SAR7 and Recertification Reports

In order to keep receiving CalFresh benefits, you will need to submit mandatory reports. The Semi-Annual Report or SAR7 is due 6 months after your application date. The Recertification Report is due 12 months after your application date. 

  • The Semi-Annual Report or SAR7 is required to complete in order to continue receiving CalFresh Benefits. It is due 6 months after your initial application is approved. The county will mail you a notice for your SAR7 due date and a paper copy of the report to complete. You may complete the paper SAR7 and mail it to your local office OR log into your CalFresh portal and complete it online. 

    The SAR7 will ask you to report any changes that may have happened in the last 6 months. Changes may include change of residency, household size, income and expenses, and any additional changes you may need to report. You will need to submit verification documents to confirm reported changes.

  • The CalFresh certification period lasts for 12 months, meaning, you are eligible to receive CalFresh benefits for 12 months, as long as you submitted your SAR7. The Recertification Report is required to renew your CalFresh certification for another 12 months. It is very similar to re-applying to CalFresh but with a more simple application. 

    The county will notify your household that you are required to complete the Recertification Report. They will mail you a paper version of the report which you can complete and mail back OR log into your CalFresh portal and complete it online. 

    Similar to the SAR7, the Recertification Report will ask you to report any changes that may have happened in the last 6 months. Changes may include change of residency, household size, income and expenses, and any additional changes you may need to report. You will need to submit verification documents to confirm reported changes. Your county will call you for an interview to review the information you submitted. 

  • It is recommended to submit your SAR7 using the benefitscal.com or mybenefitscalwin.org website. DO NOT complete the SAR-7 through the getcalfresh.org link, that you may receive via email, as the county will not receive it. 

    • For benefitscal.com, you will see your "Periodic Report" shown on the To Do List item on the right-hand screen. Select begin and complete your report. Upload all recommended documents.
    • For mybenefitscalwin.org you will click on "Case Details" in your home page and scroll down to "Pending or Due Report". It will show as a clickable document to complete online. Upload all recommended documents. 

    You may also choose to mail in a paper copy of the SAR7 or Recertification Report.

  • You may not need to submit all of these documents if you are not reporting any changes to your household. 

    • Paystubs dated for the month prior to your Report due date
      • For example, if your SAR7 is due in August, you must submit all paystubs dated for July
    • Screenshot of your class schedule
    • Financial Aid Award
    • Proof of rental expenses
      • If your rent has increased from the original time you applied, please submit the updated amount. 
    • Household member information
      • If you are added members to your application, please upload their IDs or Birth Certificates

  • If changes happen to your address, household size, or income, you must go to your benefits portal and report that change within 10 days of that change. 

    • You will need to submit appropriate documentation for any changes. 
    • It is highly encouraged for you to report changes, particularly to income, to ensure you receive the appropriate amount of benefits. If the county determines that they have over-issued you benefits due to misrepresented or unreported income, you may need to pay the county for those benefits. 

Report Dates

SAR7 and Recertification Report Due Dates based on Month of Initial Application
Month of Initial Application Due Dates for SAR7 Due Dates for Recertification
January June 5th December 5th
February July 5th January 5th
March August 5th February 5th
April September 5th March 5th
May October 5th April 5th
June November 5th May 5th
July December 5th June 5th
August January 5th July 5th
September February 5th August 5th
October March 5th September 5th
November April 5th October 5th
December May 5th November 5th