A reminder of county obligations to meet the needs of homeless food stamp applicants and recipients. In addition to “reviewing” policies to ensure fair access, counties are required to provide various options regarding mailing alternatives for homeless applicants and recipients. These options may include allowing the use of post office boxes; alternative mailing addresses, general delivery pick-up (U.S. Postal Service), and pick-up at the local welfare office. However, homeless households cannot be restricted to only one option for mail delivery/pick-up. [Download]

Information and instructions on the impact of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services v. Allenby order. CDSS was ordered to adjust the group home rates paid to reflect the California Necessities Index (CNI) increases of 76.25 percent. Effective immediately and retroactive to December 14, 2009, counties shall pay the rates reflected in the chart attached to the letter, both for federally eligible and non-federally eligible children in group home placements. The CDSS shall amend this schedule annually to reflect changes in the CNI. [Download]

There will no longer be separate designations for the policy interpretation and policy development units that are part of the Bureau. Instead, all analysts in both units will be responsible for providing policy interpretations. Additionally, a Nutrition Education Unit has been added to the Bureau. Phone list and a reminder on how to get a policy interpretation included. [Download]

Reminder to counties: Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2010 disaster food stamp plans are due to by June 30, 2010. [Download]

Not a true errata, but a replacement: This ACIN specifies the process to be followed under the new vendor contract with Affiliated Computer Services for cross-county EBT benefits issuances. [Download]