A guide to keep your food benefits.

BenefitsCal is California’s official website for food benefits.

Create a BenefitsCal account(opens in a new tab) and then log in.

If you already have a BenefitsCal account, log in(opens in a new tab) and skip to step 3.

You may need to create an account even if you already get CalFresh. It isn't automatically made when you apply.

• Once you’re logged in to BenefitsCal, scroll down to the “Things to do” section.
• Select “Link a case” and follow the instructions on the screen.
• Wait 3 hours or until the next business day for BenefitsCal to link your case.

You’ll be asked for your 7-digit CalFresh case number. You can find it on your EBT card or any CalFresh letters.

• Log back in to BenefitsCal(opens in a new tab)

• Scroll down to the "Things to do" section.

• Select the link "Start your periodic report" and follow the instructions on the screen.

After you submit, check your BenefitsCal account in the next few days. You may be asked to upload more documents under the "Things to do" section.

In about 10 days, you'll receive a notice on BenefitsCal about your benefit amount.

• Download the form SAR7 Eligibility Status Report (PDF, 874 KB)(opens in a new tab) . Note: If you received a copy of this form in the mail, we recommend you use that one instead.
• Fill in the form using your information from last month.
  • That's the month before the due date we sent you. For example, if your due date is December 11, the reporting month is November.
  • Make sure to sign and date the form.
• Collect required documents.
  • You must submit proof of any income you made, even if it hasn’t changed.
  • Submit proof of anything that’s changed on your SAR 7 since you applied. If you’re not sure what’s changed, it’s better to include more proof to speed up the review process.
  • Note anywhere on the SAR 7 form that says “attach proof” to find other required documents.
  • Common documents include pay stubs, proof of address if you’ve moved, or verification if someone lost their job.
• Submit your SAR 7 form and required documents.
  • Go to the BenefitsCal document uploader page(opens in a new tab) .
  • Under "Are you uploading a document for an application or a case?" select "Case Number".
  • Under "Document Type" select "Periodic Report (SAR 7)" or the type of document you are submitting.
  • Upload a copy of your form or document.

• Download and print the form SAR7 Eligibility Status Report (PDF, 874KB)(opens in a new tab) . Note: If you already received a copy of this form in the mail, you can use that one instead.
• Fill in the form using your information from last month.
  • That's the month before the due date we sent you. For example, if your due date is December 11, the reporting month is November.
  • Make sure to sign and date the form.
• Collect required documents.
  • You must submit proof of any income you made, even if it hasn’t changed.
  • Submit proof of anything that’s changed on your SAR 7 since you applied. If you’re not sure what’s changed, it’s better to include more proof to speed up the review process.
  • Note anywhere on the SAR 7 form that says “attach proof” to find other required documents.
  • Common documents include pay stubs, proof of address if you’ve moved, or verification if someone lost their job.
• Mail or fax your SAR 7 and required documents to your county. You can find your county office address here(opens in a new tab) .

Find your local CalFresh office(opens in a new tab) and go in person. Bring common documents like pay stubs, proof of address if you've moved, or verification if someone lost their job.

Ask to fill out a SAR 7. You can ask the office for proof of submission.

You’ll need to report about the following from last month:

• Your address
• Income from work or other sources

  Like government benefits, pensions, or unemployment insurance

• Expenses

  Like housing, utilities, medical, and childcare costs

• People on your application

You'll be asked to submit:

• Proof of your income and
• Any changes you report on your SAR 7 since you applied

Some common documents include:

• Paystubs from the last 30 days and benefits award letters if you have income from work or other sources.
• Your last pay stub and a letter from you or your employer if you lost a job.
• A bill or statement with your name and address if you moved.

If you're not sure what's changed, it's better to include more proof to speed up the review process.

Examples of documents you can use(opens in a new tab)

Your county worker may ask you to send additional documents after they receive your report.