CalFresh Reporting & Recertification

Semi-Annual Reporting for CalFresh

  • Most CalFresh households will need to fill out the SAR7 form in order to submit a 6-month report form, which is required in order to keep receiving CalFresh benefits. (Spanish version here.)

  • Fill out this form and either send or bring it to a Humboldt County CalFresh office (locations listed here); contact Food for People’s CalFresh Outreach staff for help submitting it (707) 445-3166 ext. 318 or email CalFresh@foodforpeople.org); or upload it online at BenefitsCal (You may need to create a BenefitsCal account, even if you already get CalFresh. It isn’t automatically made when you apply.)

  • If you need help understanding the SAR7 form, this SAR7 training document might help. It contains instructional notes on how to fill out the form.

  • If you’ve had a change in income or household status before your semi-annual report form or recertification is due, you can also fill out a SAR3 Mid-Period Status Report form and submit it to Humboldt County DHHS Social Services Branch to have your CalFresh benefit level adjusted. This report is used for any status change that occurs mid-period. (Spanish version here) This process can also be initiated by calling the DHHS Telephone Service Center at 1-877-410-8809 or online at BenefitsCal.

Recertification Periods for CalFresh

  • Most CalFresh households have a one-year certification period and can download and fill out this Recertification Form which is required in order to renew benefits at the end of a certification period (1 year for most households; 3 years for some seniors and people with disabilities). In addition, you will need to be interviewed, which is typically done by phone, but can be done in person if needed.

  • You must at least provide your name, address, and signature to begin your recertification process. Your worker can help complete the rest of the application during the interview, if you did not fill out all sections or if you need to make changes.

  • Households that reside on a Native American reservation have a longer certification period.

  • Households in which all members are seniors age 60+ and/or disabled, and do not have earned income, have a longer certification period (3 years) before needing to renew their CalFresh case. These households will receive a SAR2 form reminding them of their mid-period reporting requirements at the 12th and 24th months of receiving benefits.

What do I need to report, and what documents do I need to provide?

You’ll need to report things such as:

  • Address

  • Income from work and other sources (like government benefits, pensions, unemployment, etc.)

  • Expenses (like housing, utilities, medical, childcare, etc.)

  • And the household members who are part of your application.

Common documents needed:

  • Paystubs,

  • Benefits award letters if you have income from other sources

  • Letter from 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 as much proof as possible, to speed up the review process.

Questions?

Need help understanding or completing the reporting or recertification process?

We can help!

  • Email our CalFresh Outreach staff at CalFresh@foodforpeople.org

  • Call our CalFresh Outreach staff at (707) 445-3166 extension 318.

  • For Spanish language assistance, please use extension 318.

  • Please note that our CalFresh Outreach staff attend food bank activities all over the county and are not always at their desks, so email is fastest, or we’ll reply to your phone calls as soon as possible.

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