Keep & Maintain Your CalFresh Benefits in 3 Easy Steps!
Attention CalFresh Recipients!
Effective 7/1/22, the process for conducting your recertification interview has changed. You will receive an appointment letter that provides the appointment date and window of time, however you will now call us at (877) 699-6868 during that appointment timeframe to complete your interview. The county will not be making calls to you to complete the recertification interview. If you do not have a phone, or would prefer to be seen in-person, you may come to our office at 2550 Paulin Dr, Santa Rosa or 5350 Old Redwood Hwy N, Ste 100, Petaluma to complete the interview. If you do not complete your interview by the scheduled date, you will received a notice of missed appointment and your CalFresh may be discontinued if the interview is not completed by the end of the certification month.
1. Complete & Submit your Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7) on Time!
A SAR 7 is a CalFresh report where you provide current household information, including income, number of people in the home, expenses and updates to address or phone numbers.
When is my SAR 7 due?
- Every 6 or 12 months depending on your household
- We will send you mail when it's time to submit
Use any of the following options to submit:
- Online: www.mybenefitscalwin.org or getcalfresh.org
- By phone: (877)- 699-6868 Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- In person: Visit an Economic Assistance Office during in person hours
- By mail: County of Sonoma Human Services Department, Economic Assistance, P.O. Box 1539, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
- Drop boxes are available after hours at the Economic Assistance offices
- By fax: (707) 565-2929
2. Complete a Recertification Packet & Phone Interview
All households must complete and submit a Recertification Packet (CF 37) and most households are required to complete a recertification interview to renew benefits. We may also ask for verifications of income and expenses that will need to be provided. Before your interview date, you can save time by completing the paperwork and submitting verifications online at mybenefitscalwin.org.
How often do I renew my benefits?
- Every 12, 24, or 36 months depending on your household
- We will send you mail when it's time for your recertification
Use any of the options below to submit your CF 37 and verifications
- Online: www.mybenefitscalwin.org
- In-person: Visit an Economic Assistance Office during in-person hours
- By mail: County of Sonoma Human Services Department, Economic Assistance, P.O. Box 1539, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
- Drop boxes are available after hours at the Economic Assistance offices
- By fax: (707) 565-2929
3. Don't Miss a Mandatory Report!
If at any point your households gross income goes over your IRT, you must report your new gross income within 10 calendar days of receiving it. You will be notified if your household has an IRT following your approved application or recertification by mail on the form titled "Reporting Changes for Cash Aid and CalFresh" (SAR 2A).
You must also report within 10 calendar days when any member in your CalFresh household receives $3,500 or more in gambling and/or lottery winnings in a single bet, hand or ticket. This must be reported even if you immediately lose it or spend it. You may be ineligible to CalFresh but may reapply at any time.
You must also report any changes that may increase benefits such as a job loss or increase in shelter expenses. Use any of the below options to report a change:
- Online: www.mybenefitscalwin.org
- By phone: (877) 699-6868 Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m-3:30 p.m.
- In-person: Visit an Economic Assistance Office during in-person hours
- By mail: County of Sonoma Human Services Department, Economic Assistance, P.O. Box 1539, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
- Drop boxes are available after hours at the Economic Assistance offices
- By fax: (707) 565-2929