The California Department of Social Services has issued guidance regarding extension of the CalFresh Standard Medical Expense Deduction (SMD). The SMD waiver and has been extended to September 30, 2029.
The SMD is a standard $150 per month deduction for households with an elderly and/or disabled member with verified medical expenses of at least $35 per month. Households with more than $185 per month in verified medical expenses can deduct all expenses from their income.
Failure to verify medical expenses is not a basis to deny or discontinue a case.
Except as stated, the details of the SMD are unchanged. (See ACL 17-35, 21-117, 21-117E, and 24-59. (ACL 26-04, January 15, 2026.)