What is UCLA CalFresh Initiative?
CalFresh is California's version of SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), a federally-funded food assistance program, colloquially known as "food stamps." Many students qualify for CalFresh and can receive up to $291/month to spend on groceries at places like UCLA Store Market, Ralphs, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Target, and participating Farmers Markets. Once enrolled, participants will receive an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card in the mail, which is reloaded monthly and functions as a debit card at participating grocery stores. Enroll in CalFresh to get the resources you deserve to help you thrive as a student!
General Eligibility Requirements
CalFresh eligibility is divided into two requirement sections: general requirement sections: general requirements and student exemption requirements. You must fulfill BOTH of these sections to be eligible.
Every applicant must be below the maximum income limit for their respective household. Please refer to the income threshold document for specific guidelines.
You must be a legal resident, green card holder, U.S. citizen, or have dependents who are U.S. citizens to qualify. You cannot have a dining hall meal plan above 10.5 meals/week. If you are under 22 years and living at home with your family, you must apply together as a household. If you are 22 years or older and living at home with your family, you can apply separately from your family.
We encourage you to review our CalFresh Eligibility as a Financial Aid Recipient Flowchart for guidance.
Undergraduates
Most undergraduate students are eligible for CalFresh if they meet at least one of the following:
- receive CalGrant A or B
- were awarded Work-Study and are planning to find a work-study position or are already employed in a work-study position
- work at least 20hrs/week in a non-work-study position
- Be responsible for a dependent child under age 6; OR dependent child 6 to 11 and no adequate childcare is available
- Be a single parent responsible for the care of a dependent child under age 12
- Be enrolled in CalWORKs
- Be enrolled in an approved Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIEs), which students can be qualified through their major. The approved list of LPIEs can be found here. For more information about how to apply as a student enrolled in an LPIE please review this document.
Graduates
Graduate students are eligible for CalFresh if they meet the following:
- Be enrolled in an approved Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIEs), which students can be qualified through being enrolled through their graduate program. The approved list of LPIEs can be found here. For more information about how to apply as a student enrolled in an LPIE please review this document.
For more CDSS-approved student employment programs please visit the CalFresh Student Eligibility: List of Approved LPIEs here.
What documentation do I need when applying for CalFresh?
Please have these documents ready when you apply for CalFresh. Your application will not be approved without these documents:
- CA ID / passport / birth certificate / driver's license / social security card
- pay stubs from the last 30 days (if you are working)
- proof/screenshots of deductions (rent, car insurance, gas, etc)
- a rent or lease agreement, or Bruin Bill for housing (you only need the part of the lease that states how much you pay and your signature)
- screenshot of your class schedule
- proof of enrollment (myUCLA -> Classes -> Enrollment Actions -> Proof of Enrollment)
- financial aid award letter (can be downloaded from the Bruin Financial Aid Portal) that shows eligibility for Cal Grant OR a letter from Financial Aid and Scholarship verifying work-study acceptance or employment in a work-study position
- LPIE Document (if applicable)
- Release of Information Form (if you want our team to contact the county about your case) Let us know via email in the event that you want us to call the county. Make sure to include details about your case issue in the email.
How can I obtain Financial Aid Work-Study Verification Letter if I am employed or anticipate to be employed in a Work-Study position?
UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships can provide you with a Work-Study verification letter ONLY if you have been offered Work-Study and are anticipating to work under a Work-Study position for the award year you are applying for CalFresh.
If you meet the criteria mentioned above, please submit our Financial Aid Work-Study Verification Form in order for our office to provide you with a PDF letter that you can submit with your CalFresh Application.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are a Cal Grant recipient, please log into your Bruin Financial Aid Portal and click on the “Financial” tab to screenshot your Financial Aid Award which will show the Cal Grant as “awarded”. You will be able to submit this as part of the documentation requested for your CalFresh application and a Financial Aid Verification Letter will NOT be needed.