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VISIT
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You can think of CalFresh as financial aid for food. Qualifying students may receive up to $291 per month in benefits if they meet just one of the following criteria:
1. Works part-time (20 hours per week) off campus
2. Works part-time (no requirement for weekly hours worked) on campus
3. Receiving Cal Grant A or B
4. Member of Toro Guardian Scholars (TGS), the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), or McNair's Scholars
5. Enrolled in a Local Program that increases employability
• Unpaid internships or volunteer work do not count towards the work requirement.
• Even without employment, you may be eligible for CalFresh if you meet the basic requirements and at least one exemption for students.
No, receiving CalFresh benefits will not affect your financial aid.
• Most grocery stores
• Select Farmers' Markets
CSUDH farmer's market accepts EBT, just look for the CalFresh table on Tuesdays from 10:00AM - 2:00PM
• Convenience Stores
Rite Aid, CVS, 7/11, gas stations, etc.
• Where to use EBT
What is the difference between EBT and CalFresh?
EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) and CalFresh are two different, but closely related, programs.
• CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, provides monthly food benefits to individuals and families with low-income and provides economic benefits to communities.
• On the other hand, EBT is the benefit delivery system that allows CalFresh, CalWORKs, and other program recipients to use a card, much like a debit card, to access their food and cash benefits.
So, while they are not the same, CalFresh and EBT are intricately linked. CalFresh is the program that provides the benefits, and EBT is the system that delivers these benefits.
Allowed
• Food items - Any food except prepared or cooked food.
This rule does have some exceptions: For instance, students at the CSUDH Farmer’s Market have the option to buy market dollars using their EBT card, which can then be used to purchase cooked food.
• Seeds
• Plants
Not Allowed
• Alcohol
• Vitamins & Medicine
• Pet Food
• Live Animals
• Firearms
• Household Items
• Tobacco Products
Lost EBT Card
• Call (877) 328-9677 and patiently listen through two prompts asking for your card number without providing it. After these, you’ll be presented with an option to report your card missing.
• New cards are mailed out and should be delivered within 1-2 weeks.
• If you prefer to collect a new card from the closest DPSS office the following day, simply stay on the line for customer service and inform a live agent of your preference to pick up the new card.
Change your PIN
Dial the number located on the reverse side of your EBT card: (877) 328-9677.
Suspect a Scam
Please read and fill out the EBT Scamming Acknowledgement form:
1) Sign & Date
2) Upload document on BenefitsCal Site
3) Call (877) 328-9677 to inform customer service that your benefits have been stolen. Make sure to mention that you have completed the EBT Scamming Acknowledgement form and are seeking an update to confirm its receipt.
4) If you don’t receive an update either from BenefitsCal or through mail within a span of 2 weeks, reach out to the county for an update.
