CalFresh / SNAP
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CalFresh action on unclear information received mid-period
CDSS has provided implementing instructions for changes to federal regulations at 7 C.F.R. § 273.12(c)(3) regarding processing of unclear information received during the certification period. Unclear information is information about a household’s circumstances from which the county cannot…
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CalFresh changes to reporting requirements
CDSS has provided implementing instructions for changes to federal regulations regarding reporting requirements. For periodic reporting, any increase in unearned income that is less than $100 will be disregarded. All unearned income increases must still be reported on…
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CalFresh Maximum Certification Periods
CDSS has provided information about amendments to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 18910.1 that requires counties to assign the maximum certification period allowable for the household type. The maximum certification period is generally 12 months. Households in which…
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Eligible foods for SNAP purchases
The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has issued policy about which foods are eligible for purchase with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, known as CalFresh in California) benefits. In general, food items intended…
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CalFresh Employment and Training Program ABAWD Deferral
CDSS has issued guidance regarding AB 563 which defers individuals who are considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) from mandatory placement in the CalFresh Employment and Training (E & T) Program. AB 563 expands the deferral criteria from…
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CalFresh ABAWD Handbook
CDSS has released a handbook about the CalFresh Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limit. The handbook provides policy guidance regarding implementation and administration of the ABAWD time limit. California has had a statewide wavier of the ABARD…
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Veterans’ education, training, vocation or rehabilitation benefits and CalWORKs
CDSS has issued instructions implementing SB 570 regarding CalWORKs treatment of Veterans education, training, vocation or rehabilitation benefits. Effective January 1, 2018, Veterans Administration benefits for education, training, vocation or rehabilitation are exempt as income for purposes of…
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CalFresh for persons displaced by disaster
CDSS has issued instructions about CalFresh for persons displaced by disaster including the December 2017 Southern California fires. The guidance is the same as was issued for the Northern California fires but makes clear that it applies to…
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EITC changes
CDSS has notified counties about changes to the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) programs. The maximum income and credit limits for federal EITC has increased for the 2017 tax year. CDSS’ notice includes a table…
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CalWORKs and CalFresh Administrative Disqualification Hearings
The California Department of Social Services has issued instructions about Administrative Disqualification Hearings (ADH) for CalWORKs and CalFresh. Counties investigate cases of alleged Intentional Program Violation (IPV). These cases are pursued either through administrative or criminal proceedings. For…