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 CalFresh application for failure to provide verification within 10 days of a request unless an interview is completed. In addition, the denial cannot be effective until 30 days after the application is filed.

This letter also reminds counties: 1) they must schedule interviews for all CalFresh applicants who are not interviewed on the day they submit their application, 2) cannot deny an application prior to the 30th day after application if the household misses their first scheduled interview, 3) they must send a denial notice on the 30th day following the date of the application if the household misses a scheduled interview and does not tell the county they want to pursue the application, and 4) counties must give at least 10 days for applicants to provide missing verification.  ACL 15-93 (11/20/15).