2. Special Rules for Students
Students between the ages of 18 and 49 who are enrolled at least half-time in a program of higher education can get CalFresh if they meet ANY of the following:
- During the pandemic (until the public emergency is lifted) any student who has an expected family contribution of zero on their federal financial aid report can now apply for CalFresh
- During the pandemic (until the public emergency is lifted) students can also apply if they are eligible for a work-study program, even if they haven’t enrolled.
- Enrolled in CalWORKs
- Working and getting paid at least 20 hours per week, or an average of 80 hours per month
- Receiving a federal or state work-study grant
- Participating in an approved program that “increases employability” by state definition. Examples include: Extended Opportunities Program Services (EOPS); Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA); or Jobs Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS). Many other programs now qualify
- A full-time student with a child under 12
- A part-time student with a child under 6 or between the ages of 6 and 12 with no adequate childcare available
- In a government approved job training program
- Not planning to register for the next normal school term
Students should check with their college Basic Needs department to see if they have other factors that may make them eligible for CalFresh, because many progams have been added to the list that allow students to qualify for CalFresh.