reviewing the information submitted in your application. If you miss the call, you can call your case worker's phone number or the customer service line:

• CalFresh Customer Service Line
  • CDSS Info Line: 877-847-3663
  • Main Line: (866)-613-3777
    • Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 7:30pm, Saturday 8:00am to 4:30pm

• • Rancho Park Line (closest to UCLA):
    • (310) 258-7400
    • (626) 569-1399
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Please contact our team via email if you do not receive a phone interview within 2 weeks.

Approval or Denial

The CalFresh application takes up to 30 days to process. You will receive a letter in the mail stating your approval or denial for CalFresh. If you were denied and believe this to be an error, please contact us. If you are approved, you will receive more follow-up mail that contains your EBT card and your pin #. Check here for what you can purchase with your CalFresh benefits.

SAR 7/ Annual Recertification:

If you are approved for CalFresh, be prepared to fill out a SAR 7 at 6 months and Annual Recertification at 12 months to report any changes and continue receiving CalFresh. The SAR 7 and Annual Recertification can be completed online on BenefitsCal. It includes filling out a form (SAR 7 form/Annual Recertification form) and uploading documents verifying any changes. Please review the SAR7/Annual Recertification Timeline for reference.

Applying In-Person

UCLA CAMPUS

Fall 2024 Office Hours: Mondays 3:45 PM-6:45 PM PST at the Student Activities Center (SAC) 106 cubicle. Virtual Office Hours are Wednesdays from 3:00 PM-6:00 PM PST via Zoom.

To book an appointment visit our website: https://calendly.com/uclacalfresh.

Please visit our newsletter for CalFresh updates, campus resources, grocery discounts and more: https://mailchi.mp/55f3cdafc8ee/uclacalfreshnewsletter

DPSS RANCHO PARK OFFICE

If you are more comfortable applying for CalFresh in-person but are unavailable to attend our on-campus office hours, you can visit the DPSS Rancho Park Office which is only about 3 miles away from campus!

DPSS Rancho Park Office

11110 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Monday - Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm