Ringing out the old year, DSS rolls out a new CalFresh Categorical eligibility group, to help provide food benefits.  AB 191 covers any household that includes a member who receives, or is eligible to receive, Medi-Cal, with a 200& Federal Poverty Level income eligibility.  [Download]

SB 134 adds to the existing E&T deferrals those work registrants who are veterans that have been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.  In addition to the regular rules (cannot be assigned Mandatory E&T, but can volunteer), Counties are also to refer this group to the local County Veterans Service Offices as well as any local veterans assistance and job training agencies known to the county. The letter includes verification instructions regarding services/discharge.  [Download]

Implementing the law, and clearing up any confusion about homeless youth’s eligibility for CalFresh.  The counties must accept the application for benefits, screen for whether the youth can be in his/her own CalFresh household, and whether eligible for expedited services.  Oh yeah, and being a minor doesn’t deprive you of due process: homeless youth are entitled to a notice of action regarding the application determination.  [Download]

Making life easy… Recipients can now verify CalFresh Dependent Care costs through self-certification.  Further proof is only required if the statement is questionable.  (Expenses are only allowed if the service is provided by someone outside of the household and the household makes an out-of-pocket payment (i.e. not an in-kind trade) for the care.  Once verified, no further verification is required unless the provider or amount changes.  [Download]

The original letter, p. 3, under “AE OVERISSUANCE THRESHOLD” states the AE overissuance threshold for inactive CalFresh cases is $125.  It should have said $125 or less.  [Download]

A reminder to counties to do their CalFresh disaster plans. Advocates may want to get a copy of the current plan and see what’s in it.  [Download]