Recertification

Recertification happens in the 12th month of receiving benefits. Most households must complete an annual recertification to maintain their CalFresh Food benefits for the next year. 

An interview is required for Recertification. Normally the county will assign an interview time for you and you should call the county during that time. The interview process is similar to the initial application process. During the interview, the county will go over your Student Status, Citizenship, Income, Meal Plan and Student Exemption. You will also need to submit any relevant documents.

To complete your recertification, please contact the county worker you worked with and schedule and appointment from benefitscal.com or call the county to schedule. Aggie Compass can NOT schedule recertification appointments since the your old case is still active by the time of recertification.

How Do I Complete My Recertification?

Method 1: Online (Recommended)

Completing your recertification online is the fastest and easiest option.

Prepare the following: 

  • Recent income information (pay stubs, financial aid, etc.)
  • Rent or housing costs 
  • Utility bills (if applicable) 
  • Information about anyone who lives with you and helps prepare meals with you 

Step-by-Step Instructions 

  1. Go to BenefitsCal.com and log in to your account
  2. On your dashboard, look for “Things To Do.” 
  3. Click “Recertification” to begin 
  4. Complete each section: 
  • Your Information 
  • People in your household
  • Household Details 
  • Income 
  • Expenses 
  • Other changes 
  1. Review if you submitted all of the necessary documents 
  2. Sign and submit the form before the due date

What’s Next? 

The county may contact you to schedule a phone interview. 

Reminder: Check your BenefitsCal inbox and email for messages

If additional documents are needed, you can upload them directly to BenefitsCal.

Method 2: Mail

You will receive a letter from the county with the Recertification Form. Once you have received the recertification form, please complete it and mail it to the county as soon as possible. The county worker will reach out to you to schedule an interview via letter. It may take time to process your form, so there might be delays. 

Documents Needed

Households must complete their CF 37 Recertification Application and submit all the necessary verifications as determined by their eligibility worker. Usually it’s the same required document when you initially apply.

List of documents

Important Information

  • Some households with elderly or disabled members have a 24-month certification period.
  • Households that only have elderly and or disabled members and no earned income are certified for 36 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I applied online myself last time, can I do the recertification with Aggie Compass?
  • No, unfortunately. Because you already had a caseworker and an active case, we will not be able to submit a new application.

    For recertification, you should receive either a mail or an online notice on BenefitsCal.com for your recertification time. You will be contacted by the county worker for an interview. 
  • I missed the interview or never heard back from the county. Can I get a interview with Aggie Compass?
  • No, unfortunately. Because you already had a caseworker and an active case, we will not be able to submit a new application. You should call the county back before your recertification period ends.

    If you would like to apply though Aggie Compass, you can wait until your case closed and reapply with Aggie Compass.
  • What happens after I submit my Recertifaction?

  • You will receive a decision on the status of your application for next 6 months by the end of the month when your report is due.

    If updates need to be made to your current benefit amount, then you will see the changes at this time and a notice of benefits change will appear in your messages section of your portal. If there are no changes are needed, all will stay the same.

    Keep an eye out of your message in the next two weeks to see if county wants any additional documents. Make sure to upload if needed. You can check electronic version of mailed letters on your online portals.