Students may meet eligibility to CalFresh in many different ways. The eligibility listed below applies to students taking credit courses. Students taking ONLY non-credit courses should review the additional eligibility below.
Criteria 1: Defining "student" Status
Students must meet ALL THREE below to be considered a college student
You are considered a college student on the CalFresh application if you are:
- Between the age of 18-49 years old
- Enrolled at least half time (6 credits) in an institution of higher education
- Considered physically and mentally able to attend school and work
Criteria 2: Meet Standard Eligibility
Students must meet ALL requirements to be eligible to apply for CalFresh
Standard Eligibility Requirements:
- Students MUST be a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (if applying as family household, one resident on the application must be a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident)
- Students MUST be a San Diego county resident for 30 days
- Students MUST meet the income limit based on household size (The County of San Diego processes and makes the final determination of income for CalFresh applications.)
Criteria 3: Meet Student Exemption
Students need to meet at least ONE student exemption to apply for CalFresh listed below
- Enrolled in a Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE). See the list of all
approved 美姬社区 LPIE programs
- Students who are part of an Academic Success & Equity (ASE) Program are considered to be part of an LPIE
- Approved and accepted a Federal Work Study award. Students must anticipate working during the school term and have not refused a work assignment
- Received a TANF funded CalGrant A or B award
- Receiving California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) or Tribal TANF
- Work an average of 20 hours per week or a total of 80 hours per month
- Employed with an on campus job
- Full time student responsible for the care of a dependent in the household under the age of 12
- Part time student responsible for the care of a dependent in the household either:
- Under the age of 6
- Under the age of 12 without adequate childcare
Determining Income and Household Size:
Your GROSS monthly income will be based on your household size
Income
Individuals/households must have a gross income (total income before taxes/deductions) that does not exceed the limit for the total number of applicants. Refer to the link in the San Diego Income Limits section.
Students can make certain CalFresh Income Deductions, which are allowable expenses that can be subtracted from the household鈥檚 monthly gross income. Allowable deductions include:
- Utility costs
- Shelter expenses
- Dependent care costs
- Child support expenses
Household
A CalFresh Household is an individual or group of people who live together AND purchase and prepare meals together. Most college students can apply for CalFresh independently as a CalFresh Household of 1, as long as they are under 22 years old and not living with their parents or guardians, OR they live with roommates but do not purchase and prepare food with them.
If you live by yourself in San Diego County:
- You are eligible to apply independently as a household of 1
If you live off campus with roommates in San Diego County:
- You are eligible to apply independently as a household of 1 if you don鈥檛 share/prepare food with your roommate(s)
If you are under the age of 22 and live at home with your parents/guardians:
- You MUST apply with your parents/guardians. You cannot apply independently as a household of 1
If you are a couple who lives together:
- If you鈥檙e married and living together you must apply together (this includes couples who are legally separated but still living together)
- If you鈥檙e unmarried and living together with a common child you must apply together
San Diego County Income Limits
.
Don't Meet Criteria 1, 2, or 3?
No worries! Check in with our CalFresh Team before making a final decision about eligibility. To schedule an appointment anyways to assess other eligibility.
