CDSS has issued instructions about CalFresh for persons displaced by disaster including the December 2017 Southern California fires. The guidance is the same as was issued for the Northern California fires but makes clear that it applies to all emergencies that result in people being displaced within California.
County welfare departments statewide are to serve displaced applicants under regular CalFresh rules, including expedited service, regardless of whether they are permanent residents of the county of application. If verification of residency or other verification is impossible, the county must accept self-certification. The county must also provide options for mailing to persons without a permanent mailing address.
Counties statewide must serve displaced households with an active CalFresh case in the disaster-affected area. The county may contact the county with the active case for assistance. Counties must displaced households regardless of the computer system consortia used by the county.
Food lost because of a disaster can be replaced. A household must complete the Reinstatement and Affidavit/Authorization (CF 303) form to receive replacement benefits unless mass replacement benefits are issued. Families cannot receive both individual replacement benefits and mass replacement benefits.
Counties are encouraged to inform displaced households about CalFresh availability and replacement benefits. (All County Welfare Directors Letter, December 19, 2017.)