DHCS released this letter to clarify that counties should follow statutory procedure for processing redeterminations due to changes in circumstances. The letter also directs counties to verify income and poverty level for Express Lane Enrollment for CalFresh beneficiaries 60-64 years of age.
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
CalFresh / SNAP
ACIN I-14-14: Work Incentive Nutritional Supplement (WINS) Food Supplement (3/28/14)
Information and instructions regarding the WINS program and its designated aid codes. WINS is a food benefit which applies to CalFresh only Non-Assistance households, which are not getting CalWORKs, but who who meet the qualifications for TANF work participation hours through work, and have at least one child in the household who is under 18 years old. If eligible, the WINS benefit is automatically added to the household’s EBT card. WINS eligibility is determined for the household a) at application, b) when the household reports a change, or c) at recertification, and continues on a monthly basis for so long as the household remains eligible. [Download]
ACL 14-26: CalWORKs And CalFresh Programs: Revised ‘Request For Verification’ Form (CW 2200) (3/14/14)
Since it “has come to CDSS’ attention that there are various forms” that the counties are using to request verification of client information, DSS has revised the recommended form previously issued, and mandated the use of the new form. Counties must seek prior approval before modifying and using a county request. Includes a summary of the verification requirements, by program. [Download]
Public Comment Period on Regulation Packages
- Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR) in the CalWORKs Program, ORD No. 0513-04
The public comment period for this package closed on September 4, 2013 at 5:00 pm. - Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Hospice Care, Terminally Ill Persons, ORD No. 0713-07
The public comment period for this package will close on April 9, 2014 at 5:00 pm. - Adult Residential Facility, Hospice Terminally Ill, ORD No. 0713-08
The public comment period for this package will close on April 9, 2014 at 5:00 pm.
ACL 14-20: CalFresh Waiver To Waive Interview Scheduling Requirements (2/27/14)
Instructions on the implementation of the latest FNS waiver: the two-year waiver permits “on-demand” telephone interviews at initial application and at recertification. Counties have the option of implementing this, but if the county opts in, then “on-demand” will be the default process unless the client requests an in-person interview or if, at screening, the client appears eligible for Expedited services. Counties can continue the current ability to allow households to complete a telephone interview without a scheduled appointment by calling the CWD or the CWD call center. [Download]
ACIN I-15-14: EBT Updates (2/28/14)
CDSS is passing on updated EBT materials about access to surcharge-free locations and anti-trafficking/scam alerts. (And a reminder that CalFresh benefits use can never be subject to a surcharge.) Plus, there is a cool new pilot that started in February that will generate robocalls to recipients who incur five or more surcharge fees per month. The robocall will be made at the end of the month to alert recipients prior to accessing their next month’s benefit issuance and which provides information on surcharge free locations, free cash back, and direct deposits. The ACIN also discusses the new law regarding direct deposits and “pre-paid” cards that can be used like credit cards. [Download]