GetCalFresh Transition to BenefitsCal

Updated April 2025

NEW: GetCalFresh Features to Continue Beyond September 30, 2025

CDSS is executing a new agreement with Code for America to provide a distinct set of digital outreach and client engagement services. This will serve as the CalFresh Outreach network’s digital presence with the goal of educating customers statewide about CalFresh and how to apply on BenefitsCal.

CDSS will continue to support the GetCalFresh.org domain and subpages, digital ads and informational media campaigns, and customer success tools (text, email, and live chat) beyond September 30, 2025.

• GetCalFresh digital ads receive significant engagement with users with high click-through and conversion rates, which speaks to the effectiveness of this ad approach. Using this same approach, this new agreement will include digital ads to educate customers about CalFresh and the ability to apply via BenefitsCal. Ads will be developed in coordination with BenefitsCal and counties.
• The GetCalFresh landing pages and subsites will further educate customers about CalFresh by including information about how to apply through BenefitsCal, where to get in-person application assistance through the CalFresh Outreach network, and other available food resources - such as food banks.
• The GetCalFresh live chat feature employs multilingual staff who answer thousands of text messages and emails per month statewide. Live chat will remain available to provide customers with general CalFresh information, instructions to use BenefitsCal, and where to get in-person application assistance through the CalFresh Outreach network.
• While the GetCalFresh.org domain will remain active, the application assister tool will no longer be used to transmit CalFresh applications to BenefitsCal after June 30, 2025.

CDSS recommends that County Welfare Departments (CWDs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) update their materials and websites to point to www.benefitscal.com to apply and www.getcalfresh.org for general program information and support.

Many people with low income do not apply for and are unaware that they are eligible for CalFresh. Outreach raises awareness about the nutritional benefits of CalFresh and helps to dispel program myths and misperceptions. CDSS encourages CWDs to continue fostering relationships with the CDSS CalFresh Outreach Plan partners and their local community organizations. The organizations in the CalFresh Outreach Plan provide valuable assistance to eligible and potentially eligible households, while also relieving administrative burden on counties by providing program information, application assistance and resources for other CBOs.

Updated Timeline

CDSS does not expect significant impacts to county processes due to this transition. Changes to the timeline will be communicated to customers and partners as needed.

Details on GetCalFresh Features to Sunset

The following provides more technical details on each of the GetCalFresh features to sunset by September 2025.

• SAR 7: The sunset of SAR 7 features has been completed, and the following changes have been implemented:
  • SAR 7 form flow: This was the SAR 7 submission tool that clients and CBOs used to submit the renewal form. Now that this feature has been taken down, clients and CBO partners are no longer able to use it to submit SAR 7s. Instead, they are now redirected to BenefitsCal or their county to complete a SAR 7. Changes were made to the SAR 7 page on GetCalFresh (https://www.getcalfresh.org/sar7) leading up to and after the sunset to reflect this transition.
  • SAR 7 LaterDocs: Clients could upload completed SAR 7s and verification through the stand-alone document uploader, LaterDocs (https://www.getcalfresh.org/docs). Following the sunset, clients can no longer submit supporting verification documents for their SAR 7 through this feature.
• Application assister: This is the CalFresh application used by clients to apply for food benefits through GetCalFresh.org. After sunset, clients will be redirected to BenefitsCal or their local CWD to submit a CalFresh application. To reflect this, changes will be made to the GetCalFresh.org homepage leading up to and after sunset. The sunset of the application assister feature also includes the following:
  • CBO apps: This feature provides CBO partners with a unique referral link and the ability to assist and apply for CalFresh on behalf of clients through GetCalFresh. After sunset, CBOs will no longer have the ability to start and submit an application through their GetCalFresh accounts. Instead, they are now directed to establish access to the CBO platform in BenefitsCal to assist and apply for CalFresh on behalf of clients.
  • In-app document uploader tool: This feature is embedded within the application assister, allowing clients and CBOs to upload required verification documents with their application. While this tool will sunset alongside the application assister, clients and CBOs will still be able to upload necessary documents through the stand-alone document upload feature called LaterDocs.
  • Reminders and outreach messages: Clients who have applied through GetCalFresh and opted in to receive communications are sent timely reminders and outreach via email or text messages after they submit their application. All emails and texts sent from GetCalFresh are two-way, meaning clients may reply and receive a response from the team. GetCalFresh will phase out opt-in email and outreach messages based on when the last application was submitted through GetCalFresh and any critical information for an applicant’s pending cases.
• LaterDocs: This is the stand-alone document upload feature that allows clients and CBOs to submit necessary verifications to the CWD at any point in the enrollment process (https://www.getcalfresh.org/docs). After sunset, clients and CBO partners will no longer be able to submit verifications through GetCalFresh, and will instead be redirected to BenefitsCal or the county to do so.
• Data dashboards: This is a resource created by the GetCalFresh team for state, county, and CBO partners. Each customized data dashboard includes relevant metrics for the partner, including but not limited to the number of applications submitted, demographic data such as age and household size, student status, and language preference. Separate data dashboards for SAR 7s are available in select counties that have opted-in to receive a SAR 7 through GetCalFresh and a unique data dashboard was created for SSA with specific application metrics for SSA-assisted applications. After sunset, links to partner-facing dashboards will be inoperable and partners may reach out to GetCalFresh Program staff at gcf-program@codeforamerica.org questions or asks.
• CBO tools: CBOs across the state have long partnered with GetCalFresh to assist clients with CalFresh applications through the digital assister. This feature includes a number of tools provided to CBO partners through their account on GetCalFresh.org, including the ability to monitor, track, and report on client metrics. CBOs also have the ability to download their data through their account, start new applications, submit documents on behalf of clients, and add/remove assister accounts. Notices will be posted to CBO accounts ahead of the sunset date to help partners prepare for the transition. After June 30th, 2025, CBOs who try to log in to their accounts will be redirected to BenefitsCal to continue supporting clients, or to GetCalFresh Program staff at gcf-program@codeforamerica.org to ask questions.

Resources

All County Welfare Directors Letter (April 15, 2025): Updated GetCalFresh Application Assistance Tool Sunset And Transition Plan To BenefitsCal For CalFresh Applications

BenefitsCal offers resources for CBOs which can be found on the CalSAWS website and the BenefitsCal YouTube channel.

For GCF Program staff questions or to sign up for updates through the GetCalFresh Wind Down Newsletter, please email gcf-program@codeforamerica.org.

For additional questions, please email CalFreshAccess@dss.ca.gov.

Funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.