GetCalFresh Transition to BenefitsCal

Updated March 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 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 how Code for America has been able to refine and optimize the ad approach over time. 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 field thousands of text messages and emails per month statewide. Live chat will continue to be available to provide customers statewide with general information about CalFresh, how to apply using 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 Counties and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to update their materials and websites for customers to apply for CalFresh benefits on www.benefitscal.com.

GetCalFresh Sunset Timeline

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 Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7) form submission tool that clients and CBOs used in 30 counties to submit the renewal form six months after application. Now that this feature has been taken down, clients and CBO partners in all counties are no longer able to use it to submit SAR 7s. Instead, they are now directed 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: This was one of the document types clients could upload 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 flow that clients use to apply for food benefits through the GetCalFresh.org site. After sunset, clients will be guided to BenefitsCal or their county to submit a CalFresh application. Changes will be made to the GetCalFresh.org homepage leading up to and after sunset to reflect this. 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 GCF. After sunset, CBOs will no longer have the ability to start and submit an application through their GCF 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 for the time being 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 SMS after they submit their application. All emails and SMS sent from GetCalFresh are two-way, meaning clients may reply and receive a response from our team. We will phase out our opt-in email and SMS outreach messages based on when the last application is submitted through GetCalFresh and any critical information for applicants pending cases.
• LaterDocs: This is the stand-alone document upload feature that allows clients and CBOs to submit necessary verifications to their county at any point in their 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 guided to BenefitsCal or their 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 aggregate metrics for the partner including but not limited to the number of applications submitted, client 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 GCF Program with questions or asks.
• CBO tools: CBOs across the state have long partnered with GetCalFresh to assist clients in applying for CalFresh 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 metrics for clients they helped. CBOs also have the ability to download their data through their account, start new applications and submit documents on behalf of clients, and add/remove assister accounts. Notices will be posted to CBO accounts ahead of sunset to help partners prepare for the transition. After June 30th, 2025, CBOs who try to log in to their accounts will be directed to BenefitsCal to continue supporting clients, or to reach out to GCF Program staff with questions or asks.

Resources

New 2025 All County Welfare Director Letter – Coming Spring 2025!

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.