Monterey County social services outlines expanded CalFresh eligibility for college students

Maria Panchenko of the Monterey County Department of Social Services explained recent clarification of student eligibility rules for CalFresh and walked through exemptions that allow many students to qualify.

Panchenko said state analysis concluded that "associates and bachelor's degree programs in any California public institution of higher education include at least 1 component that is equivalent to the CalFresh employment and training component," and that, effective June 1, students enrolled at 0.5 time in community colleges, California State University or University of California programs leading to an associate's or bachelor's degree may meet the Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE) exemption.

She listed other commonly used exemptions — age (under 18 or 50 and older), disability, receiving TANF‑funded benefits, responsibility for a dependent child, working an average of 20 hours per week or participating in approved work study — and noted local eligibility staff will use this clarified guidance to determine exemptions. Panchenko said the county receives state participation data and is pulling local numbers; she did not provide a concrete local count but said participation is expected to increase.

Panchenko described how students can apply: in person at Monterey County offices in Salinas, Seaside and King City; by mail or fax; by telephone via a dedicated line; or online at BenefitsCal. She encouraged students and college staff to share the clarified guidance with potentially eligible students.