CDSS has provided implementing instructions for changes to Disaster CalFresh (D-CalFresh) mandated by AB 607. CDSS and counties must now request to operate D-CalFresh when the President of the United States issues a major disaster declaration. The request must include a waiver request to provide automatic, mass replacement of CalFresh benefits to eligible, ongoing CalFresh households affected by disaster and a waiver request to allow households to purchase hot, prepared food at authorized retailers with D-CalFresh benefits. An automatic mass replacement waiver can be requested without a Presidential Declaration.
Effective January 1, 2018, all counties must submit a CalFresh disaster plan annually. CDSS, in consultation with counties and additional stakeholders, must identify the necessary elements of a county disaster plan. CalFresh disaster plans must identify mutual aid regions consisting of two or more counties.
CDSS must offer D-CalFresh training to all counties, organizations, and institutions receiving federal reimbursements, including private nonprofits, public postsecondary education institutions or other state or local agencies that secure funds federal funds for CalFresh outreach.
CDSS must maintain updated D-CalFresh materials, including state and county disaster plans, the D-CalFresh application, a D-CalFresh webpage, and D-CalFresh outreach flyers.
Upon county request, CDSS must provide necessary support for out-stationed D-CalFresh application intake locations and make available technology and equipment for mobile issuance of EBT cards to D-CalFresh recipients.
AB 607 also allows a CalWORKs recipient to be out of the state for more than 60 days because of displacement caused by a disaster declared by the Governor or the President. (ACL 18-17, February 28, 2018.)