CalFresh Recertification November 2025: People who get food benefits through the CalFresh program in California need to make sure they recertify on time so their payments don’t stop. Most families who receive CalFresh have a 12-month certification period, which means they must renew their benefits once a year. To keep getting food stamps without any break, you need to turn in your recertification form by the 5th of the last month of your certification period.
For example, if your current benefits end in November 2025, you have to send in your renewal form by November 5, 2025. If you don’t, your food stamps could stop, and it might take longer to restart them later. The state warns that if you miss the date, “all avenues to make the compensation effective would be lost.”
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How the Recertification Process Works?
Recertifying your CalFresh benefits means filling out an annual form, like the CF 37 form that many counties use. You must send this form to your county’s social services department. After that, your county might ask you to do an interview either over the phone or in person and they might need proof of changes in your income, rent, or who lives with you.
Also halfway through your 12-month period, you may need to submit a semi-annual report (SAR-7). This helps the county keep your case active.
What Happens if you File Late?
If you send your renewal form after November 5, you could face delays in your benefits. Some people might lose their payments for a short time, while others could lose them completely until they reapply.
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If you wait more than 30 days to renew, your case might be treated as a new application, which means more paperwork and a longer waiting period before you get benefits again.
Tips to Avoid Losing Benefits
To make sure your CalFresh benefits continue without problems, try to send your form early. You can check your account on BenefitsCal.com a day before the deadline to make sure everything is complete.
Keep proof of submission, such as receipts or confirmation emails, so you can show you submitted your form on time. If you don’t receive a notice to recertify, contact your county worker immediately don’t wait for the mail.
