How to Renew or Recertify SNAP Benefits in California

Renewing your CalFresh (California’s name for SNAP food benefits) is an important step to keep your benefits from stopping. This guide walks through how CalFresh recertification typically works in California, what to expect, and how to move forward through official state and county offices.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only. It does not process applications, renewals, or appeals. To renew your CalFresh, you must use official California or county channels, such as your county social services department or the state’s official benefits website.

What CalFresh (SNAP) Renewal Means

When you first get approved for CalFresh, you are given benefits for a set period of time called a certification period. To keep benefits after that period ends, you must renew (recertify).

Renewal is how your county welfare department checks:

• If you are still eligible
• If your income, expenses, or household members have changed
• If your benefit amount should stay the same, go up, or go down

If you do not complete recertification, your CalFresh benefits will usually stop at the end of your certification period.

How Often You Need to Renew CalFresh in California

Most CalFresh households in California must renew every 12 months (once a year), but the exact timing can vary. Some households have:

• Shorter certification periods (for example, 6 months)
• Longer or different schedules depending on the type of household or income

Your approval notice or current Notice of Action (NOA) from the county usually lists:

• Your certification end date
• When your renewal packet is due

If you’re not sure, you can contact:

• Your county social services office
• The customer service number on your CalFresh paperwork
• The official California benefits portal (if you use an online account)

Overview: Steps to Renew CalFresh in California

Here’s how CalFresh renewal typically works in California:

1. Watch for your renewal packet or notice
2. Fill out and submit the renewal form (online, by mail, fax, or in person, depending on your county’s options)
3. Complete an interview, if required
4. Give proof (verification) documents if the county asks
5. Wait for a Notice of Action (NOA) with your new benefit period and amount
6. Follow up or appeal if you disagree or if your case is denied

How You’ll Be Notified It’s Time to Recertify

In California, most people are notified of CalFresh renewal needs by their county. Common ways include:

• Mailed renewal packet with forms and instructions
• Electronic notice in your online benefits account, if you chose that option
• Text, phone call, or email reminders, in some counties

The notice usually includes:

• Your deadline date
• How you can submit the forms
• Whether an interview is scheduled or will be scheduled later

If you think you should have received a packet but did not:

• Call your county welfare office
• Log in to the official California benefits website (such as the state’s online benefits portal) to check for tasks or notices
• Ask if there is a CalFresh recertification form you can complete directly

Where and How to Renew CalFresh in California

You can only renew CalFresh through official government channels. Typical options include:

1. Online Renewal

Many California counties let you renew through the state’s official online benefits system or a county online portal.

Common online options (depending on your county) include:

• Completing your renewal form in an online account
• Uploading documents like pay stubs and rent statements
• Checking your case status and notices

To find the correct site:

• Look at your CalFresh approval or renewal notice—it often lists an official website
• Call your county social services and ask where you can renew CalFresh online

2. By Mail or Fax

Your county may mail you a paper renewal packet. You can typically:

• Fill it out by hand
• Return it by mail to the address on the form
• Send it by fax, if a fax number is provided

Mailing can take time, so it’s smart to send forms early and keep a copy.

3. In Person

You may also be able to drop off or complete your renewal at:

• Your county welfare office
• A local CalFresh or social services office

Some offices have drop boxes so you can submit forms without waiting in line. Office locations and hours vary by county; it’s helpful to call ahead.

4. By Phone (Limited)

Some counties allow parts of the renewal process to be done by phone, especially the interview. However, you still may need to:

• Sign forms (on paper or electronically)
• Provide verifications in another way (upload, mail, fax, or in person)

Documents to Gather for CalFresh Renewal

During renewal, your county may ask you to confirm your current situation. It helps to gather documents before you start, such as:

Identity and household:

• Photo ID (for the primary applicant)
• Social Security numbers (if available) for household members applying
• Birthdates and relationship details for people in your household

Income:

• Recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days)
• Self-employment income records
• Unemployment, disability, or Social Security benefit letters
• Proof of any other income (gig work, tips, contributions, etc.)

Expenses:

• Rent or mortgage statements or lease
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, trash, phone if applicable)
• Childcare costs, if you pay for care so you can work or attend school
• Child support paid out of your household (if applicable)
• For older adults or people with disabilities: out-of-pocket medical expenses

You may not need all of these every time, but having them ready can speed up the process if the county asks.

Typical CalFresh Renewal Timeline in California

Here is a simplified view of what usually happens.

*Actual timing can vary by county and workload. Always go by the dates on your official notice.

The Renewal Form: What You’ll Usually Need to Answer

The CalFresh recertification form usually asks for updates about:

• Who lives in your household
• Who buys and prepares food together
• Any changes in income
• Any new job or loss of a job
• Rent, bills, and childcare costs
• Changes in disability, student status, or immigration status
• Any other benefits you receive (like unemployment or cash aid)

It is important to answer completely and honestly. Leaving sections blank or not reporting changes can cause:

• Delays
• Lower benefits than you should get
• Overpayments that you may have to pay back later

Interview for CalFresh Recertification

Many CalFresh households in California are required to have a renewal interview. This can often be done:

• By phone (most common)
• In person at the county office, in some cases

During the interview, a county worker may:

• Go over your renewal form
• Ask about any changes since your last approval
• Request additional documents if something needs verification
• Explain your rights and responsibilities

If you cannot make the scheduled interview time:

• Call your county office as early as possible to reschedule
• Ask if there are call‑in options or extended hours in your county

Missing the interview without rescheduling is a common reason renewals are denied or delayed.

What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal

After you submit your renewal form, complete any interview, and send in requested documents:

1. A county worker reviews your case
2. They decide whether you:
   • Stay eligible with the same amount
   • Stay eligible but with a different amount
   • Are no longer eligible
3. The county issues a Notice of Action (NOA) explaining their decision

The NOA should tell you:

• Your new certification period dates
• Your monthly CalFresh benefit amount
• The reason for any denial or change
• How to appeal if you disagree

If you don’t receive a NOA and your benefits stop or change unexpectedly, contact your county welfare department right away.

If You Miss the Renewal Deadline

If you miss the recertification deadline:

• Your CalFresh benefits may stop at the end of your certification period
• You may have to reapply instead of just renewing, which can take more time

If you are only a little late:

• In some situations, if you submit your renewal and complete the interview within a short grace period, your benefits can resume without a brand‑new application
• Policies can vary, so ask your county office about your specific situation

If your benefits have already stopped, the county can tell you whether you need to:

• Complete a late renewal, or
• File a new CalFresh application

Common Reasons CalFresh Renewals Are Denied or Delayed

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems:

• Not returning the renewal form by the due date
• Missing or incomplete information on the form
• Missing the interview and not rescheduling
• Not sending requested documents (like proof of income or rent)
• Income going over the program limits
• Not reporting changes in household members
• Not being able to reach you due to outdated phone number or address

To reduce chances of delay:

• Update your contact information with the county whenever it changes
• Respond quickly to county letters, calls, or messages
• Keep copies of everything you submit

How to Appeal a CalFresh Renewal Decision in California

If you believe your renewal decision is wrong—for example, you were denied but think you’re still eligible, or your benefits were reduced without a clear reason—you usually have the right to request a fair hearing.

Typical steps:

1. Read your NOA carefully

   • It should explain the decision and your appeal deadline

2. Request a fair hearing before the deadline
   You can usually:

   • Call the state or county fair hearing line listed on your notice
   • Mail or fax a hearing request form (often included with your NOA)
   • In some cases, request a hearing online through the official benefits portal

3. Ask about continuing benefits

   • If you appeal before the change takes effect, you may be able to ask the county to continue your previous benefit amount while the hearing is pending.
   • If the decision is upheld, you may need to repay extra benefits, so ask questions and be sure you understand your choices.

You are allowed to have someone represent you or help you, such as:

• A trusted friend or family member
• A legal aid or community organization advocate

Local legal aid programs in California often provide free or low‑cost help with CalFresh appeals.

If You No Longer Qualify for CalFresh

If your renewal shows that you no longer qualify for CalFresh, consider:

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) if you are pregnant, postpartum, or have young children
• School meal programs (free or reduced‑price breakfast and lunch) for school‑age children
• Local food banks and pantries
• Community or faith‑based meal programs
• Calling 211 to ask about local food assistance resources

These programs are separate from CalFresh. Many families use more than one type of help at the same time.

How to Make Sure You’re Using Official CalFresh Channels

Because CalFresh deals with sensitive information, it’s important to make sure you are using legitimate, official channels.

Here are ways to verify:

• Check the web address (URL):
  • Official California government sites typically end in “.gov” or are clearly identified as county government pages.
• Use contact info from your official mail:
  • Use the phone numbers and addresses listed on your Notices of Action or county letters.
• Call your county directly:
  • Ask, “Is this the official website/phone number to renew CalFresh in my county?”
• Be cautious if:
  • A website or person asks for fees to file CalFresh renewals (the government does not charge application or renewal fees)
  • You’re asked for sensitive information in a way that feels unusual (for example, someone calling you unexpectedly and pushing for your EBT card number or PIN)

If you’re ever unsure, contact:

• Your county social services department
• The state CalFresh information line, if listed on your paperwork
• 211, which can help direct you to official local offices

Key Takeaways for Renewing CalFresh (SNAP) in California

• CalFresh = SNAP in California. Renewal is called recertification.
• You generally need to renew every 12 months, but exact timing comes from your county notice.
• Renewal usually involves:
  • Returning a renewal form
  • Completing a phone or in‑person interview
  • Providing updated documents
• Your benefits can stop if you miss deadlines or don’t complete the process.
• Decisions arrive in a Notice of Action (NOA), which also explains your appeal rights.
• All renewals must go through official state or county channels, not through HowToGetAssistance.org or other unofficial sites.

If you’re ready to renew, your next step is to contact your county welfare department or use the official California benefits portal listed on your CalFresh paperwork and follow their instructions for recertifying your benefits.