Student Eligibility

You are considered a student and may qualify for CalFresh benefits if you are:

• Between the ages of 18-49 and are physically and mentally “fit” for employment (not disabled)
• Enrolled at least half-time (6 units) at an institution for higher education
• Have a qualifying monthly income (see CalFresh Income Limits for 2023)
• Meet at least one student eligibility criterion (see below)

If you are considered a student you can get CalFresh if you meet at least one of the following student eligibility criteria:

• Have an on-campus job (contact calfresh@sonoma.edu for a verification letter) 
• Enrolled in Local Programs that Increase Employability (LPIE) - View list of LPIEs. (contact calfresh@sonoma.edu for a verification letter)
• Work at least 20 hours per week (on average)
• Approved for state or federal work-study money and have not refused any job assignments
• Approved and awarded TANF-funded Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B
• A full-time student who is a single parent to a child under 12
• A part-time student with a child (ages 6-11) without adequate childcare
• Do not plan to register for the next school term

Student eligibility rules do not apply to you if you are:

• Age 17 and under or age 50 and older
• Physically and mentally “unfit” for employment
• In high school
• Enrolled less than half-time
• Enrolled in programs or classes that do not require a high school diploma or GED
• Enrolled in schools that are not considered institutions of higher education

If you think you may be eligible for CalFresh, please complete the Eligibility Prescreen Form and schedule a CalFresh Appointment with our CalFresh Team.