This Notice transmits revisions to the FS 26, Food Stamp Program Qualifying Drug Felon Addendum, and the FS 27, Non-Assistance Food Stamps Household Recertification Form. The FS 26 is used when a new household member is being added or when additional information is needed on a drug-related felony conviction. The FS 26 was inadvertently obsoleted, but is being reinstated as requested by counties. The FS 27 was developed for use at recertification for NAFS households who are subject to Quarterly Reporting. Revisions were made to include drug/fleeing felon language. This form is not required. [Download]
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
calfresh | food stamps
ACL 01-10: CalWORKs and Food Stamps Program Whereabouts Unknown and Client EBT Usage (1/29/10)
Guidance to CWDs on how to handle cases when the whereabouts of an AU/household is unknown, because of returned mail, etc. Of note, for CalWORKs, residence in the state, but not in the county, is a requirement for continued eligibility for aid, and so AUs may not be automatically discontinued for “whereabouts unknown.” The worker must attempt to contact the AU and give them an opportunity to clarify the discrepancies, send an incomplete QR 7 notice, and make a Balderas contact before terminating aid, as well as before any referral for a fraud investigation.
For Food Stamps, CWDs cannot terminate for “whereabouts unknown,” but only for loss of residency, based on “reliable information.” When residency is questioned because of EBT usage, workers must attempt to contact the recipient for clarification, prior to any fraud referral. The letter reviews why recipients may be using EBT cards outside their home county, and why this is permissible if it does not involve a change in residency. Use in another county/state cannot be a presumed change in residency. [Download]
ACL 10-44: Out-Of-State EBT Card Usage Reports (10/6/10)
Announcing a new “EBT out-of-state cash transaction report” (attached to the letter) “that will enable counties to prioritize their efforts on cases with a potentially higher likelihood of not residing in California.” The report identifies cases that have performed 100 percent of their EBT cash and food stamp transactions outside of California in a given month. Includes a reminder to follow the instructions specified in ACL 10-01 to determine whether the case remains eligible for aid, should be discontinued, and/or referred for fraud investigation. [Download]
ACIN I-75-10E: Information On COLAs: Maximum SNAP Allotments, Standard Deduction, Shelter Deduction, Homeless Household Shelter Allowance, SUA, LUA, Income Eligibility Standards and Food Stamp Tables of Coupon Issuance – EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010 (9/23/10)
Clarification of the income eligibility standards. Specifically, page three of ACIN I-75-10, under the heading
Income Eligibility Standards, states that “The Income Eligibility Standards have changed and the new amounts must be applied to allotments for October 2010.” This section should state that “The income eligibility standards for FFY 2010-11 remain unchanged. [Download]
ACIN I-75-10: Information On COLAs: Maximum SNAP Allotments, Standard Deduction, Shelter Deduction, Homeless Household Shelter Allowance, SUA, LUA, Income Eligibility Standards and Food Stamp Tables of Coupon Issuance – EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2010 (9/23/10)
New rates in effect as of 10/1/10. The maximum allotments remain the same, but the income limits, standard deduction, maximum excess shelter rate, SUA and LUA have changed. [Download]
ACIN 1-66-10: Statewide Fingerprint Imaging System (SFIS)
Evidently, this ACIN was necessary to remind counties that they actually need to process the fingerprint images they collect from applicants to find possible fraud or administrative error. In case anyone was not clear on this, the act of imaging the fingerprint is not enough to detect and prevent fraud. In the event this ACIN needs further clarification, CDSS is also offering training resources to counties. [Download]