Latest Updates
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CalFresh changes in federal reconciliation bill
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has provided information about changes to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, knows as CalFresh in California) as a result of H.R. 1, the federal budget reconciliation act. The act…
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CalFresh Timeliness Standards
The California Department of Social Services has issued clarifications about CalFresh timelines. For initial applications, after an application is filed, County Welfare Department (CWD) must process the application as soon as possible, but in no later than in…
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Social Security use of occupational information in disability determinations and hearings
Social Security can use Vocational Specialists (VS) and Vocational Experts (VE) as sources of job-related evidence. Since 2000, SSR 00-4p required adjudicators to identify and explain any conflicts between VS and VE testimony and the Dictionary of Occupational…
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CalWORKs Child Care Program Extended to 24 Months
The California Department of Social Services has released new guidance for the extension of CalWORKs Child Care eligibility from 12 months to 24 months. Families enrolled in CalWORKs Child Care program after January 1, 2025 will receive child…
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Kin-GAP and NRLG eligibility
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) issued guidance regarding eligibility for Kin-GAP and Nonrelated Legal Guardian (NRLG) payment programs. Kin-GAP is funding to relative guardians on behalf of children placed in their care after dependency or wardship…
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New Social Security Payment Continuation form
The Social Security Administration has issued a new form to request payment continuation, that is, that benefits continue while reconsideration or a hearing is pending. The form is called the SSA-792. It is a mandatory form to request…
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2025 SUN Bucks program
The California Department of Social Services has provided information about the 2025 SUN Bucks program. SUN Bucks provides nutrition benefits to families with school age children during the summer. The 2025 SUN Bucks eligibility period is July 1…
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New ABAWD forms
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued two new forms for CalFresh ABAWD requirements. The new CF 887 is an optional form to verify an individual’s physical or mental unfitness to work when it is not…
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ABAWD waiver now ends on January 31, 2026
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has informed counties that the United States Department of Agriculture rescinded California’s two-year waiver of the CalFresh Able Bodied Adults Without Dependants (ABAWD) requirements. In its place, the United States Department…
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CalWORKs MBSAC increase
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has informed counties that the CalWORKs Minimum Basic Standard of Care (MBSAC) will increase by 3.42% effective July 1, 2025. This is an annual cost of living increase. This will increase…