Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Complete the Pre-Screening Eligibility Form or read through the Eligibility Information to determine whether you may qualify for CalFresh.

  • Proof of Identification (Driver’s License, State ID, passport)
  • Financial Aid Award Letter, if applicable (include offer of work study, CalGrant A/B) (access through MyCSUEB > Financial Aid > Awards > Summary)
  • Screenshot of your Class Schedule
  • Proof of Income received in the past 30 days, if applicable (paystubs, Venmo/CashApp/Zelle transactions, stipends, unemployment benefits, etc)
  • Proof of Housing Expenses (not required but helpful) (lease agreement, housing contract, Venmo/CashApp/Zelle payments, rental portal screenshots, etc)

You can use your CalFresh benefits at local grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmer’s markets. You can buy almost anything with a nutrition label. It’s easier to say what you can’t buy with your benefits, which is any medicines, household goods, alcohol, and hot foods meant to be eaten in the store. 

Unfortunately, international students are ineligible for CalFresh, even with a work visa or Social Security Number.

You do not need to report your CalFresh Benefits on your taxes. 

Financial Aid does not count as income. Generally, money that has been granted to a student specifically for educational purposes does not count as income.

Work-study income does not count as income. However, your caseworker will still ask you to report your income. Please submit any paystubs you have received through work-study and clearly indicate that it is work-study income. 

As long as you correctly report your income, you will not need to pay the government back for your CalFresh Benefits. If the county discovers that they have overissued you benefits due to misreported income, you will be required to pay back the overissuance.

You can apply to CalFresh as a single-person household even if you have roommates. If you purchase and prepare more than half of your meals with your roommates, you can apply to CalFresh with your roommates. We encourage roommates to apply on their own as they may receive more benefits as a single-person household. 

The amount of CalFresh benefits a household receives depends on their household size, income, and expenses. The less income a household receives, the more CalFresh benefits they can receive. The more expenses a household has, the more CalFresh benefits they can receive.

See the Income Threshold and Maximum Benefits Allotment in Eligibility Information for specific numbers. 

  • Call customer service right away at (877) 328-9677. Wait through two card number prompts without entering your EBT card number and you will hear a prompt to report your card as lost or stolen.
  • Alameda County Residents: Request a new EBT Card on the Virtual Kiosk. 
  • BenefitsCal.com Users: Request support and request an EBT Card Replacement.

Still have questions?

Speak with a H.O.P.E. CalFresh Ambassador!

Contact Us

Pioneer's for H.O.P.E. CalFresh Outreach
  • SHCS Building, Rm. 1121
  • 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd
  • Hayward, CA 94542