- The information on this page is current as of April 13, 2026.
Students
Many students can get CalFresh, but having a low income alone does not guarantee eligibility. You must meet specific student rules.
Ready to apply?
Here’s what you’ll be asked about in the application:
- Basic information about your household
- Proof of income if you work
- School program information (this is helpful but not required)
- Who may qualify
To qualify as a student, you must meet at least 1 of these student rules:
- You are enrolled at least half-time in a public 2-year or 4-year degree program in California, or
- You work an average of at least 20 hours per week, or
- You are eligible for federal or state work-study, or
- You care for a child under the age of 12, or
- You participate in an approved employment or training program, or
- You receive CalWORKs
- Who is not considered a student for CalFresh
You are not considered a student if:
- You do not plan to enroll in school next term
- You are enrolled less than half time
- You are under 18 years old or over 49 years old
- You are not physically or mentally able to work
- Your school does not require a high school diploma or GED
- You live in on-campus housing and have a meal plan of 10 or more meals per week
- You are under 22 and live with your parents (in this case, you must apply with them)
Need help before applying?
If you have questions about documents, the interview, or your specific situation, our CalFresh team can help.
Frequently asked questions
Can college students get CalFresh?
Yes. Some college students can get CalFresh.
You must meet the regular eligibility criteria (like income and citizenship). You must also meet at least one of the student eligibility rules below:
- Be enrolled at least half-time at a public college in California
- Attend a business, technical, trade, or vocational school
- Be enrolled less than half-time (students enrolled less than half-time usually do not have to meet student eligibility rules)
- Taking only non-credit courses
- Be age 17 or younger or age 50 or older
- Work an average of 20 hours a week or 80 hours a month
- Receive disability-based income
- Be physically or mentally unfit to work 20 hours per week
- Be approved for work-study
- Get a Cal Grant A or B
- Care for a child (certain age limits apply)
- Attend college full-time and be a single parent of a child under the age of 12
- Be in certain job training programs
- Get CalWORKs
If you’re not sure, you should still apply.
What documents are required of a student applicant?
The documents required for your CalFresh case depend on your situation. Some documents that are usually required from students include:
- Proof of identification (like a driver’s license, passport, consular ID, or birth certificate)
- Proof of income from the past 30 days (such as paystubs)
- Proof of enrollment, such as a class schedule
- Your financial aid award letter
- Proof of expenses (such as a rent receipt)
If your worker needs any additional documents, they will let you know either during your interview or by mail.
Does student financial aid count as income?
Usually, no. Grants, scholarships, and student loans used for school costs (like tuition or books) usually do not count as income for CalFresh.
If you’re not sure, you can still apply or chat with us for help.
Who do I need to include in my CalFresh household?
Your CalFresh household is not just everyone you live with. It usually means the people you buy and prepare food with.
For example:
- If you live with roommates and buy and cook your own food, you can usually apply on your own.
- If you are under 22 and live with your parent(s), you must apply together, even if you are in college.
- If you are 22 or older and live with your parent(s), you can usually apply on your own if you buy and cook your own food.
- You must include your spouse if you live together, even if you buy and prepare food separately.
- Children under 22 who live with a parent or legal guardian must usually be included in the same household.
If you are not sure who to include, don’t worry. You can list everyone you live with on your application. During your interview, your county worker will help see who counts as part of your CalFresh household.
What happens after I submit my application?
Once you apply, your local CalFresh office will contact you to set up an interview. They may contact you by phone, mail, or email. You must complete this interview to receive CalFresh benefits.
A county worker will review your application, ask questions if needed, and let you know if you need to bring, send, or upload documents.
Most interviews happen over the phone, but you can also ask for an in-person interview.
Tell your county worker if:
- You need extra help completing your application
- You need accommodations because of a disability, or
- You need an interpreter