Until recently medical students were not eligible to apply for CalFresh benefits due to the work study eligibility/status requirement. However, thanks to the effort put forth by a KSOM medical student an exemption to this requirement has been secured. This exemption means that any student in the MD, MD-PhD, MD-MPH, and MD-MBA programs is NOT required to prove work study eligibility/status before applying to benefits.
When applying to CalFresh benefits, you should indicate that you are in a program that exempts you from student eligibility rules. Please note that case workers may not be aware of this exemption, so you may have to advocate for yourself and educate your case worker of this exemption. After November 1st, the Keck School of Medicine will be formally added to the public list of approved programs which should resolve this matter.
To learn more about the CalFresh program, please refer to this attached brochure. You can also refer to the Office of Student Basic Needs website.
We have also included the following informational resources for your reference:
Video: Calfresh Apply Yourself
· A video designed provide an overview of eligibility requirements and to help you navigate the application process step-by-step.
Eligibility guide:
Food Grant Program
· Explains eligibility as well as steps to follow after receiving an EBT card.
Should you require additional assistance, you can reach out to the Office of Student Basic needs at pantry@usc.edu. You will be placed in contact with a USC CalFresh Navigator who can assist you throughout the application process.