The CalFresh program is a lifeline for thousands of families in California. Through it, people who are facing financial hardship (or have no income enough) can access basic food items, and a small oversight could result in them losing that support.
The system works through EBT cards you’ve probably heard of them, a kind of debit cards on which users receive public assistance benefits. But these cards require periodic recertification. It’s simple, just a basic data update, but if it isn’t done before the deadline, the State could suspend the payments temporarily (or even permanently). Since we don’t want that to happen to you, we’ll explain everything you need to know to stay informed.
What is CalFresh and how does it work?
CalFresh is California’s food assistance program. In other states, it’s known as SNAP, maybe this sounds more familiar to you. Its main purpose is to provide financial support to low-income households so they can buy healthy food.
This benefit doesn’t just cover supermarkets or small businesses that join the program, but also authorized farmers’ markets, encouraging healthier and more local food consumption.
What is recertification?
CalFresh recertification is a periodic process where the beneficiary must prove they still meet the program’s requirements (income level, household composition, and essential expenses).
It’s a very simple procedure where you only have to:
- Submit an updated application.
- Complete an interview with a county worker.
- Verify key data that might affect the benefit amount.
How often must it be renewed?
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In general, the certification period for a household in California is 12 months. However, there are exceptions:
- If all household members are over 60 or have a disability and no earned income, the period can be extended to 36 months.
- Some households with elderly or disabled individuals with limited income may receive 24-month extensions.
What is the deadline in May 2025?
The rule is easy: recertification must be completed before the fifth day of the last month of the current period. That means, if your benefit expires on May 10, 2025, you must have submitted the application by April 10, 2025.
That way, the State can process the information and ensure there is no gap in benefit delivery during that month.
Where can the process be completed?
Each county has its own method, but in most cases, the process can be completed through the portal www.benefitscal.org, which allows you to upload documents and schedule interviews from home. If you don’t trust the technology or don’t have access to it, you can also complete the process in person or by phone.
What happens if I don’t recertify on time?
If you don’t recertify before the deadline:
- Your benefits could be automatically suspended.
- It could take weeks to restore the assistance.
- In some cases, you would need to start the process from scratch as a new applicant.
Losing access to CalFresh can be a serious blow to any family in a difficult situation, so it’s crucial to stay informed and complete the recertification process, which, as you’ve seen, takes just a moment.
That way, you can make sure your household doesn’t go hungry. Beyond being a state program, CalFresh allows thousands of families to eat and stay nourished, don’t lose this benefit over a small mistake.
