CalFresh made changes on eligibility. How California college students can still benefit
Some college students who were once automatically eligible for California’s food benefits program will now have to apply before June 10.
State officials are urging college students to apply for government assistance as soon as possible.
During the coronavirus pandemic, state officials expanded the eligibility rules for CalFresh, previously called food stamps, which provides funds for groceries to those who are financially struggling.
Low-income students who qualified for work-study programs and families who couldn’t financially afford to help their children through college were automatically benefiting from CalFresh, and could receive about $280 per month.
But starting June 10, just weeks after the federal COVID-19 public health emergency ends, college students will have to seek those same benefits through stricter eligibility rules. Additional allotments are ending “due to recent action by the federal government,” according to CalFresh.
The decision to return to pre-pandemic rules for eligibility will affect the nearly 130,000 students who receive CalFresh food benefits.
About 400,000 to 690,000 students were eligible for the program statewide, according to a state Department of Social Services study. Estimates vary, because student eligibility may be duplicated under several categories of eligibility, according to the state.
Food insecurity has been a concern across California’s colleges and universities for years. Many campuses have food pantries and help students navigate how to apply to the CalFresh program. Now some campuses are trying to help spread awareness of change in qualifications.
State officials had gone to great lengths to increase access and information to college students through SB 77, which passed in 2019. The goal was to make the application process easy and straightforward.
But with a change in eligibility rules, some students may not know to apply for the program.
In fact, officials are asking college students to apply to CalFresh before June 10 if they qualify for food benefits under the two temporary pandemic rules.
CalFresh will accept their eligibility for one year before the student’s application is re-certified under the changed rules.
Many college students are still eligible for the CalFresh food benefits program after June 10. College students who are low income and meet an additional criteria such as disability, responsibility for a child or are enrolled in a training program are eligible. Additional criteria eligibility is available on the California Department of Social Services website.
College students and California residents can learn more and apply for benefits on the CalFresh website. They can also call the helpline at 1-877-847-3663.
This story was originally published April 7, 2023 at 11:36 AM with the headline "CalFresh made changes on eligibility. How California college students can still benefit."