Keeping your CalFresh benefits

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

Ways to submit your SAR 7:

• • Online: benefitscal.com 
  • By phone: (877)- 699-6868 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  • In person: Visit an Economic Assistance Office during in person hours. Monday-Friday 8-4:30. 2550 Paulin Drive, Santa Rosa or 5350 Old Redwood Highway, Ste 100, Petaluma
  • Drop boxes are available after hours at both Economic Assistance offices
  • By mail: County of Sonoma Human Services Department, Economic Assistance, P.O. Box 1539, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
  • 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.

The County will call you to conduct the scheduled interview. 

• If you are required to complete an interview you will receive an appointment letter. 
• The appointment letter will tell you the day and time of your interview.

• If you do not have a phone or prefer to be seen in person for your scheduled interview, you may come to our office at:
  • 2550 Paulin Drive, Santa Rosa, or
  • 5350 Old Redwood Hwy N, Ste 100 Petaluma
• If the interview is not completed on the day of your appointment, please call (877)- 699-6868 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for more information.
• 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 benefitscal.com

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

Ways submit your CF 37 and verifications:

• • Online: 
    benefitscal.com
  • By phone: (877)- 699-6868 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  • In-person: visit an Economic Assistance Office during in-person hours
  • Drop boxes are available after hours at both Economic Assistance offices
  • By mail: County of Sonoma Human Services Department, Economic Assistance, P.O. Box 1539, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
  • By fax: (707) 565-2929

3. Don't Miss a Mandatory Report!

• If your income changes between regular reports and exceeds your Income Reporting Threshold (IRT), it must be reported within 10 days. You must report it to your County Eligibility Worker,  who will inform you of your IRT. If you fail to report this change, you may have to repay benefits that you were given in error.
• You must also report within 10 calendar days when any member in your CalFresh household receives $4,500 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 for CalFresh but may reapply at any time.
• If you are required to meet the ABAWD work requirement and your work hours fall below 20 hours per week, you must report this within ten days (or sooner).  
• You must also report any changes that may increase benefits such as a job loss or increase in shelter expenses.

Ways to report a change:

• • Online: 
    benefitscal.com
  • By phone: (877) 699-6868 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  • In-person: Visit an Economic Assistance Office during in-person hours
  • Drop boxes are available after hours at both Economic Assistance offices
  • By mail: County of Sonoma Human Services Department, Economic Assistance, P.O. Box 1539, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
  • By fax: (707) 565-2929