CalFresh Recertification August 2025: Don’t Miss This Deadline or You Might Lose Benefits

If you receive CalFresh benefits in California, there’s an important deadline coming up in August 2025 that could affect your monthly food support.

To keep your benefits going, you need to complete a process called recertification, and missing it could temporarily or permanently stop your payments.

What Is CalFresh Recertification?

Recertification is how you renew your eligibility for CalFresh. Most households need to do this every 6 to 12 months by:

• Submitting the CF 37 recertification form

• Completing a phone or in-person interview (if required)

• Providing any supporting documents the county asks for

Important August 2025 Deadline

Try to submit your recertification by the 15th of the last month in your certification period — for many, that’s August 15, 2025.

Waiting too long can lead to delays or a break in your benefits.

If you could use a little extra help, see what benefits you can claim here.

What If There’s a Delay?

Here’s how different types of delays affect your CalFresh status:

If You Miss Something

• You applied on time, but didn’t submit all the documents or missed your interview?
  Answer: You have 30 days to fix it. If you do, the county must reverse the denial and issue back pay.

If the County Causes the Delay

• You did everything right, but the county didn’t process your paperwork?
  Answer: You will not be penalized. Follow up and keep your records.

If You Apply Late (within 30 days)

• You missed your deadline, but submit everything within 30 days after your period ends?
  Answer: You can still get help, just expect a short gap.

If You Apply More Than 30 Days Late

• Your recertification becomes a new application, and your benefits may restart later.

Tips to Avoid Losing Benefits

• Submit everything early, ideally by the 15th

• Read all notices in your mailbox or online CalFresh account

• Keep copies of your forms and documents

• Contact your case worker if you haven’t heard back

• Appeal right away if your application is denied unfairly

Need Help?

If you think your case was mishandled, contact Legal Services of Northern California (LSNC) or a local advocacy group for free legal guidance.

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