HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY OF SAN FRANCISCO SAN FRANCISCO Federally known as SNAP (food stamps) 1235 Mission St. (btwn 8th and 9th) San Francisco, California Phone: Toll– Free: Fax: CalFresh

What is CalFresh?  CalFresh is a federal nutrition program that aims to “improve the health and well-being of qualified households and individuals by providing them a means to meet their nutritional needs.” 1  The amount of funding each individual or household is allotted is dependent upon the size of your household and income.

Interesting Statistics  In 2011, one in seven Americans received support from SNAP (food stamps). 2  More than half of all Americans will use food stamps at least once in their lifetime. 3  Research suggests that up to 50%of San Franciscans may be eligible for CalFresh but are not receiving it. 4

EBT Card  Your monthly lump sum is placed on your “Golden State Advantage Card.”  EBT cards can be used at chains, grocery stores, and farmers markets, and restaurants.**  Cards are reloaded once a month on the day that you applied for CalFresh. ** The restaurant meal program only applies to homeless, 60+, or the disabled.

Application Process  You can apply by completing the application in-person, by mail, or via web.**  Before the application is approved a face-to- face or phone interview is needed.  Verification (ex. Income, identity) is required before eligibility is determined. **

What to have with you…  Driver’s license, birth certificate, or health card  Social Security Number  Legal Permanent Resident Card  Proof of any disability (doctor’s note)  Proof of all income received in the past several weeks  Proof of all expenses  Proof of all medical expenses (if over 60 or deemed disabled)  Attached to online application, bring to office, fax, or mail-in.

Application Processing Time  Regular Processing  30 calendar days (usually shorter)  Expedited Services  Processed within 3 days after date of application  You can receive expedited services if:  Gross monthly income is less that $150 & liquid resources do not exceed $100  Household combined gross income & liquid resources are less than rent & utilities

What’s a Household?  A household is defined by:  An individual living alone  A group of persons living together who purchase & prepare meals together  Parents or step parents with natural or adopted children 22 years old & younger that reside with them  Husband & wife  A child 18 years & younger living under a Head of Household  All of the above must apply for CalFresh together.

Not Included in the Household  Unborn children  A person receiving SSI/SSP* is not an eligible household member  Intent to buy & cook food separately allows each individual to apply for CalFresh independently *SSI/SSP: Supplemental Security Income/ State Supplemental Payment

Residency  A household member must be living in the county where they apply for benefits. **  Applicant or their household members cannot be active in another county.  There is no durational residency requirement.  There is no requirement for permanent dwelling or fixed mailing address. **If you move to another county, your CalFresh benefits can be transferred. Just let us know.

Income  Earned income:  Wages & salaries  Training allowances  Self- Employment  Excluded Income:  EITC Lump Sum Payment  SSI  Title IV Educational Grants & Loans  Unearned income:  Assistance grants (GA, Calworks)  Unemployment Insurance Benefits  Child Support received  Social Security Income  Veteran Payments  Interest Earnings from Bank Accounts

Deducted Income  Housing Costs  Rent/ Mortgage  Homeowners Insurance  Property Taxes  Homeless Shelter Allowance  Utility Expenses  Gas  Electric  Water  Garbage/ Sewage  Phone  Child Care  Medical Expenses** (out of pocket)  Over- the counter meds  Transportation costs to & from doctor  Medical supplies/ equipment ** 60+ or disabled only

So… How much can I get? Maximum allotment: Household Size Amount ($) ,0521,202

Student Eligibility

Student Eligibility- Terminology  Institute of a Higher Education:  Business, trade or vocational school at the post-high school level that normally requires a high school diploma or GED for enrollment; or  Junior, community, two-year or four-year college or university or graduate school regardless of whether a high school diploma or GED is required.* *However, if a college normally requires a high school diploma or GED but does not require either of these for a particular course or program, enrollment in such does not constitute enrollment in an institution of higher education.

Student Eligibility- Terminology  Enrollment  Begins on the first day of the first school term for which the student is enrolled, and continues through the school term and through vacation/ summer/breaks until the student graduates, is suspended, expelled, or drops out.  Eligibility Criteria  Applies on the date of interview for all applicants who are students.

Exempt From Student Eligibility  Age 17 and under  Age 50 and over  Unfit for Employment  Doing On-the-Job Training  Not at an Institution of Higher Education  Enrolled less than Half Time  Attending High School

Student Eligibility Applies if You  Ages 18 through 49  Fit for Employment  Enrolled at least half time in an institution of Higher Education  Half-time is defined by the school attended.  If you are receiving less than 50% of your food from a school meal program

Requirements Meet one of the following to get CalFresh:  Working (an average of) 20 hours per week in paid employment.**  Approved for, and expecting to participate in, State/Federal Work Study.  Primary Caregiver to child under 6.  Exerting parental control over a child over 6 but under 12 AND no adequate child care exists.  Receiving CalWORKs.  Placed in school by WIA, FSET, JOBS, EDD or government Employment & Training program for low income individuals.  Single Parent, enrolled Full Time with a child under 12. ** And still need CalFresh Aid

Income & Deductions Includes but is not limited to:  University Grants & Loans  Veterans Educational Benefits  Extended Opportunity Program and Services  GI Bill  Social Security Assistance  Scholarships  Tuition and Fees  Books and Supplies  Miscellaneous Personal  Transportation  Dependent Care

Exempt Financial Aid  Programs funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.  Bureau of Indian Affairs student assistance programs.  Title XIII, Indian Higher Education Programs, Tribal Development Student Assistance Revolving Loan Program.  Educational Assistance used for, or intended to be used for allowable educational expenses.

Note…  If you are awarded financial aid, at the time you apply for food stamps, the financial aid you are allotted is divided by the number of months left in your education, for that school year.

Works Cited 1."CalFresh Program." CA.gov. California Health and Human Services Agency CHHS, Web. 07 June Andrews, Margaret, and David Smallwood. "What's Behind the Rise in SNAP Participation?" Amber Waves. Economic Research Service, Mar Web. 07 June "Applying for SNAP (food Stamps)." Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon. Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, Web. 07 June Dam, Jeannie. "CalFresh 101." San Francisco Health Plan. CalFresh, 16 Dec Web. 7 June

How to Apply… In Person: 1235 Mission St. (btwn 8th and 9th) San Francisco, California On the Phone: Toll– Free: Online: Fax: