If you are currently receiving CalFresh benefits in Los Angles County, filing your CalFresh renewal application in a timely manner is part of the four main things you have to do on a regular basis to keep your CalFresh benefits. In this post, we will review four major requirements you have to comply with during the year to keep your CalFresh benefits. In addition, we will walk you through how to renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County.
Here’s what to expect as you read this post:
First, we will explain whyCalFresh recipients in Los Angeles County have to complete two regular reports in order to keep their benefits: the semi-annual report and the annual recertification.
In addition, we will walk you through how to report any changes in income during the year immediately and comply with work requirements.
Next, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of renewing your CalFresh benefits, including the rules around the renewal process.
Finally, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about government assistance benefits in Los Angeles County.
Table of Contents:
- Four Requirements to Keep Your CalFresh Benefits
- CalFresh Renewal Timeline
- The CalFresh Renewal Process
- How to Renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County
- How to Complete CalFresh Recertification Online using BenefitsCal.com
- Los Angeles County Assistance FAQs
Four Requirements to Keep Your CalFresh Benefits
In order to keep your CalFresh benefits, there are four requirements you have to meet each year.
CalFresh Work Rules
Some CalFresh recipients are now required to meet federal work requirements.
The rules apply to anyone receiving CalFresh between the ages of 18-49 that does not have a child living in the home.
The CalFresh ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) Program has many different activities that can be completed virtually and/or safely in-person in order to meet your work activity requirements.
Your employment specialist will work with you to determine what activities safely fit your needs.
Income Change Reporting
Between regular reports, households are required to report when their household income exceeds their Income Reporting Threshold (IRT).
Additionally, you are required to submit proof of income, such as a pay stub or award letter, within 10 days of the increase.
Your caseworker will tell you what your specific IRT is.
Households may also report, during the certification period, any change that could increase benefits, such as a job loss or increased shelter expenses.
Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7 form)
Most households are required to fill out a SAR 7 (Semi-Annual Report) form 6 months after receiving CalFresh benefits.
If you’re not sure about your reporting timeline, haven’t received one in the mail, or have recently moved, call your local CDSS office.
You must submit your filled-out and signed SAR 7 form to the CDSS office in order to keep receiving CalFresh benefits.
Click here to download the SAR 7 Form.
See our step-by-step instructions on how to complete the SAR 7 Form.
Annual CalFresh Renewal and Recertification
Recertification is similar to a renewal process and is needed in order to keep receiving CalFresh benefits.
The CalFresh recertification period is 1 year for most households and 2 years for some seniors and people with disabilities.
A face-to-face interview waiver means that those without a phone can come into a County lobby to use a phone to contact one of our staff during business hours.
CalFresh Renewal Timeline
The table below provides a simple overview of the CalFresh renewal process.
It includes SAR 7 renewal and annual recertification timeline.
As you will see below, the table shows the specific date each renewal process has to be completed based on the date of your initial application for CalFresh.
| Initial CalFresh Application | SAR-7 Timeline | Recertification Timeline | |||
| 1 | January | June | 5th | December | 5th |
| 2 | February | July | 5th | January | 5th |
| 3 | March | August | 5th | February | 5th |
| 4 | April | September | 5th | March | 5th |
| 5 | May | October | 5th | April | 5th |
| 6 | June | November | 5th | May | 5th |
| 7 | July | December | 5th | June | 5th |
| 8 | August | January | 5th | July | 5th |
| 9 | September | February | 5th | August | 5th |
| 10 | October | March | 5th | September | 5th |
| 11 | November | April | 5th | October | 5th |
| 12 | December | May | 5th | November | 5th |
How to Renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County
You must turn in this recertification application and be interviewed before the end of your certification period to continue receiving CalFresh.
We will first explain the recertification process, then we will explain how you can complete the process online.
CalFresh Recertification Process
Here are the steps you need to take to complete the CalFresh recertification process.
Step 1 – Complete the Recertification Application Form
The first step in the recertification process is to complete the CalFresh recertification form.
Below is the first page of the CalFresh Recertification Form. Click on the link below to download the entire form.
Click here for the recertification application form.
Be sure to answer all questions on the recertification application.
You must at least provide your name, address, and signature to begin your recertification process.
When you are done completing the form, read about your rights and your responsibilities before you sign the application.
Step 2 – Submit Your Recertification Application Form
Next, turn in the signed application to the Los Angeles County CalFresh office near you.
You can do so in person, by mail, or online. Here’s how:
Option 1 –Online
The easier and quickest way to complete CalFresh Recertification in Los Angeles County is online through the BenefitCal portal at www.benefitscal.com.
Option 2 – By Phone
You can call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) to have the recertification form mailed to you.
Here is the number to call:
DPSS Customer Service Center (CSC) (866) 613-3777.
You can complete the paper form and return it to the DPSS office for processing.
Option 3 – In Person
Lastly, you complete CalFresh Recertification in Los Angeles County at any Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) District Office or outreach site.
Tolocate a DPSS officenear you,click here.
BenefitsCal Login Help
You can use the BenefitsCal online portal to complete your CalFresh recertification.
If you do not have an account, see ourguide on how to create BenefitsCal Account.
Step 3 – CDSS Acknowledgment and Interview Appointment
The County CalFresh office will send you an interview appointment letter to discuss your recertification application.
Most interviews are done by phone.
However, if you do not have a phone or will prefer an in-person interview, it can be done at the County office or another place if arranged with the County.
Furthermore, if you need other arrangements because of a disability, let the caseworker know.
Also, your CalFresh county caseworker can help you complete the recertification application during the interview if you did not fill out all sections or if you need to make changes.
Step 4 – Attend the Recertification Interview
The next step in the recertification process is to attend your interview on the appointed date.
During the interview, your caseworker will go over the information on the application and will ask questions to recertify you for CalFresh and determine your benefits.
To avoid a delay in recertifying, provide proof of any changes in the circumstance at the time of the interview.
Bring proof of changes in:
- Income
- Number of People in Your Household (People buying/eating together)
- Housing costs.
It is very important to keep your interview even if you do not have proof of the changes discussed above.
Step 5 – Recertification Application Decision
Next, your caseworker will make a decision regarding your recertification.
You will know by mail whether you will keep receiving CalFresh benefits, what your benefit amount will be, and if there are any other changes.
If you are denied further benefits, the letter will state the reason(s) why.
If you reapply timely and get recertified before your certification period ends, you will continue to receive benefits on your EBT card.
Continue to use your EBT card and the same Personal Identification Number (PIN) to buy food.
EBT Card Replacement
If your EBT card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, call (877) 328-9677 or the County right away.
How to Renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County Online
Depending on your county of residence, you can use one of the following online portals to complete your annual recertification or semi-annual report for CalFresh online!
If you are new to the online system, create a user ID and password to get started!
BenefitsCal.com CalFresh Renewal
If you have a BenefitsCal.com account, you can complete your annual recertification or semi-annual report for CalFresh online!
To do so, you will have to link your CalFresh case if you are a first-time user, as shown in the image below.
To sign in, visit www.benefitscal.com.
If you need help login into your BenefitsCal.com account, see our post on BenefitsCal.comaccount login help.
If you are new to the BenefitsCal.com online system, you will be required to create a user ID and password to get started!
For help in creating your BenefitsCal.com, see our post on how to create a BenefitsCal.com account.
Los Angeles County Assistance FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about government assistance in Los Angeles County:
Do Restaurants Take EBT in Los Angeles County?
TheRestaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows CalFresh recipients who are 60 years of age or older, disabled, or homeless to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase lower-cost prepared meals at approved participating restaurants in Los Angeles.
If you fit one of the groups described above, you can use your CalFresh California EBT card at select restaurants and fast-food chains throughout the state.
See our Guide on how to use CalFresh at Restaurants in Los Angeles.
Additionally, see our post on Free Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance in Los Angeles.
My Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card was lost or stolen. How do I get a new one?
If the EBT card is lost or stolen, it is the cardholder’s responsibility to call the EBT Customer Service Center at (877) 328-9677 to report the problem as soon as possible.
A person’s account can only be used with a valid EBT card and Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Any transaction conducted with a valid card and PIN is the client’s responsibility, even if the transaction was done without the client’s permission or knowledge.
That is why it is very important to protect the secrecy of the PIN.
Once the matter is reported, the EBT card will be deactivated so the benefits cannot be used by anyone else. You will also have to contact your county worker to have your EBT card replaced.
Can I have someone else help me shop using my EBT account?
Ask your county worker about setting up an Authorized Representative (AR), who will have access to your EBT food benefit and/or cash aid benefit account.
They will have a separate card with his or her own account number and PIN.
The EBT system is able to track which card is used to access your account.
Can I use my Electronic Benefit Transfer Card in another state?
The EBT card will work at any store or ATM that displays the Quest symbol in California and the other 49 states in the United States, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.
If you do not see the Quest® symbol, look for a sign that displays EBT, SNAP, or Food Stamps. If you are unsure, ask the store manager.
Currently, California EBT cardholders cannot use their EBT cards in Puerto Rico.
How do I use my Medi-Cal benefits?
Questions pertaining to your Medi-Cal benefits such as how to locate a doctor, where to fill prescriptions, and what is covered under your Medi-Cal benefits should be directed to your county social services/human services agency.
A Medi-Cal eligibility worker or you may contact Medi-Cal directly at (916) 636-1980.
Further information on the Medi-Cal program is available through the California Department of Health Care Services website.
My Medi-Cal has been switched to a Medi-Cal Managed Care plan but I would like to go back to regular Medi-Cal. What can I do?
If you have been placed in a Medi-Cal Managed Care plan but would like to go back to regular Medi-Cal, you must complete and submit a Request for Medical Exemption from
Plan Enrollment form to the following address:
Health Care Options P.O. Box 989009 West Sacramento, CA 95798 Fax number: 916-364-0287
How can I switch my Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan to a different Managed Care Plan?
If you are enrolled in a Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan and want to choose another health plan for any reason, you may leave the health plan and join a different health plan.
You may call Health Care Options (HCO) at (800) 430-4263 or visit an HCO presentation site for assistance in making a health plan change.
You may also complete and mail an Enrollment Choice Form to HCO at the address provided below.
Additional enrollment information is available on the HCO Enrollment page.
California Department of Health Care Services Health Care Options Box 989009 West Sacramento, CA 95798
Summary – How to Renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County
We hope this post on How to Renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County was helpful.
If you have further questions about CalFresh or California EBT Card, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles about CalFresh and CalFresh EBT, including:
- Restaurants that Take CalFresh in Los Angeles County
- How to Apply for CalFresh in Los Angeles
- California P-EBT Extension
- CalFresh Account Login Help
- How much will I get in CalFresh?
FAQs
What do I do if my CalFresh is discontinued? ›
If your county has denied your CalFresh application, discontinued your case, or reduced your CalFresh benefits and you disagree with the decision, you can submit an appeal online. Before filing an appeal, we strongly encourage you to contact your county and see if you can work out the problem.
How do I renew my EBT benefits in California? ›To find out the easiest way to renew in your county, call your county worker, local county office, or the Calfresh Information Line: 1-877-847-3663.
How do I repay my CalFresh benefits? ›- Log in to Benefit Programs Online.
- Select Benefit Overpayments.
- Select Make a Payment.
- Select payment method type (such as ACH Debit).
- Complete the required fields, then select Submit.
Recertification. CalFresh households must “recertify” their eligibility in order to keep continuously receiving CalFresh benefits. To do this, they must complete a new application before the 15th of the month when their certification period will end.
Do I have to reapply for CalFresh if discontinued? ›Yes, based on a federal waiver that is in effect until June 30, 2027, households who have had their CALFresh benefits terminated can have their eligibility restored on a pro-rata basis within the month following termination, without the need for a new application or an interview, if the household resolves the reasons ...
What is going on with CalFresh? ›Starting in April, your CalFresh benefits will go back down to their pre-pandemic levels, according to what you're currently eligible for. These emergency allotments were $95 minimum. So the end of these extra funds means that a person using CalFresh at the very least is losing $95 each month in their food benefits.
Do CalFresh benefits expire? ›Do I have to use all my CalFresh benefits in month I get them, or do they carry over into the next month? Benefits left on your CalFresh card at the end of the month WILL be there for you the next month.
How do I speak to someone at California EBT? ›Call customer service right away at (877) 328-9677.
Is California still issuing extra food stamps? ›The final Emergency Allotment will be issued to eligible households on March 26, 2023 however recipients will continue to receive their regular benefits as stated on their Notice of Action after this date.
Do you have to pay CalFresh back? ›You can buy food at any grocery store or farmers' market that accepts EBT cards. You never have to pay back CalFresh benefits if you are eligible for them. How much CalFresh will I receive each month? The amount you get depends on your income, expenses, and family size.
How much is the maximum for CalFresh in California? ›
As of October 1, 2021, the maximum monthly allotment for a one-person household in California is $250, for a two-person household $459, for a three-person household is $658, for a four-person household is $835, for a five-person household is $992, for a six-person household is $1,190, for a seven-person household is ...
Does CalFresh give back pay? ›Sometimes the CalFresh office can repay itself from any back benefits that it owes the household. This is called “offsetting” underissued (underpaid) CalFresh benefits. The county may also ask the household to enter into a payment plan to pay back the overissued CalFresh benefits voluntarily.
How often does CalFresh need to be renewed? ›In order to continue receiving CalFresh assistance, households must "recertify" their eligibility. They must submit a fresh application before the deadline of the 15th of the month, when their certification period would expire, to achieve this. Most households in California have a 12-month certification period.
What is the purpose of recertification? ›Without a process for renewal of certification, a credential's value may diminish over time. Recertification requirements serve to measure and reassure the public of NP continued professional competence.
What is recertification? ›: the act or process of certifying or being certified again.
Does CalFresh have a time limit? ›1.2. CalFresh does not have a time limit in the sense of the CalWORKs (TANF) program, in which people generally cannot get aid after reaching the limit. Rather, in the CalFresh program, benefits are approved for a fixed period after which eligibility needs to be reconfirmed.
What happens if I don't do my CalFresh interview? ›If you do not complete an interview, you will not be able to get CalFresh benefits. If you have any questions or want more information, please contact your worker. RULES: These rules apply: MPP Section(s) 63-300.4, 63-504.6. You may review them at your welfare office.
What happens when your food stamp case is closed California? ›If your SNAP case is closed for some reason, you still have the right to use any remaining benefits in your EBT account before the case closed. DTA may contact you if your SNAP balance seems too high or you have not used your EBT card for a long time.
Is CalFresh increasing in 2023? ›There will be no increase handed out in May 2023 as changes have already been made to the CalFresh program.
What is the new name for CalFresh? ›We are proud to introduce CalFresh, a new brand, name and design for California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.
Does CalFresh check with IRS? ›
The CalFresh office commonly checks information from government and state agencies as well. Some notable federal agencies include the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Does CalFresh affect Social Security benefits? ›If an SSI beneficiary receives CalFresh benefits, the SSI amount should not change, leaving more money to spend on rent or other important expenses. How is CalFresh Calculated?
Does Social Security affect CalFresh? ›You can get CalFresh even if you get money from Social Security, retirement, a job, unemployment, or General Assistance. If you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you are not eligible for CalFresh. However, people living with you may be eligible.
How do I talk to a live person at CalFresh? ›CalFresh Info Line 1-877-847-3663. Available in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Russian. For speech and/or hearing assistance call 711 Relay. Find your county office contact.
Is CalFresh the same as EBT? ›The CalFresh Program (formerly known as Food Stamps) helps low-income households increase their food-buying power to meet their household's nutritional needs. CalFresh benefits issued through Electronic Benefit Transfer, also known as EBT card, can be used in grocery stores and participating Farmers Markets.
What is the phone number for CalFresh balance? ›Before you shop, check your balance by looking at your last receipt, by calling Customer Service, toll-free at 1-877-328-9677 or at www.ebt.ca.gov. This balance will be the most you can spend with your card.
What is the $900 grocery stimulus? ›What is the $900 grocery stimulus for seniors? In short, there isn't one — yet. While there was some chatter about a possible $900 grocery stimulus for seniors 60 and over, there was zero federal funding passed for 2022 or 2023 for stimulus payments of any kind on a national scale.
Will CalFresh recipients get $600? ›If you qualify for Calfresh, Medi-Cal, general assistance, and Cal Works, you will be able to receive this check.
How long will the increase in food stamps last in California in 2023? ›The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 law recently passed by Congress ends emergency allotments after the February 2023 issuance. This means by March 2023, all SNAP households' benefits will return to normal amounts, without the added supplement.
How much does CalFresh give per person? ›Your CalFresh allotment depends on the size of your household. Starting October 1, 2022, the maximum allotment for one person is $281 per month. The maximum allotment for a four person family is $939.
Does CalFresh reload every month? ›
Benefits are distributed each month to CalFresh accounts linked to CalFresh EBT cards. Payments go out on the same schedule each month, and the day you receive your benefits depends on the last digit of your case number.
Does CalFresh affect your credit score? ›The good news is that receiving benefits does not affect your credit score because it is not something that gets reported to the credit bureaus. It does not appear on your credit score in anyway.
Who qualifies for cash aid in California? ›Be a U.S. citizen or meet residency requirements. Live in California. Not be a fleeing felon or a convicted drug felon. Be taking care of at least one child who is under the age of 18 (or 19, if the child is expected to graduate from high school before their 19th birthday)
What is the maximum cash aid in California? ›| Eligible persons | Non-exempt MAP | Exempt MAP |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $707 | $779 |
| 2 | 895 | 1,000 |
| 3 | 1,100 | 1,264 |
| 4 | 1,363 | 1,519 |
Restaurants and EBT
California's Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows eligible homeless, elderly, and/or disabled EBT cardholders receiving CalFresh benefits to purchase hot prepared foods at participating restaurants using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
You cannot get cash from your EBT food benefits. Your new balance is printed on your last receipt. Always save your last receipt. For cash and food benefit balance you may call Customer Service, check balance at a POS device, or at www.ebt.ca.gov.
Does CalFRESH deduct your rent? ›As listed in the aforementioned list of expenses CalFRESH does count rent towards its deductions. According to the CalFRESH guide website, rent falls under Shelter Costs.
Can you get cash back with EBT California? ›By knowing the facts about your Golden State Advantage Card, or Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card, you can get ALL of your cash benefits each month and pay NO surcharges or transaction fees! Your cash EBT can be used: To make purchases. To make purchases and receive cash back.
What happens when CalFresh is terminated? ›Households discontinued from the CalFresh program can have their eligibility restored on a pro-rata basis within the month following termination, without the need for a new application or an interview, if the household resolves the reasons for the discontinuance in that month.
What is the report month for CalFresh? ›The SAR 7 is due on the 5th of the month, in the sixth month after application or recertification. It is late if the county has not received it by the 11th of that sixth month. The case will be discontinued if a complete report is not received by the first business day of the following month, i.e., the seventh month.
How long does it take to process SAR 7? ›
Benefits must be issued as soon as possible to an eligible household that files a complete SAR 7 in the last 10 days of the submit month or on the extended filing date. The EW must ensure that benefits are issued within 10 days after the normal issuance date.
What does last recertification date mean? ›Recertification date means the date 12 months after the date an application for medical assistance was last approved or renewed.
What must the certificate holder submit to apply for recertification prior to the expiration date of the certificate? ›(d) To apply for recertification prior to the expiration date of the certificate, the certificate holder shall submit to the Department's Administrator Certification Section, post-marked on, or up to ninety (90) days before, the certificate expiration date: (1) A completed Application for Administrator Certification ...
What is recertification audit? ›A recertification audit occurs every three years from when the original certification audit was completed. During a three-year period, there are typically numerous organizational changes that happen within a company.
What is a CalFresh renewal? ›Recertification. CalFresh households must “recertify” their eligibility in order to keep continuously receiving CalFresh benefits. To do this, they must complete a new application before the 15th of the month when their certification period will end.
What is the difference between recertified and refurbished? ›The key difference between the two is the warranty. Many refurbished products are sold 'as-is', meaning you cannot return them. A recertified product, on the other hand, will come with a short-term warranty.
Is it recertified or re certified? ›Recertified is an outdated phrase nowadays. It originally meant that a product had been checked over and certified again, meaning it was good to be sold. Just like a new product gets approved to be in the market, a used product would be checked and certified to meet the standards and sold again.
How do I appeal a CalFresh termination? ›Call toll free: 1-800-743-8525 or for hearing or speech impaired use TDD 1-800-952-8349.
Why was my EBT card deactivated California? ›Deactivated/Cancelled: the current EBT Card has been deactivated by support staff of the EBT Unit because the client is deceased, incarcerated, or returned the card because they did not want benefits. A replacement EBT Card cannot be ordered from EBT Customer Service when an EBT Card is deactivated/cancelled.
Why was my CalWORKs discontinued? ›There are many reasons the county might say your CalWORKs benefits will stop. Some of these reasons are that your income is too high, you have too much property, you don't have custody of your children or you did not turn in paperwork to the county.
Do you have to pay back food stamps in California? ›
You never have to pay back CalFresh benefits if you are eligible for them. How much CalFresh will I receive each month? The amount you get depends on your income, expenses, and family size. Most households that receive CalFresh get more than $200 each month.
What happens if you get caught lying for food stamps in California? ›Anyone who is convicted of making a false or a misleading statement to obtain welfare benefits can be charged in California with a misdemeanor. A conviction is punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
How long will the increase in food stamps last in California? ›The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 law recently passed by Congress ends emergency allotments after the February 2023 issuance. This means by March 2023, all SNAP households' benefits will return to normal amounts, without the added supplement."
What happens if I miss my CalFresh interview? ›Missed interviews
If applicants miss their first interview, the CalFresh office must try to help set up another interview. The county must notify each household that misses its interview appointment that it missed the scheduled interview. The household is responsible for rescheduling a missed interview.
After the interview, the worker will use the information provided for the household to determine eligibility to CalFresh benefits. The County will then mail a notice of action to the mailing address provided on the application.
Can you email CalFresh? ›Contact Us. For nutrition education program assistance, please email CFHLsupport@dss.ca.gov.
How do I contact my California EBT case worker? ›For issues or complaints involving your case, or for other questions, please send an e-mail to Public Inquiry and Response piar@dss.ca.gov or contact them by phone at 1-800-952-5253. If you are asking a question please include enough information for us to contact you and follow up.
Can I still use my EBT card if my case is closed California? ›Even if you lose SNAP eligibility and your case is closed, you can still use any funds left on your EBT card.
Will CalWORKs increase in 2023? ›We estimate the Governor's budget includes a budget-year cost of $95 million (annual cost of $125 million) to fund a 2.9 percent increase to cash grants starting in October 2023. This increase was triggered and will be funded by revenue growth in the Child Poverty and Family Supplemental Subaccount.
Why did I get an extra $600 from CalWORKs? ›If you receive CalWORKs, you may have seen an extra $600 payment deposited into your EBT or bank account. This one-time payment is the Golden State Grant for eligible CalWORKs cases. It may take until the end of April for the money to become available in your account.
How many years can you get cash aid in California? ›
If you qualify for CalWORKs, you'll get a monthly cash benefit for up to 48 months, as long as you continue to qualify and meet the Welfare-to-Work requirements explained on the next page (children continue to receive cash aid after the 48-month limit). Note: The 48-month limit is a lifetime limit.