CalFresh
- Application Information
- CalFresh Eligibility
- CalFresh Events
- CalFresh Perks & Benefits
CalFresh Eligibility
In an effort to clarify eligibility, the State of California has outlined a list of programs that could exempt students from the work requirement. Outlined below is a brief definition of a “CalFresh Student” and a full list of programs that now qualify as exemptions from the work requirement. Please note that students must still meet income guidelines in order to be eligible. Contact us for more information by filling out our CalFresh Assistance Form , please respond to the automated email and we will get back to you 4 to 5 business days!
Who Qualifies for CalFresh:
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Student Definition:
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To be considered a student, students must be:
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Between the ages of 18 through 49
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Enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education
- Student is physically and mentally able to attend school and work
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- Must meet at least one of the exemptions listed below
Common Student Exemptions
- CalGrant A or B recipient
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Approved and Accepted for work study, even if the student does not have a work-study placement*
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*refer to covid-19 temporary eligibility for more information
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- Recipient of CalWORKs (also known as cash assistance)
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Works 20 hours per week, or an average of 80 hours per month
- Have dependent children under the age of 6 (or 12 without available child care services)
LPIE Programs
Outlined below is a full list of programs that now qualify as student exemptions. During the application, these programs will be classified under the name LPIE.
All Campus Program Exemptions
- Campus Employment
- Research Assistantship
- Teaching Assistantship
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
- College Corps
Undergraduate Programs
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Master Programs
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Phd Programs
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Doctoral Programs
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COVID-19 Temporary Eligibility
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 has expanded student eligibility for CalFresh.
The temporary expansions to eligibility include undergraduate and graduate students who:
- Are eligible for Federal Work Study:
- For verification, students can fill out the Work Study Verification Form and have the UC San Diego Financial Aid & Scholarships Office fill out the verification by emailing finaid@ucsd.edu
- Students attending the UC San Diego School of Medicine or School of Pharmacy can fill out this Health Sciences Work Study Verification Form and have the UC San Diego Financial Aid & Scholarships Office fill out the verification by emailing somfinaid@ucsd.edu
- Are determined to have a $0 EFC, or "Expected Family Contribution" for the current school year:
- You can view your EFC if you go to TritonLink, click "TritonLink Tools," go under the "Financial tools" section, and then click on "Financial Aid." Choose the current school year, and your EFC should be under the “manage awards” section.
- You can download a PDF of your financial aid award letter for verification in your CalFresh application
- Eligible students will also receive a letter from CSAC if they have a $0 EFC, which can also be used for verification in CalFresh applications
- View a sample letter in PDF format
- If you choose to use your FAFSA SAR ("Student Aid Report") as verification, it must be for the current 2022-2023 school year. You cannot use the SAR for the 2021-2022 school year.
If you would like to learn more about COVID-19 CalFresh related updates, see the COVID-19 tab on our Basic Needs website for more information.
Housing and Income Eligibility
Household
Off-Campus Household
- Students under 22 and not living with their parents/guardians can apply independently.
- You can submit your lease agreement. The county will only need pages that include your address, you and your landlord’s signature, and your rent. Check out this link to learn more!
- Most students live with roommates but they do not share a food budget, they would apply as a Household of “1”.
- Students under 22 and living with their parents/guardians must apply with them.
On-Campus Household
- Students who live on campus and receive two of the three lowest dining plans may be eligible for qualification so long as income and one other exemption is identified.
- You will need to submit your housing contract. Make sure you get your housing contract by emailing HDH, check out this LINK to learn how!
- For more information about housing plans: HDH Dining Plans
- Meal Plans that May Make UCSD Students Eligible for CalFresh
- The 3936 Plan
- The 1968 Plan
- Meal Plans that May Make UCSD Student NOT Eligible for CalFresh
- The 5904 Plan
- Meal Plans that May Make UCSD Students Eligible for CalFresh
Income Guideline Table and Deductions
CalFresh Income Deductions are allowable expenses that can be subtracted from the household’s monthly gross income to arrive at the net monthly income.
Calfresh deductions include:
- Child support
- rent/ utility
- Childcare costs
- medical expenses exceeding $35
- Student expenses*
- If you receive a stipend, and it goes above the income limit for your household, please reach out to a CalFresh team member. Reach out during walk-in hours, set up an appointment or email us at calfresh@ucsd.edu to learn more about student expenses.
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Number of People In Household |
Maximum Monthly Gross Income Allowed- 200% Federal Poverty Level |
Maximum Monthly Net Income Allowed- 100% Federal Poverty Level |
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1 |
$2,266 |
$1,133 |
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2 |
$3,052 |
$1,526 |
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3 |
$3,660 |
$1,920 |
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4 |
$4,626 |
$2,313 |
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5 |
$5,412 |
$2,706 |
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6 |
$6,200 |
$3,100 |
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7 |
$6,986 |
$3,493 |
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8 |
$7,772 |
$3,886 |
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Each Additional Member |
+$758 |
+$379 |