How to Apply for FFWR

Program Applications

Across the United States, certain organizations have been authorized by the USDA to process applications. Although the USDA has set requirements for the overall program, each organization has been approved to assist specific workers and regions using their own processes and timelines. To see the full list of authorized organizations, click here.

This page describes the UFW Foundation’s application process.


How to Apply with UFW Foundation 

  1. Check if you're eligible.
  2. Prepare your documents.
  3. Photograph your documents.
    • To learn how to take photos of your documents, click here.
  4. Contact the UFW Foundation Call Center at +1 (877) 881-8281.
    • Our call center staff can process your application over the phone.
    • Hours of Operation (PST)
      • Monday-Friday: 9 AM - 7 PM PST
      • Sunday: 9 AM - 5 PM PST
      • Saturday: CLOSED
    • Hours of Operation (Guam): Visit the Guam Applicants page.
    • Wait Times: There may be long wait times due to a high volume of calls. Your patience is greatly appreciated while we work to serve interested applicants.
    • Languages:
      • Service providers speak English, Spanish, and other Indigenous languages, such as Mixteco. 
      • A language line is available to provide translation to folks in other languages if needed.
    • California Applicants: As of June 30th, the UFW Foundation has closed phone applications for the Farm and Food Worker Relief (FFWR) for those who live in the state of California. For more information, click here.
  5. Complete your application on the phone.
    • Contact Information: You will need to provide your cell phone number or email address to submit documents and receive notifications regarding your application.
    • Uploading Documents: During your phone call application, our staff will text or email you one secure link to upload your documents directly to the UFW Foundation platform, Alivio.
      • Fraud Warning: Do not trust links from unknown senders. Do not share information with unknown senders.'
  6. Wait for review.
    • Application Review: Within 10-15 business days after applying, you should receive an email or text to notify you if your application has been approved.
    • If Not Approved: Call 211 or visit 211.org to get help finding other programs and resources.
    • If Approved: A one-time prepaid card for $600 will be mailed to the address you provided. It should arrive within 4-6 weeks after approval.
      • Note: 4-6 weeks may differ for recipients in Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa territories. 
    • Missing Mail: If you still have not received your card in the mail 6 weeks after approval, contact the UFW Foundation Call Center.
  7. Activate your card.
    • Activation Code: 3-4 days after your card is shipped, you should receive a text or email with an 8-digit code. Write it down and keep it in a safe location.
      • Fraud Warning: Do not share this code with strangers.
    • Codes for Applicants with Shared Contact Information: If you share a phone number or email address with another applicant, please call us to retrieve your activation code.
    • Missing Activation Codes: If you lose your code, or never receive one, call us.
    • Online Activation: We recommend activating your card online. Click here to visit the activation website.
    • Activation by Phone: Alternatively, you can activate by calling the phone number on the card. Stay on the line after activating your card to set your PIN.
  8. Use your card.
    • Card Information: Take pictures of the informational paper that comes with your card in the mail. This page contains important information about how you can use your card. You may need to look at it later if you experience any issues.
    • Ways to Use Your Card
      • At the Register: If you set a PIN during activation, select “Debit.” If you did not set a PIN, select “Credit.”
      • Online Shopping: Input your card details at checkout.
      • At the ATM: Use only non-bank ATMs. You may be charged fees by the ATM owner to withdraw cash.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 
fns.usda.gov/es/civil-rights/usda-nondiscrimination-statement-other-fns-programs