If you are currently receiving CalFresh benefits in Los Angles County, filing your CalFresh renewal application in a timely manner is part of the four main things you have to do on a regular basis to keep your CalFresh benefits. In this post, we will review four major requirements you have to comply with during the year to keep your CalFresh benefits. In addition, we will walk you through how to renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County.
Here’s what to expect as you read this post:
First, we will explain why CalFresh recipients in Los Angeles County have to complete two regular reports in order to keep their benefits: the semi-annual report and the annual recertification.
In addition, we will walk you through how to report any changes in income during the year immediately and comply with work requirements.
Next, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of renewing your CalFresh benefits, including the rules around the renewal process.
Finally, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about government assistance benefits in Los Angeles County.
Table of Contents:
- Four Requirements to Keep Your CalFresh Benefits
- CalFresh Renewal Timeline
- The CalFresh Renewal Process
- How to Renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County
- How to Complete CalFresh Recertification Online using BenefitsCal.com
- Los Angeles County Assistance FAQs
Four Requirements to Keep Your CalFresh Benefits
In order to keep your CalFresh benefits, there are four requirements you have to meet each year.
CalFresh Work Rules
Some CalFresh recipients are now required to meet federal work requirements.
The rules apply to anyone receiving CalFresh between the ages of 18-49 that does not have a child living in the home.
The CalFresh ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) Program has many different activities that can be completed virtually and/or safely in-person in order to meet your work activity requirements.
Your employment specialist will work with you to determine what activities safely fit your needs.
Income Change Reporting
Between regular reports, households are required to report when their household income exceeds their Income Reporting Threshold (IRT).
Additionally, you are required to submit proof of income, such as a pay stub or award letter, within 10 days of the increase.
Your caseworker will tell you what your specific IRT is.
Households may also report, during the certification period, any change that could increase benefits, such as a job loss or increased shelter expenses.
Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7 form)
Most households are required to fill out a SAR 7 (Semi-Annual Report) form 6 months after receiving CalFresh benefits.
If you’re not sure about your reporting timeline, haven’t received one in the mail, or have recently moved, call your local CDSS office.
You must submit your filled-out and signed SAR 7 form to the CDSS office in order to keep receiving CalFresh benefits.
Click here to download the SAR 7 Form.
See our step-by-step instructions on how to complete the SAR 7 Form.
Annual CalFresh Renewal and Recertification
Recertification is similar to a renewal process and is needed in order to keep receiving CalFresh benefits.
The CalFresh recertification period is 1 year for most households and 2 years for some seniors and people with disabilities.
A face-to-face interview waiver means that those without a phone can come into a County lobby to use a phone to contact one of our staff during business hours.
CalFresh Renewal Timeline
The table below provides a simple overview of the CalFresh renewal process.
It includes SAR 7 renewal and annual recertification timeline.
As you will see below, the table shows the specific date each renewal process has to be completed based on the date of your initial application for CalFresh.
| Initial CalFresh Application | SAR-7 Timeline | Recertification Timeline | |||
| 1 | January | June | 5th | December | 5th |
| 2 | February | July | 5th | January | 5th |
| 3 | March | August | 5th | February | 5th |
| 4 | April | September | 5th | March | 5th |
| 5 | May | October | 5th | April | 5th |
| 6 | June | November | 5th | May | 5th |
| 7 | July | December | 5th | June | 5th |
| 8 | August | January | 5th | July | 5th |
| 9 | September | February | 5th | August | 5th |
| 10 | October | March | 5th | September | 5th |
| 11 | November | April | 5th | October | 5th |
| 12 | December | May | 5th | November | 5th |
How to Renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County
You must turn in this recertification application and be interviewed before the end of your certification period to continue receiving CalFresh.
We will first explain the recertification process, then we will explain how you can complete the process online.
CalFresh Recertification Process
Here are the steps you need to take to complete the CalFresh recertification process.
Step 1 – Complete the Recertification Application Form
The first step in the recertification process is to complete the CalFresh recertification form.
Below is the first page of the CalFresh Recertification Form. Click on the link below to download the entire form.
Click here for the recertification application form.
Be sure to answer all questions on the recertification application.
You must at least provide your name, address, and signature to begin your recertification process.
When you are done completing the form, read about your rights and your responsibilities before you sign the application.
Step 2 – Submit Your Recertification Application Form
Next, turn in the signed application to the Los Angeles County CalFresh office near you.
You can do so in person, by mail, or online. Here’s how:
Option 1 – Online
The easier and quickest way to complete CalFresh Recertification in Los Angeles County is online through the BenefitCal portal at www.benefitscal.com.
Option 2 – By Phone
You can call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) to have the recertification form mailed to you.
Here is the number to call:
DPSS Customer Service Center (CSC) (866) 613-3777.
You can complete the paper form and return it to the DPSS office for processing.
Option 3 – In Person
Lastly, you complete CalFresh Recertification in Los Angeles County at any Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) District Office or outreach site.
To locate a DPSS office near you, click here.
BenefitsCal Login Help
You can use the BenefitsCal online portal to complete your CalFresh recertification.
If you do not have an account, see our guide on how to create BenefitsCal Account.
Step 3 – CDSS Acknowledgment and Interview Appointment
The County CalFresh office will send you an interview appointment letter to discuss your recertification application.
Most interviews are done by phone.
However, if you do not have a phone or will prefer an in-person interview, it can be done at the County office or another place if arranged with the County.
Furthermore, if you need other arrangements because of a disability, let the caseworker know.
Also, your CalFresh county caseworker can help you complete the recertification application during the interview if you did not fill out all sections or if you need to make changes.
Step 4 – Attend the Recertification Interview
The next step in the recertification process is to attend your interview on the appointed date.
During the interview, your caseworker will go over the information on the application and will ask questions to recertify you for CalFresh and determine your benefits.
To avoid a delay in recertifying, provide proof of any changes in the circumstance at the time of the interview.
Bring proof of changes in:
- Income
- Number of People in Your Household (People buying/eating together)
- Housing costs.
It is very important to keep your interview even if you do not have proof of the changes discussed above.
Step 5 – Recertification Application Decision
Next, your caseworker will make a decision regarding your recertification.
You will know by mail whether you will keep receiving CalFresh benefits, what your benefit amount will be, and if there are any other changes.
If you are denied further benefits, the letter will state the reason(s) why.
If you reapply timely and get recertified before your certification period ends, you will continue to receive benefits on your EBT card.
Continue to use your EBT card and the same Personal Identification Number (PIN) to buy food.
EBT Card Replacement
If your EBT card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, call (877) 328-9677 or the County right away.
How to Renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County Online
Depending on your county of residence, you can use one of the following online portals to complete your annual recertification or semi-annual report for CalFresh online!
If you are new to the online system, create a user ID and password to get started!
BenefitsCal.com CalFresh Renewal
If you have a BenefitsCal.com account, you can complete your annual recertification or semi-annual report for CalFresh online!
To do so, you will have to link your CalFresh case if you are a first-time user, as shown in the image below.
To sign in, visit www.benefitscal.com.
If you need help login into your BenefitsCal.com account, see our post on BenefitsCal.com account login help.
If you are new to the BenefitsCal.com online system, you will be required to create a user ID and password to get started!
For help in creating your BenefitsCal.com, see our post on how to create a BenefitsCal.com account.
Los Angeles County Assistance FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about government assistance in Los Angeles County:
Do Restaurants Take EBT in Los Angeles County?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows CalFresh recipients who are 60 years of age or older, disabled, or homeless to use their CalFresh benefits to purchase lower-cost prepared meals at approved participating restaurants in Los Angeles.
If you fit one of the groups described above, you can use your CalFresh California EBT card at select restaurants and fast-food chains throughout the state.
See our Guide on how to use CalFresh at Restaurants in Los Angeles.
Additionally, see our post on Free Thanksgiving and Christmas Assistance in Los Angeles.
My Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card was lost or stolen. How do I get a new one?
If the EBT card is lost or stolen, it is the cardholder’s responsibility to call the EBT Customer Service Center at (877) 328-9677 to report the problem as soon as possible.
A person’s account can only be used with a valid EBT card and Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Any transaction conducted with a valid card and PIN is the client’s responsibility, even if the transaction was done without the client’s permission or knowledge.
That is why it is very important to protect the secrecy of the PIN.
Once the matter is reported, the EBT card will be deactivated so the benefits cannot be used by anyone else. You will also have to contact your county worker to have your EBT card replaced.
Can I have someone else help me shop using my EBT account?
Ask your county worker about setting up an Authorized Representative (AR), who will have access to your EBT food benefit and/or cash aid benefit account.
They will have a separate card with his or her own account number and PIN.
The EBT system is able to track which card is used to access your account.
Can I use my Electronic Benefit Transfer Card in another state?
The EBT card will work at any store or ATM that displays the Quest symbol in California and the other 49 states in the United States, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.
If you do not see the Quest® symbol, look for a sign that displays EBT, SNAP, or Food Stamps. If you are unsure, ask the store manager.
Currently, California EBT cardholders cannot use their EBT cards in Puerto Rico.
How do I use my Medi-Cal benefits?
Questions pertaining to your Medi-Cal benefits such as how to locate a doctor, where to fill prescriptions, and what is covered under your Medi-Cal benefits should be directed to your county social services/human services agency.
A Medi-Cal eligibility worker or you may contact Medi-Cal directly at (916) 636-1980.
Further information on the Medi-Cal program is available through the California Department of Health Care Services website.
My Medi-Cal has been switched to a Medi-Cal Managed Care plan but I would like to go back to regular Medi-Cal. What can I do?
If you have been placed in a Medi-Cal Managed Care plan but would like to go back to regular Medi-Cal, you must complete and submit a Request for Medical Exemption from
Plan Enrollment form to the following address:
Health Care Options P.O. Box 989009 West Sacramento, CA 95798 Fax number: 916-364-0287
How can I switch my Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan to a different Managed Care Plan?
If you are enrolled in a Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan and want to choose another health plan for any reason, you may leave the health plan and join a different health plan.
You may call Health Care Options (HCO) at (800) 430-4263 or visit an HCO presentation site for assistance in making a health plan change.
You may also complete and mail an Enrollment Choice Form to HCO at the address provided below.
Additional enrollment information is available on the HCO Enrollment page.
California Department of Health Care Services Health Care Options Box 989009 West Sacramento, CA 95798
Summary – How to Renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County
We hope this post on How to Renew CalFresh in Los Angeles County was helpful.
If you have further questions about CalFresh or California EBT Card, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles about CalFresh and CalFresh EBT, including:
