If you’re a CalFresh recipient in California, it’s crucial to stay on top of your recertification process this July 2025.
Many recipients will face the expiration of their benefits, and without timely recertification, there could be disruptions in your food assistance.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming deadline and why recertifying on time is so important.
What Is CalFresh Recertification and Why Is It Important?
CalFresh is a food assistance program that provides benefits to eligible households for a limited time. This time period is called your certification period, which typically lasts six months to one year.
To continue receiving your benefits, you must complete the recertification process. This process includes:
- Submitting the recertification application (CF 37 form)
- Attending an interview if requested by the county
- Providing documents to support any changes in your income, household members, or expenses
By completing this process on time, you ensure that there will be no disruption in your food benefits.
Key Dates: When to Recertify for CalFresh in July 2025?
Official Deadline: 5th of the Last Month
You must submit your recertification by the 5th day of the last month of your certification period. For example, if your benefits expire on July 31, you must submit your recertification by July 5 to avoid any disruptions.
Interviews and Verification: What to Expect
If you are asked to attend an interview, make sure to do so either by phone or in person. You also need to submit any requested documents within the same timeframe to complete the recertification process.
What Happens If You Miss the Recertification Deadline?
Late but Within 30 Days: Partial Benefits
If you submit your recertification after the 5th day but within 30 days after your benefits expire, your benefits will be prorated. This means you will receive partial benefits, but your food assistance will not be cut off completely as long as you submit your paperwork quickly.
More Than 30 Days Late: Complete Interruption of Benefits
If your recertification is submitted more than 30 days after the expiration, it will be treated as a new application. This can lead to a complete interruption of your benefits, and you will need to submit a brand-new application from scratch.
What Is the SAR-7 Form?
The SAR-7 (Semi-Annual Reporting) form is a mandatory review that needs to be completed six months after you start receiving CalFresh.
It must be submitted before the 11th of the month in which it’s due to avoid losing your benefits. If you don’t submit the SAR-7, you will lose your assistance and will need to reapply the next month.
FAQs
What is the CalFresh recertification process?
The CalFresh recertification process involves submitting the CF 37 form, attending an interview if required, and providing documents about any changes in your income, household members, or expenses.
When is the deadline to submit my CalFresh recertification?
The CalFresh recertification must be submitted by the 5th day of the last month of your certification period. For example, if your benefits expire on July 31, your recertification must be submitted by July 5.
What happens if I miss the CalFresh recertification deadline?
If you submit your recertification after the 5th but within 30 days after the expiration of your benefits, you will receive prorated (partial) benefits. If you submit it more than 30 days late, your benefits will be interrupted, and you will need to reapply.
What is the SAR-7 form?
The SAR-7 form is a semi-annual review that must be submitted every six months to keep your CalFresh benefits. If you do not submit it on time, you may lose your benefits and need to reapply.
How can I avoid losing my CalFresh benefits?
To avoid losing your CalFresh benefits, make sure to submit your recertification and SAR-7 forms on time, attend any required interviews, and respond to document requests from the county office.
