Some post-FNS clarification on establishment and collection of CalFresh overissuances. To determine whether an overissuance is cost-effective to collect, the thresholds is determined based on the amount as of the date the overissuance is calculated.  Counties are to terminate any collections for OI’s that were above $35 when established.  (SB 1391 raises the cost effectiveness threshold to above $125, but only for households no longer on CalFresh.  If the OI is discovered and established, but before collection can start the family will no longer be on CalFresh, and the OI is 125 or less, no collection would occur.  [Download]

A reminder to counties that when determining the amount of a CalFresh overissuance, the amount of the overissuance is based on the initial amount of the CalFresh benefit. In cases where there is an existing overissuance recouped by benefit reduction, the amount of a recoupment for another type of overissuance is based on the initial CalFresh benefit issued for the household, not from the adjusted benefit. Example provided.  [Download]

Passing on recent updates to EBT cardholder materials, re: surcharge free locations, anti-trafficking information and alters about scams. [Download]

The errata changes some “must” to “should”, clarification on Transitional CalFresh eligibility is unchanged, but if the household income is over 200% FPL, they won’t get the WINS payment.  The errata also clarifies mid-period reporting: SAR reporters who report working to get the WINS payment should be informed of the overall negative impact the reporting may have on the benefits (benefits reduced for work income larger than WINS supplement, and not acted upon unless the reported was “Verified Upon Receipt”; if change reporters report income, it must be processed regardless of any allotment reduction.  Includes revised forms with clarifying language.  [Download]

Implementing instructions regarding changes to the SNAP program that impact CalFresh.  Certain provisions require “immediate” implementation, while others cannot be implemented until the federal rulemaking process is completed.  Of note, there was a change to the “Heat and Eat” LIHEAP/SUA provisions…which are addressed in the budget trailer bill.  (States had to meet a higher contribution to allow all households to get the SUA.) Therefore, contingent upon approval of the Governor’s May Revision Budget, CWDs must provide the SUAS payment for all ongoing households which will benefit from receiving the SUAS payment with certification periods effective April, May, June, July, August, September and October 2014 no later than
November 30, 2014. Ongoing households, which will benefit from receiving the SUAS payment recertified on or after November 1, 2014 must be provided with the SUAS payment no later than the last day of the first month of their new certification period.

The Farm Bill also prohibits certain “recruitment, ” banning billboard, TV, and  radio ads that promote enrollment in the program.  [Download]