CalFresh Elderly Simplified Application Project

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued instructions about the CalFresh Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP).  CDSS received a waiver to implement ESAP beginning October 1, 2017.

ESAP will do three things for elderly (age 60 or older) and/or disabled households:

  1. Waive the recertification interview requirement for elderly and/or disabled households with no earned income. Cases will not be denied at recertification without an attempt to schedule an interview. The county can require an interview if the information supplied is incomplete, questionable or contradictory. Households will be able to request a recertification interview.  An interview at initial certification will still be required.
  2. Use data matching to reduce client-provided verifications for elderly and/or disabled households with no earned income.
  3. Extend the certification period to 36 months for elderly and/or disabled households with no earned income.

ESAP households will use the SAR-7 form to report any changes at 12 months and 24 months.  If an ESAP household becomes ineligible for ESAP but remains eligible for CalFresh (for example by becoming employed) the county will convert the case to a regular CalFresh household.  (ACL 17-34, April 25, 2017.)