A correction to ACL 11-72, which gave incorrect information about the sanction applied when a household member(s) refuses to cooperate in a QC review. The ACL should have stated that if an existing CalFresh household contains a household member(s) who refuses to cooperate, the entire household will be discontinued from the CalFresh Program, not just the individual.  If the person who didn’t cooperate moves to a new CalFresh household, the full-household sanction would apply to the new household, but the old household’s members, if they had not been part of the non-cooperation could then be aided.  [Download]

 

Clarification of the original letter to help counties (a) simplify their verification policies where appropriate, (b) improve the timeliness of the
application process; and (c) improve customer service.  And a reminder that, in general, counties should verify only the mandatory eligibility factors for CalFresh unless it is for the purpose of maximizing benefits.   Corrections have to do with self-employment income for students, anticipated work study work as a student exemption, and other evidence of rehab to cure a CalFresh drug disqualification. [Download]

 

Since June 1, 2009 counties have had the option of waiving the face-to-face interview at initial application and/or at recertification without having to document whether a hardship exists.  The USDA found that waiving the face-to-face interview has not negatively affected payment error rates, is beneficial for CalFresh applicants and recipients, and provides administrative relief for county staff.

Offering the option of a telephone interview in lieu of a face-to-face interview will now be required at intake and recertification.  (The majority of counties are doing this already, but any not must do so no later than July 1, 2012.) [Download]