The new “R & R” form now has information for Non-Assistance Food Stamp (NAFS) to define the NAFS food stamp work requirements, exemptions, and penalties for failing to comply. This ACIN also includes a revised notice to advise clients that their food stamp EBT account is deactivated because benefits have not been used and when it is reactivated. [Download]
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
calfresh | food stamps
ACIN I-40-06 – Food Stamp Simplification Options (May 31, 2006)
An unusual, early heads up from the state. The Food Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2002 allows states to simplify and improve the Food Stamp Program. California opted into certain programs, the policy changes of which will take effect October 1, 2006 (more info will come out August 2006):
1. Child Support Exclusion – legally obligated child support payments to a non-household member will be an income exclusion, rather than a deduction.
2. Exclusion of certain types of income and resources that are not counted under CalWORKs.
3. An additional resource exclusion to parallel the CalWORKs treatment of restricted accounts.
4. The elimination of the option to use actual utility costs, and the provision of a $75 Limited Utility Allowance for those households who do not qualify for the SUA (for those who pay at least two separate utilities other than heating and cooling, such as telephone, water, sewer, and garbage or trash). [Download]
ACIN I-11-06 – 2006-7 – Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents Waivers (February 22, 2006)
Finally. Remember the Hokey-Pokey? Well, elgibile counties now all have their fee IN the ABAWD waiver program, and must have their Board of Supervisors vote to take their fee OUT if they want to be curmudgeonly. So, those counties that have high unemployment (throughout or by zip) can allows single folk more food stamps that the oh-so-generous 3 months out of 3 years that welfare reform got ‘em. [Download]
ACIN I-13-06 – Transitional Food Stamp Benefits (March 13, 2006)
Just a reminder on when to issue Transitional Food Stamps (T.S.) given the joy of automation. (Can you say “CalWIN”?). As stated in ACIN I-21-04, “the transition between regular food stamp and T.S. should not result in a break-in-aid.” This means, with automation, that households should receive benefits on their previous EBT food stamp issuance date provided the proper noticing requirements for the CalWORKs and Food Stamp programs have been met. (MPP Section 63-504.132). [Download]
ACIN I-75-05 – Q & A on Transitional Food Stamps (TFS) (December 7, 2005)
Another one of those “must reads” for those doing Food Stamps. Too many issues to summarize, but this is THE place to go for TFS info. (There’s very little in the regs.) Learn about how going on TFS, then getting reinstated for CalWORKs in the same month, becoming approved in another household or otherwise losing eligibility (fleeing felon, IPV, etc.) affects TFS (not a pleasant answer: they reduce the HH size, but keep counting the income …), the interaction between a new FS application and the TFS benefits, adjusting TFS for worker error during the 5 months “protected” rate period, and more … [Download]
ACIN I-72-05 – December 2005 Social Security (COLA) (November 4, 2005)
A heads up for counties (and recipients) that Social Security will be passing on a 4.1% COLA increase. The main purpose of this letter is to explain how this works in the world of quarterly reporting. Basically, for new applicants, it’s anticipated for December and will be budgeted for that month. For recipients, it’s a “known to county” change that they will use to budget the quarter including January 2006. In other words, no matter what, it counts for 01/06. [Download]