You have
Economic Assistance Division
Preparing for your CalFresh interview
Attention CalFresh Applicants!
Effective March 3, 2025 the interview process is changing.
New - The County will call you to conduct the scheduled interview! Applicants no longer need to call to complete the interview for a new application.
- After you apply, you will receive an appointment letter.
- The appointment letter will tell you the day and time of your interview.
- If you do not have a phone or prefer to be seen in person for your scheduled interview, you may come to our office at:
- 2550 Paulin Drive, Santa Rosa, or
- 5350 Old Redwood Hwy N, Ste 100 Petaluma
- If the interview is not completed on the day of your appointment, please call 1(877) 699-6868 for more information.
- We may also ask for verification of income and expenses. Before your interview date, you can save time by completing the paperwork and submitting verifications online at benefitscal.com
Preparing for Your Interview
It may help to process your application faster if you are prepared to answer questions about:
- The number of people in your home who you purchase and prepare food with
- The money you get from your job or other sources
- Your housing costs, including rent, mortgages and utilities
- Medical expenses if you are disabled or age 60 or older
- Costs for child or dependent care
- Some of the things you own
If we are unable to verify information electronically we may request additional verification. See below for typical information that may require verification. Please let your Eligibility Specialist know if you are having difficulty obtaining requested information. The County may be able to help you get the required documents.
Information that may require verification |
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Identity |
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) ID or drivers license, work or school ID, passport/USCIS (immigration) documents |
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Residency |
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) ID or license, a postmarked envelope or postcard addressed to you, utility bill, rental agreement, bill or another document with your name on it. |
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Relationship |
Marriage or domestic partner certificate, birth certificate, court papers (divorce, guardianship, etc.) |
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Social Security number (SSN) |
Social security card or proof of application |
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Immigration status |
Permanent resident card, green card (I-551), employment authorization card (I-766), foreign passport with Form I-94/I-94A, Notice of Action (I-797) |
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Earned income |
Paystubs, note from employer with gross pay & hours worked, self - employment income |
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Unearned income |
Social security award letter, unemployment award letter, State disability award letter, workers compensation award letter, pensionaward letter |
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Property |
Bank statements, vehicle registration, mortgage bills, property deeds, life insurance policy, stocks, bonds, IRAs, most recent retirement account statements |
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Housing & utility costs |
Rental agreement or rent receipt, mortgage bill, property tax satement, home or renter’s insurance bills, hotel/motel receipts |
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Medical expenses if disabled or age 60 or older |
Medical bills or receipts, medical transportation bills or receipts, health or dental insurance policies or premiums |
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Child support |
Child support obligation and actual payment |