CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families
buy the food they need (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program). CalFresh dollars
help stretch a tight food budget and help many people afford to incorporate healthy
foods like fruits and vegetables into their diets.
CalFresh is the name of the USDA-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP) in the state of California. Recipients receive and “spend” CalFresh benefits
electronically, via personal Golden State Advantage electronic benefits transfer (EBT)
cards that look just like any other credit or debit cards.
The CalFresh Outreach Program is funded through the California Department of Social
Services (CDSS) and is implemented in partnership with county social services offices.
It assists people through the entire CalFresh application process, including assistance
with the application itself, obtaining verification documents, navigating the 30-day
application period, as well as the renewal process.
If you have questions about the application process or need help applying, you may
contact Myrna Reyes by emailing calfresh@compton.edu or completing the Compton College and CalFresh Prescreen form to request direct application assistance.
The CalFresh program is a federal nutrition assistance program, offered through your
local county Department of Public and Social Services (DPSS) office. The program issues
monthly electronic benefits that can be used to incorporate healthy foods like fruits
and vegetables in your diet and can be purchased at many markets and food stores.
Many college students are eligible!
You can also watch a video created by LA County office of DPSS that describes the
program in more detail:
You have the right to apply for CalFresh even if you do not appear to be eligible.
If you have questions about the form, please contact a CalFresh support worker at
calfresh@compton.edu
Step 2: Submit an Application
Want help applying? Book an appointment with a Calfresh support worker today. Appointments
are normally available for scheduling up to two weeks in advance.
Application website
If you need help outside of the listed appointment times, contact our support staff
at calfresh@compton.edu
The online application can take anywhere from 30-45 minutes for a single person household,
however, please be aware it can take longer if you include more than 1 individual
on the application. Note: You can only apply for benefits again if the 30-day period
since you most recently applied has passed.
Step 3: Submit Verification Forms
Required documents can be submitted:
-Online through BenefitsCal account
-Through mail or county drop-off box
Note: Required verifications will be listed before you submit application online as
well as verbally through DPSS Support Worker when you complete your interview
Step 4: Complete Your Interview
Via Phone: You can call the 866-613-3777 and complete your interview with your application
number for reference. The county will also send you a letter of a date and time they
will contact you if you do not contact them. Be aware that they will call from an
unfamiliar, unknown or blocked number, so please pick up as it could be the county
attempting to reach you.
Step 5: Receive Benefits
If you are approved, you will receive an approval letter
Note: When you receive expedited services, you will receive an approval letter, pending
verification. You MUST submit your pending verifications forms within the next 10
businesses days to receive benefits the following month. If you receive a Notice of
Approval Pending Verification, you must submit by date listed on letter or your benefits
will be stop.
Step 6: Submit the SAR7 and Annual Recertification
CalFresh recipients are required to report their income, expenses, and other financial
changes every 6 months and year mark to keep benefits.
Check BenefitsCal.com to maintain benefits. Reach out to our CalFresh support worker
for help completing/uploading these documents.
Compton College and CalFresh Prescreen Form
Compton College and the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services
(DPSS) are collaborating to provide more students information and access to CalFresh
resources and to study the impact of these resources on student success.
You are welcome to email calfresh@compton.edu or ask questions in person during the semester at our table at the Farmers Market.
You will also find walk-up office hours published on Things to do on Campus
