Preparing for your CalFresh Application

Get ready for your CalFresh application by reviewing what documents are needed and bringing them to your appointment with Second Harvest. These are the verification documents that your county will use to process your CalFresh application and determine your benefit amount.

Don’t have an appointment yet? Second Harvest staff can help walk you through the application process and answer any questions you may have – schedule an appointment today.

Required Documents

We strongly recommend that you submit these documents alongside your CalFresh application. These documents can speed up the application process.

This includes any document which reasonably establishes your identity. There is no requirement for a specific type of document.

Some examples include:
• Driver’s License
• State ID
• Passport
• Birth certificate

Income from employment
Examples:
• Pay stubs
• Letter from employer

Income from other sources
Examples:
• Unemployment
• Social Security retirement (SSA)
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• State Disability Insurance (SDI)
• Child support
• Alimony
• Military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
• Veteran’s Administration (VA) benefits
• Worker’s compensation
• Pensions or other retirement
• Monthly cash from family or friends

If you are not a U.S. Citizen, you will need to provide proof of your immigration status.

Examples include:
• Immigration papers/forms/cards
• Certification of naturalization

College Students

Students taking more than 6 units will have to submit proof of student status depending on the exemption that they meet. Below are the college-specific qualifications and documents students may need.

Not all documentation listed below may be required for their CalFresh application, Second Harvest staff can help you determine what you will need. The county will also identify the documentation required to verify and approve the application.

Meet at least ONE of the following qualifications:

• On average, work more than 20 hours/week
• Have a child/dependent 12 or younger
• Receiving Cal Grant A or B
○ California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) TANF letter
• Approved for Work Study
○ Copy of Work Study Award Letter (optional)
• Proof of enrollment in Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE)
○ Confirmation letter from college

Proof of College Expenses
• Tuition and mandatory fees (including the purchase or rental of any equipment, materials, and supplies related to a course of study)
• Books
• Transportation

Proof of Student Status
• Class Schedule

Ready to apply?