Some dates are extremely important, like the recertification of your CalFresh benefits. If you are a CalFresh participant, or a recipient of California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), then it is important to complete the recertification process punctually, or else, you will lose out on food assistance.
This process allows low-income households and individuals to continue receiving benefits that will allow them to purchase nutritious food using their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in supermarkets and farmers’ markets. But what do you need to know about recertification and, more importantly, the deadline? Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
1 CalFresh Recertification
2 Deadline
3 Submit Your Recertification
4 What Happens If You Miss
5 FAQs
CalFresh Recertification
Recertification is the process of reconfirming your eligibility for CalFresh benefits. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) requires all recipients to submit a new application and participate in an interview to ensure they still meet the program’s income and household requirements.
If your financial situation has changed since your last certification, your benefit amount may increase, decrease, or stay the same. But if you fail to recertify on time, your benefits may be cut off until you complete a new application.
Deadline
Your recertification deadline is the 5th day of the last month of your certification period.
For example:
- If your benefits end on April 10, 2025, you can avoid any gap in benefits by submitting a recertification application no later than March 10, 2025.
- If you miss the recertification deadline, your benefits might not only get delayed but even stopped altogether.
- Recertification periods range from 12 months:”$
- Some households will recertify every 12 months.
Other households may have certification periods of 2 to 3 years if they have elderly or disabled members.
Increased flexibility and in the form of elimination of certain time limits have been introduced to ensure uninterrupted benefits for needy families. Apply for Recertification
To recertify CalFresh benefits:
- Complete the application for recertification (submitted online, by mail, or in person).
- Be sure to submit your application before your deadline.
- Complete an interview with a CalFresh representative.
- Send in any requested documents or other updated information (such as household or income verification).
- With the introduction of digital submission options, recertification online has become smoother and easier in many of the counties in California so that citizens do not have to visit an office.
What Happens If You Miss
If you fail to submit your application by the deadline, your benefits may be interrupted.
If you apply within 30 days after your certification period ends, you may still receive benefits, but they could be delayed.
If you apply more than 30 days late, you will need to start a new application from scratch and may experience a longer waiting period before benefits are reinstated.
To avoid losing food assistance, mark your calendar and submit your recertification on time.
FAQs
1. What is CalFresh recertification?
CalFresh recertification is the process of renewing your benefits to continue receiving food assistance. It ensures you still meet eligibility requirements.
2. When is the deadline for CalFresh recertification in March 2025?
The deadline varies by county, but generally, you must submit your renewal form before the end of your certification period to avoid a lapse in benefits.
3. Can I still use my CalFresh benefits if my recertification is pending?
Yes, you can use any remaining balance on your EBT card while your renewal is being processed. However, new benefits will not be added until recertification is approved.
4. Will my benefit amount change after recertification?
It depends. If your income, household size, or expenses have changed, your benefit amount may increase or decrease based on your new circumstances.
5. What happens if I miss the recertification deadline?
If you miss the deadline, your benefits may be discontinued. You will need to reapply, which could cause a delay in receiving food assistance.