Can I add immigrant grandparents to my CalFresh case at 23 years old?

Hi everyone, I've been on CalFresh for about 8 months now (I'm 23) and I'm trying to figure out if I can add my grandparents to my case. They're both immigrants who came here about 12 years ago and we all live together in the same house. They cook for me most of the time and we share food expenses, but they're nervous about applying for benefits themselves. Would adding them to my existing case work? Or would that mess up my benefits? I'm worried because I don't want to lose what I already get, but our grocery bills are getting really expensive.

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16 comments

Dmitri Volkov

•8M

This is an important question that comes up often. Since you live together AND share food/meals with your grandparents, you're considered a "household" under CalFresh rules. This means you're actually required to include them on your case. The immigration status does matter. If your grandparents are Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) for 5+ years, they may qualify for CalFresh benefits. Even if they don't qualify due to immigration status, you might still be eligible as a mixed household - though the benefit amount would be calculated based only on eligible household members. You'll need to report this change to your county worker as it's considered a household composition change. Bring documentation of their immigration status when you do this.

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Dmitri Volkov

•8M

To answer your question about foreign income - yes, all income must be reported regardless of source. Their foreign pensions will count as unearned income for CalFresh calculations. Also, since your grandparents have had their green cards for 8 years (more than the 5-year requirement), they likely qualify as eligible household members. When you report this change, you'll need to complete a new SAR7 or SAWS2 form to update your household composition. Be prepared with: 1. Their green cards (USCIS documentation) 2. Identity verification (IDs) 3. Proof of their income (pension statements) 4. Shared housing documentation Doing this correctly could potentially increase your benefits as household size is a major factor in benefit calculation.

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Dmitri Volkov

•8M

While I understand your frustration, I want to clarify that what you're describing isn't typical. Yes, the verification process can be strict, but if someone properly reports a household change and provides accurate documentation, they shouldn't face benefit termination. What likely happened in your aunt's case was either a misunderstanding about reporting requirements or possibly an issue with the timing of reporting. The 5-year waiting period for most qualified immigrants with green cards is a federal rule, not a county-level decision to deny benefits.

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