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Applying for Assistance |
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To apply for CalFresh/SNAP benefits, visit a local office (DPSS Office Locations) of the Department of Public Social Services or go to www.C4Yourself.com on the Internet. An interview with an eligibility technician (ET) who will review completed documents and explain program requirements is required. In some cases, the ET will ask for additional proof of some areas of eligibility and a return appointment may be necessary.
If the CalFresh/SNAP applicant needs help with filling out forms or participating in the interview, a representative can be appointed. This person, called an Authorized Representative (AR), will have to know all the applicant’s personal information, and be able to make decisions on behalf of the CalFresh/SNAP customer. An AR can also be selected to have access to the applicants/recipient EBT account. It is very important that the AR is someone trustworthy. |
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Expedited Services |
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If a family is experiencing any of these situations:
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Will run out of food within 3 days or less
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Has income less than their rent and utilities
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Has less than $100 in cash and/or a bank account
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Is a migrant or seasonal farm worker
Your family may be eligible to emergency CalFresh/SNAP benefits. This program, called Expedited Services, provides CalFresh/SNAP benefits within 3 business days of completing an application. Applicants must be sure to mention their food emergency when turning in an application or to the ET during the interview.
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What to take to the Interview |
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To make the application process go more smoothly, it is helpful to bring certain things that the ET will need to determine eligibility to CalFresh/SNAP benefits. Some of these things are:
- Picture Identification
- Proof of status if not born in the United States
- Social Security numbers for all persons in the household
- Proof of income including wage stubs, award letters, child support checks, etc.
- Proof of housing and utility costs such as rent receipts, mortgage coupons, utility bills for heating or cooling
- Proof of disability for any disabled person in the household
- Proof of child support paid to someone who does not live in the home
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Reporting Requirements |
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MostCalFresh/SNAP recipients have to complete a Quarterly Income Report (QR7) every three months to answer questions about income and household circumstances. The eligibility technician explains the report and how to complete it during the application process.
Certain people, called Able Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) must tell the eligibility technician any time their work hours drop below 20 per week.
Everyone receiving CalFresh/SNAP benefits must report an address change within 10 days from when they move. |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q: Where can I apply for CalFresh/SNAP?
A: Apply for CalFresh/SNAP at Riverside County Department of Public Social Services office closest to you. (DPSS Office Locations) or at www.C4Yourself.com
Q: I don’t have a Social Security card. How can I get CalFresh/SNAP benefits?
A: If you do not have a Social Security card, you can:
- Provide your Social Security number to the eligibility technician who will verify the number with the Social Security Administration,
- Apply for a card at the Social Security office and take a copy of the application with you when you apply for CalFresh/SNAP, or
- Complete the application for a Social Security card at the CalFresh/SNAP office and turn it in to the Social Security Administration.
Q: I am not a United States citizen. Does this mean that I cannot get CalFresh/SNAP?
A: You and/or other family members may be eligible to receive CalFresh/SNAP benefits if you are:
- a non-citizen but admitted for humanitarian reasons
- a legal permanent resident, and
- have lived in the United States for at least five years, or
- are receiving disability-related assistance or benefits, regardless of entry date, or
- are children under the age of 18, regardless of entry date.
Non-citizens living in the United States temporarily such as students are not eligible.
Legal non-citizens who are not eligible for regular CalFresh/SNAP benefits may receive help through the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP). If you think you may be eligible, ask the eligibility technician about the program.
The Department of Public Social Services does not share your information with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS.)
Q: What can I buy with CalFresh/SNAP?
A: Use CalFresh/SNAP benefits to buy food items such as:
- breads and cereals
- fruits and vegetables
- meats, fish, poultry
- dairy products
- seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat
CalFresh/SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
- Any non-food item such as:
- pet food
- diapers
- soaps, paper products
- household supplies such as cleaners
- vitamins and medicines
- food that will be eaten in the store
- hot foods
Q: I don’t have a driver’s license. Can I use some other type of identification when I apply for CalFresh/SNAP?
A: If you do not have a driver’s license, you can use several other from of identification including:
- Social Security card
- Medi-Cal card
- birth certificate
- pay stubs, or
- Identification card
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| Saturday, February 04, 2012 |
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