Understanding and completing the SAR 7 form for CalFresh benefits (California)

The SAR 7 form is an important document for CalFresh (food stamp) recipients in California - you have to fill it out to keep getting benefits.

This guide will help you understand what the SAR 7 is, how to complete it, and important deadlines to keep your benefits active.

What is a SAR 7 form?

The SAR 7, also known as the Semi-Annual Report or Eligibility Status Report, is a form that most CalFresh households must complete once a year (6 months into their benefits) to maintain their eligibility.

It is used to report changes in your household's circumstances, income, and expenses that may affect your eligibility or benefit amount.

Even if nothing has changed, you still need to fill it out if it’s due to keep getting CalFresh benefits.

How to fill out a SAR 7 form?

The most important parts of doing your SAR 7 are:

• completing the form
• attaching proof documents
• signing it

Here how to complete it, step-by-step:

1. Answer every question on the form by checking the appropriate box.
   1. If you answer 'Yes' to any question, provide all required information and attach proof.
2. Report income received during the "report month" (that’s the month before the SAR 7 is due.)
3. Include information on all household members receiving benefits.
4. Report any changes since your last application or renewal, including address changes and housing costs.
5. Provide information on any changes you expect in the next six months.
6. Sign and date the form in the appropriate section. (This is important! Many people forget to sign and lose their benefits.)
7. Be sure to attach required documents such as pay stubs, proof of address if you've moved, or verification of job loss if applicable.
   1. If submitting online, you can attach documents or take pictures with your phone

How to submit a SAR 7 form online?

You can submit your SAR 7 form online through BenefitsCal, the official website for California’s social services. Here's how:

• Log in to your BenefitsCal account.
• Look for "Submit Periodic Reporting" under "Things to do."
• Click on the "start your periodic reporting" link.
• Complete and submit the SAR 7 by the due date.

Where to submit or mail the SAR 7 form?

If you prefer not to submit online, you have several options:

• In-person: Visit your local county human services office.
• By mail: You can mail the completed form to your county office. The mailing address should be provided on the form or in the accompanying letter that you got in the mail.

What is the processing time for a SAR 7 form?

The processing time depends on how busy your county office is. One source states that it usually takes about 10 days to process the SAR 7 once received by the county.

The best way to avoid having your benefits interrupted is to submit the SAR 7 at the very beginning of the month, during the “submit” month.

A few tips:

• There’s the “report month” and the “submit month” and the difference is important
  • The “report month” is the month when you receive the form, and it’s also the month you are filling it out about
  • The “submit month” is the month when you actually send in the form to the county
  • The month after the submit month is when your benefits would stop if you don’t submit the form, or you submit it and are no longer eligible
• Don’t submit the SAR 7 before the 1st of the month it is due (that can cause problems, since you could get more income in the last days of the month before)

When is the SAR 7 form due?

Overall, submit the SAR 7 when you can, even if it is late.

The SAR 7 is due on the 5th of the “submit month,” which is the sixth month after your application or annual renewal.

For example, if you applied in April, your first SAR 7 would be due in September.

The form is considered late if received after the 11th of the “Submit Month”.

But you CAN submit the form late and still keep your benefits!

What happens if I submit my SAR 7 form late?

If you submit your SAR 7 form late (after the 11th, but before the end of the month) then your benefits might be delayed the next month.

If you don't submit a complete SAR 7 by the first (business) day of the month after it’s due (the 7th month), then your case will be discontinued and your benefits will stop.

But even if late, your benefits can be restored.

If you missed your SAR 7 and your benefits were stopped, submit a completed SAR 7 as soon as possible.

If you submit it any time in the month after it was due (the 7th month), your benefits can be restored and prorated from the date the form was turned in (assuming you're still eligible.)

“Good cause” for a late SAR 7

You may also claim "good cause" for late submission if something happened beyond your control that prevented you from returning it on time.

If you have good cause when turning it in late, consider including a note about why you’re late. (You can take a picture of a note, sign and date it, and upload that if online.)

If the county decides it is “good cause”, they may take back the discontinuance.

Getting help with your SAR 7

If you need help completing the form, call your county human services agency or contact a local CalFresh assistance group, like your local food bank.

/r/foodstamps on Reddit is also a place where lots of people are able to get their questions answered by volunteers who know the program's details.

Sources and more information

• How to complete the SAR 7 (from San Diego County HHSA)
• SAR 7 Periodic Report (from the UC Davis Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center)
• Failing to fill out or submit the Semi-Annual Report form (SAR 7) (from the CalFresh Guide by Legal Services of Northern California)

Please note: nothing here is legal advice and is information provided for educational value only.

If you need legal assistance please contact your local legal aid organization.