CalFresh / SNAP
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CalFresh Student Eligibility
CDSS issued instructions to counties about CalFresh eligibility for students. The general rule is students age 18-49 are ineligible for CalFresh. However, there are several exceptions. Eligibility workers must evaluate whether a student meets one of the exceptions. …
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Requiring use of the “Here’s Why” section of CalFresh overissuance notices
CDSS has issued instructions to counties about the content of CalFresh overissuance notices. Counties must complete the free-form “Here’s Why” section of the overissuance notice. The drop-down menu explanations in the “Here’s Why” section of the overissuance notice…
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Benefits eligibility for persons paroled as refugees
The California Department of Social Services has issued instructions about benefits eligibility for persons paroled as refugees. The immigration status paroled as a refugee is a category of parole that includes persons who enter the United States under…
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The Work Number
The California Department of Social Services has issued instructions about using an employment verification service called The Work Number. After counties execute contracts and Memoranda of Understanding, they can use The Work Number for initial and ongoing CalWORKs…
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Benefits and same-sex marriages and domestic partnerships
The California Department of Social Services has issued policies about how same-sex marriages and domestic partnerships are treated for purposes of various programs. For CalWORKs, same-sex spouses and registered domestic partners who have adopted the children are treated…
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CalFresh Expedited Service
The California Department of Social Services issued this letter to clarify and transmit current state and federal rules about CalFresh Expedited Service (ES). Counties must screen all CalFresh applications for ES. Applicants have the right to file a…
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Extension of ABAWD time limit waiver
The federal government has granted California’s request for an extension of its waiver of the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependant Children (ABAWD) time limit. The ABAWD rule limits receipt of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (CalFresh in…
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CalWORKs and CalFresh file access rules
CDSS has issued instructions about access to county welfare department case files for CalWORKs, CalFresh, Trafficking and Crime Victim’s Assistance Program and Refugee Cash Assistance. The general rule is the client may inspect non-privileged, non-confidential documents in their…
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CalWORKs, CalFresh and EITC
CDSS issued guidance about treatment of federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for purposes of eligibility for CalWORKs and CalFresh. For both programs, both federal and state EITC is permanently excluded as income and does not…
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CalFresh application denials before 30th day
Under a federal waiver, California can deny CalFresh applications 10 days after the date of a request for verification if the applicant does not provide the requested information. This letter states that a welfare department cannot deny a…