63-402_2 Suppl 1 CalFresh Expansion to SSI Recipients

.Purpose

Policy

Background

Release Date:

June 9, 2020

Definitions

Requirements

Verification Docs

CALFRESH

63-402.2, CalFresh Expansion to Supplemental Security Income Recipients

Purpose

( ) To release a new policy

( ) To release new forms

( ) To convert existing policy to new writing style only – No concept changes

(X) Revision of existing policy and/or form(s)

The purpose of this release is to provide staff with updated information on the “CalFresh Expansion to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Recipients” policy.

What changed?

· Additional policy clarification was added for the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) and Semi-Annual Reporting Annually (SARA) households (HHs);

· The Customer Service Center (CSC) End-to-End references were changed to CSC Intake; and

· Procedural instructions were added for the Transitional Nutrition Benefit (TNB) Program Recertification (RC) process.

Note: Changes are shown highlighted in grey throughout the document.

Policy

Effective June 1, 2019, SSI/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP), including SSP-only, recipients in California are eligible for CalFresh benefits, provided all other eligibility criteria are met. SSI/SSP benefits of SSI/SSP recipients will not decrease because of this policy change.

The then-new policy also impacted existing/active CalFresh HHs with excluded SSI/SSP members. The implementation of this policy for existing/active CalFresh HHs with SSI/SSP recipients may result in one of the following: an increase, a decrease, or discontinuance of CalFresh benefits.

Applicants can submit a CalFresh application via the following access points:

· Online – via Your Benefits Now (YBN) at http://www.dpssbenefits.lacounty.gov or Code for America website https://www.getcalfresh.org;

· Telephone – call the CSC at (866) 613-3777,
(626) 569-1399, (310) 258-7400, or (818) 701-8200;

· Mail – the application to any Department of Public Social Service (DPSS) district office;

· Community partners providing application assistance – A list of these partners are listed online at http://dpss.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dpss/main/
programs-and-services/calfresh/. These partners will assist the applicant with the submission of the CalFresh application;

· In person – may apply at any DPSS district office; or

· Fax – fax the application to (310) 215-8220.

Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)

Effective June 1, 2019, CAPI recipients will receive a grant increase of $10 per individual or $20 per couple. This increase will bring the amount of SSI/SSP and CAPI grants into alignment. The CAPI grant increase is only available to the extent that State funding is appropriated for this purpose. The reversal of the cash-out policy will have no impact on CAPI recipients’ eligibility for CalFresh.

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)/General Relief (GR)

CalWORKs and GR Programs policy remains unchanged. Recipients of SSI/SSP, regardless of payment status, are ineligible for these programs. The CalFresh Expansion to SSI Recipients does not impact the GR grant.

Categorical Eligibility (CE)

HHs in which all members are SSI/SSP recipients are considered CE for CalFresh, unless the entire HH is institutionalized or disqualified from receiving CalFresh for any reason.

Since the HHs are CE, they will only need to verify their medical and/or dependent care expenses and any income, other than SSI/SSP, that is not exempt per CalFresh policy. However, verification must be provided prior to allowing these deductions.

Per existing CalFresh policy, all CE/Modified Categorical Eligibility (MCE) one and two-person HHs are entitled to the minimum allotment of CalFresh benefits. CE/MCE HHs with three or more members, eligible for $0 in CalFresh benefits, are considered ineligible for CalFresh. If eligibility for the other assistance program ends, CE status may not continue unless the HH is CE based on another qualifying assistance program, such as CalWORKs.

New SSI/SSP Applicant HH

A new SSI/SSP applicant HH consists of either SSI/SSP recipient(s) only (also known as SSI/SSP-Only CalFresh HHs) or a mixed HH with at least one SSI/SSP recipient. HHs must complete the existing CalFresh Intake application process, including filing a CalFresh application and provide required information and/or verification(s). SSI/SSP HHs are also required to complete an interactive telephone or face-to-face interview, except when they apply for CalFresh at the Social Security Administration (SSA) office.

All HHs must be evaluated for Expedited Service (ES) entitlement, ESAP and separate HH eligibility.

CalFresh Application “Joint Processing” by SSA

Effective June 1, 2019, eligibility staff started receiving CalFresh applications completed by SSA staff. The SSA staff will use the Code for America website to submit CalFresh applications on behalf of SSI/SSP-Only HHs. HHs in which all members are SSI/SSP applicants/recipients may apply for CalFresh at the SSA office.

Certification Period

ESAP and SARA HHs, eligible for CalFresh between the period of June 1, 2019 and November 30, 2019, were granted a shortened initial certification period as follows:

· ESAP HHs were granted a 31 to 35-month RC period.

· SARA HHs with no earned income were granted a 19 to 23-month RC period.

Note: The shortened initial certification period does not apply to SARA HHs with earned income.

Below is the table showing the shortened initial certification period assigned to HHs based on the last digit of the case number.

SSI/SSP-Only CalFresh HHs Deemed Eligible between

June 1, 2019 and November 30, 2019

Last Digit of Case Number	SARA HH	ESAP HH
1, 2, A or B	23^rd months	35^th months
3, 4 or C	22^nd months	34^th months
5, 6 or D	21^st months	33^rd months
7, 8 or E	20^th months	32^nd months
9, 0 or F	19^th months	31^st months

ESAP HHs, will have the following RC period:

Last Digit of Case Number	1^st SAR submit month	2^nd SAR submit month	ESAP HH RC
1, 2, A or B	11^th month	23^rd month	35^th months
3, 4 or C	10^th month	22^nd month	34^th months
5, 6 or D	9^th month	21^st month	33^rd months
7, 8 or E	8^th month	20^th month	32^nd months
9, 0 or F	6^th month	19^th month	31^st months

SARA with no earned income HHs, will have the following RC period:

Last Digit of Case Number	1^st SAR submit month	SARA (with no earned income) RC
1, 2, A or B	11^th month	23^rd month
3, 4 or C	10^th month	22^nd month
5, 6 or D	9^th month	21^st month
7, 8 or E	8^th month	20^th month
9, 0 or F	6^th month	19^th month

Both ESAP and SARA HHs must:

· Submit a Semi-Annual Report (SAR) 7, Eligibility Status Report in their respective SAR submit month.

· Complete and submit the CF 37, Recertification for CalFresh Benefits application before the end of the certification period.

Both ESAP and SARA HHs are not required to be interviewed by the eligibility staff for the RC process, unless:

o HHs specifically request a RC interview;

o The application is going to be denied (e.g., a HH’s circumstances have changed and they are no longer eligible for CalFresh); or

o Information reported by the HH or Authorized Representative (AR) is questionable, incomplete, or contradictory.

Mixed HHs with at least one SSI/SSP Recipient

Mixed HHs with at least one SSI/SSP recipient, that were previously excluded as of June 1, 2019, must be processed following the existing CalFresh policies and procedures, including the evaluation of the Eligibility Supervisor. The CalFresh certification period will not be shortened for these HHs. These HHs must be evaluated for separate HH eligibility.

Residents of an Institution

Generally, residents of institutions are ineligible for CalFresh. This includes residents of institutions who are SSI/SSP recipients.

A resident of an institution is an individual who is provided the majority of his/her meals, at last 50 percent of three daily meals, at the institution as part of the institution’s normal services.

Exceptions to this requirement include individuals who are:

· Residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly.

· Narcotic addicts or alcoholics that reside at a facility or treatment center for the purpose of regular participation in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program. This includes the children, but not the spouses, who live with them at the treatment center or facility.

· Disabled or blind residents of Group Living Arrangements (GLA):

o Residing temporarily in a shelter for battered persons. This also applies to their children.

· Residents of public or private nonprofit shelters for homeless persons.

Group Living Arrangements (GLA)

Some of the GLA residents who are also SSI/SSP recipients may be eligible for CalFresh. GLAs are public or private nonprofit homes for disabled or blind individuals that serve no more than 16 residents and are certified by the County Welfare Department (CWD).

A GLA resident may apply on his or her own behalf, unless the GLA staff determines that a resident does not have the physical and/or mental ability to do so. Such residents may apply through an Authorized Representative (AR) as a one-person HH. All GLAs must provide CalFresh Nutrition Program (CFNP) Section with a list of currently participating residents, signed by a responsible home official.

Existing CalFresh HH with SSI/SSP Recipient(s)

An existing CalFresh HH, including those receiving California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) benefits, must have at least one previously excluded SSI/SSP recipient and an active CalFresh case prior to June 1, 2019.

The staggered implementation date for the existing CalFresh HHs with SSI/SSP recipient(s) is generally referred to as the HH’s effective date. HHs with SSI/SSP recipients must be evaluated for CalFresh under the CalFresh Expansion to SSI Recipients policy and be added to the existing CalFresh HH at one of the following, whichever comes first:

· SAR 7;

· RC; or

· Voluntary Request, when the HH voluntarily requests the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) evaluated for CalFresh; or reports a HH composition change (e.g., someone moves into or out of the HH).

Note: If at any time during the certification period before the existing HH’s next
SAR 7 or RC, the HH voluntarily reports a HH composition change, this voluntary report will be considered a request to implement the CalFresh Expansion to SSI Recipients policy. SSI/SSP recipients must then be added to the existing CalFresh HH. This rule applies whether the HH composition change is specific to the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) or not. The Head-of-HH or responsible HH member may voluntarily report a HH composition change verbally or in writing. This voluntary report is considered Verified Upon Receipt (VUR).

Per existing policy, the HH is not required to submit a new CalFresh application or any other form to add the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) to the existing CalFresh case. As a reminder, the excluded SSI/SSP HH member’s income, resources (if not CE/MCE), and expenses, must be considered when determining CalFresh eligibility for the HH.

When excluded SSI/SSP recipients are added to existing/active cases at their effective date (i.e., SAR 7, RC, or voluntary request, HH composition change, whichever comes first), the HH’s CalFresh benefits may increase, decrease, or discontinue. The State has created two Nutrition Programs to “hold harmless” the existing CalFresh HHs with SSI/SSP recipient(s) that may be negatively impacted by the implementation of this policy. The HHs must be informed if SSI/SSP recipients qualify for separate HH status.

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION BENEFIT (SNB)/TRANSITIONAL NUTRITION BENEFIT (TNB)

The two State-funded Programs are the SNB Program and TNB Program:

· SNB Program provides supplemental benefits to the existing CalFresh HHs that experience a reduction in benefits when the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) is added to the HH on their effective date. SNB HHs will receive both reduced benefits and SNB Program benefits.

· TNB Program provides transitional nutrition benefits to the existing CalFresh HHs that experience a discontinuance of benefits when the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) is added to the HH on their effective date.

SNB and TNB Program benefits are not considered CalFresh benefits. SNB/TNB Program benefits will be issued monthly through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system and it can be used the same way that CalFresh benefits are used. Qualified HHs can use their SNB/TNB benefits at participating Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) restaurants.

HHs cannot use SNB/TNB Program benefits to buy alcohol, cigarettes and other tobacco products, non-food items, vitamins and medicines.

SNB PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

CalFresh HHs are eligible for the SNB Program if their HH has at least one excluded SSI/SSP recipient member prior to June 1, 2019, and the HH’s CalFresh benefits were reduced when the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) was added to the HH.

Note: CalFresh applications for a HH with SSI/SSP recipient(s) that are pending on June 1, 2019, would be eligible for SNB Program benefits if the HH was deemed eligible with a beginning date of aid before June 2019. This would apply even if the HH’s first month of CalFresh benefits was prorated.

The SNB eligibility is determined only once on the HH’s effective date (i.e., SAR 7, RC, HH composition change or voluntary request, whichever comes first). The HHs are eligible for the SNB Program as long as they remain eligible for CalFresh and there is at least one of the same SSI/SSP recipient(s) who was excluded prior to June 1, 2019.

The SNB HHs must remain eligible for CalFresh benefits to remain eligible for SNB benefits. If SNB HHs stop receiving CalFresh benefits, the HH will no longer be eligible to receive SNB benefits. The HHs will not be eligible for SNB benefits in the future if they re-apply and receive CalFresh benefits again.

A one or two-person HH is eligible for SNB Program when the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) is added to the existing CalFresh HH and their minimum benefit allotment is less than the HH’s previous benefit amount prior to inclusion of SSI/SSP recipient(s). A HH of three-or-more persons is ineligible for SNB benefits if, after adding the SSI/SSP recipient(s), the HH is eligible for $0 CalFresh benefits.

To determine the SNB amount, the HH’s last month allotment, prior to adding SSI recipient to case, is compared to the HH’s allotment after including SSI recipient. If the HH experiences a reduction in benefits due to adding SSI recipient, the HH is eligible for the SNB Program.

SNB benefits are not considered income for any means-tested program, including, but not limited to, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, GR, CAPI and/or SSI/SSP Programs.

SNB Program Benefit Amounts

The amount of the SNB benefits provided to an eligible HH is based on benefit allotment tables developed by the State. The HH’s SNB benefit amount is determined by the number of included SSI/SSP recipients, as follows:

SNB Program Benefits Table

New HH Size = total number of non-SSI/SSP active CalFresh HH members plus excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s)	(Excluded SSI/SSP Recipients) 1	(Excluded SSI/SSP Recipients) 2	(Excluded SSI/SSP Recipients) 3 or more
1	$70
2	$70	$135
3	$96	$135	$191
4	$116	$172	$191
5	$130	$205	$265
6	$144	$234	$306
7	$147	$259	$343
8	$144	$280	$376
9	$135	$297	$405
10	$120	$300	$430
11	$110	$308	$451
12+	$84	$312	$468

The HH’s SNB benefit amount is static unless the State chooses to adjust or end funding. The SNB benefits are not entitlement benefits, and the amount cannot be prorated or changed due to changes in the HH’s circumstances (e.g., income, HH composition change, change in medical or dependent care deductions, etc.). HHs will continue to be eligible for SNB benefits as long as they meet the SNB Program requirements.

The SNB benefits are subject to existing EBT account aging and expungement rules. Expunged SNB benefits must not be reinstated. If SNB HHs become ineligible for CalFresh at any time during their certification period, their SNB benefits will be discontinued with a 10-day notice. CalFresh benefits reduction can be solely due to adding the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) or combined with other reasons (e.g., income, HH composition change, etc.).

SNB HHs are not required to report termination of SSI/SSP benefits mid-period. If SNB HHs request a hearing, SNB benefits will not be paid pending a hearing decision.

HHs that are eligible for and receive SNB benefits will not, at any point, be subsequently eligible for TNB benefits, regardless of any change in HH circumstances.

SNB Program Continuing Eligibility

A HH’s SNB Program continuing eligibility will be re-determined at their RC, regardless of the effective date. HHs will continue to be eligible for the SNB Program if at least one of the SSI/SSP recipient(s) who was excluded prior to June 1, 2019 is still part of the HH and the HH remains eligible to participate in the CalFresh Program. If the SNB HH is no longer eligible for CalFresh at the RC, the SNB Program will be discontinued permanently.

SNB Program HH Reporting

The SNB Program does not have any separate CalFresh HH reporting rules. This means that they are not required to submit a separate SAR 7, RC or report a mandatory mid-period to continue SNB eligibility. However, the HH must receive regular CalFresh benefits in order to continue receive SNB.

Note: SNB HH receiving other program benefits (e.g., CalWORKs) must continue to independently meet that program’s reporting requirements.

CalFresh Restoration

HHs that have their CalFresh eligibility restored following benefits discontinuance for Failure To Provide required information/verification to determine continuing eligibility will also have their SNB benefits restored. The SNB benefits must be restored along with the CalFresh eligibility if the HH meets the CalFresh Restoration of Aid criteria. If a HH is discontinued for any other reason and is not eligible for a CalFresh restoration, the HH is also not eligible for a SNB restoration. The SNB benefits must not be prorated for the restoration month.

Note: If a HH submits a new CalFresh application instead of having their eligibility restored, the HH will not be eligible for the SNB Program benefits. The HH must be informed of the restoration policy.

Transitional CalFresh (TCF) HHs

The CalFresh Expansion to SSI Recipients policy implementation for TCF HHs with excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) as a HH member prior to June 1, 2019, will also be staggered. CalFresh HH receiving TCF benefits will be eligible for the SNB Program if the HH experiences a reduction in benefits when the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) is added to the HH on their effective date at one of the following, whichever comes first:

· RC; and

· Voluntary Request which applies as follows:

o When the HH voluntarily requests the previously excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) evaluated for CalFresh; or

o When a composition change is reported (e.g., person moving into or out of the HH).

A benefit reduction occurs if the HH’s new CalFresh benefit amount is less than the HH’s TCF benefit amount.

The existing TCF HHs with SSI recipients may voluntarily request to implement the policy change at any time during the five-month TCF period, beginning June 1, 2019.

If the TCF HHs wish to have the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) evaluated for CalFresh benefits before the end of the five-month TCF period, the HH must complete the TCF RC process early (i.e., during the second through the fourth month of the TCF period) to implement the policy change.

SNB Program and Inter-County Transfer (ICT)

When the HHs move to Los Angeles County (i.e., incoming ICT) or move to another county within California (i.e., outgoing ICT), their case will be transferred from one California county to another without a break in benefits to the HH.

At the time of an ICT, SNB benefits will be transferred along with the HH’s CalFresh benefits to the HH’s new county of residence. SNB benefits will not be terminated or reestablished as a result of the ICT.

Voluntary Request to Discontinue SNB

The Head-of-HH, a responsible adult HH member or the HH’s AR, may voluntarily request in writing or verbally to discontinue the SNB benefits at any time. The discontinuance, with a 10-day Notice of Action (NOA), will be treated as a mid-period action and no further verification is required.

Overissuance

There is no recoupment for overissuances under the SNB Program. The SNB benefits must not be used for regular CalFresh recoupment.

Underissuance

If SNB benefits were underissued, supplemental SNB benefits can be issued. This applies whether the cause was an administrative error or an inadvertent HH error.

TRANSITIONAL NUTRITION BENEFIT (TNB) PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

CalFresh HHs are eligible for the TNB Program if the HH had at least one excluded SSI/SSP recipient member prior to June 1, 2019, and the CalFresh benefits were discontinued due to the inclusion of the previously excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s).

Note: Applications pending before June 1, 2019, that had at least one excluded SSI/SSP recipient and were approved on or after June 1, 2019 may be eligible for TNB benefits. This applied even if the HH’s first month of CalFresh benefits is prorated.

The TNB eligibility is determined only once, during the HH’s effective date (i.e., SAR 7, RC, or voluntary request, HH composition change, whichever comes first). HHs must be determined ineligible for CalFresh in order to qualify for TNB benefits. HHs that are discontinued from CalFresh for any other reason than stated in this section are not eligible for TNB benefits.

TNB Program Benefit Amounts

TNB benefits are not considered as income for any means-tested program, including but not limited to CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, GR, CAPI and/or SSI/SSP Programs. T he amount of the TNB benefits provided to a HH is based on benefit allotment tables developed by the State.

The HH’s TNB Program benefit amount is determined, as follows:

TNB Program Benefits Table

New HH Size (After inclusion)	(Previously Excluded Recipient) 1	(Previously Excluded Recipients) 2	(Previously Excluded Recipients) 3+
1	$115
2	$115	$192
3	$123	$192	$192
4	$136	$258	$192
5	$146	$282	$352
6	$162	$287	$395
7	$179	$292	$438
8	$179	$309	$439
9	$179	$309	$440
10	$179	$309	$440
11	$179	$309	$440
12+	$179	$309	$440

The HH’s TNB benefit amount is static unless the State chooses to adjust or end funding. The TNB benefits are not entitlement benefits and cannot be prorated, as they are not subject to adjustment due to changes in the HH’s circumstances (e.g., income, HH composition change, etc.). HHs will continue to be eligible for TNB benefits as long as they meet the TNB Program requirements.

A one or two-person HH that is eligible for the minimum benefit allotment on the effective date is ineligible for the TNB Program. A three-or-more person HH that is eligible for $0 CalFresh benefits on the effective date may be eligible for the TNB Program.

The TNB Program benefits are subject to existing EBT account aging and expungement rules. Expunged TNB Program benefits must not be reinstated.

TNB Program Continuing Eligibility

TNB Program continuing eligibility will be determined at the HH’s TNB RC. The TNB Program has its own TNB-specific RC application cycle as follows:

· The initial certification will be for one 12-month period as of the month in which the HH became eligible for TNB Program benefits; and

· The subsequent RCs must be completed every six months after.

HHs will continue to be eligible for the TNB Program as long as the HHs have at least one SSI/SSP recipient(s) who was previously excluded from CalFresh eligibility prior to June 1, 2019, that is still part of the HH and continues to receive SSI/SSP benefits in California, with the HH being ineligible for regular CalFresh benefits. If the TNB HH re-applies and becomes eligible to CalFresh benefits during the TNB certification period, the HH will lose TNB eligibility.

The HH must remain ineligible for CalFresh benefits to remain eligible for TNB benefits. When a TNB HH reapplies for regular CalFresh and is determined eligible, their TNB Program benefits will discontinue with batch sending out a 10-day NOA.

If a TNB Program HH requests a hearing, TNB Program benefits will not be paid while pending a hearing decision.

TNB HHs are not required to report any changes. Information received regarding the HH’s circumstances during the TNB Program certification period is not to be acted on until the end of the certification period. This includes the termination of their SSI/SSP benefit and/or information received through an electronic data match (i.e., Income Eligibility Verification System - IEVS).

Note: TNB HHs receiving other program benefits (e.g., CalWORKs) must continue to independently meet that program’s reporting requirements.

TNB Program Restoration

If the HH’s TNB benefits are discontinued, these benefits must not be restored unless the HH had its TNB Program benefits discontinued due to Failure To Provide documentation/information required to continue the TNB eligibility or due to county error. For TNB restoration, the HH must:

· Fully resolve the reason(s) for the discontinuance of TNB benefits; and

· Submit the required information/verification within the initial 30-day period from the discontinuance date of TNB.

HH’s TNB eligibility will be restored effective the date of the TNB discontinuance. Regardless of the cause of the delay, TNB Program benefits cannot be prorated.

Transitional CalFresh (TCF) HHs

The policy implementation for these HHs will also be staggered. SSI/SSP recipients are evaluated for CalFresh benefits at one of the following, whichever comes first:

· RC; or

· Voluntary Request which applies as follows:

o When the HH voluntarily requests the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) evaluated for CalFresh; or

o When a HH composition change is reported (e.g., person moving into or out of the HH).

Existing TCF HHs with SSI recipient(s) will be eligible for TNB benefits if the HHs are determined to be ineligible for CalFresh with the inclusion of previously excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) at TCF RC.

Existing TCF HHs with SSI recipients may voluntarily request to implement the policy change at any time during the five-month TCF period, starting June 1, 2019. If the TCF HHs want to have the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) evaluated for CalFresh benefits before the end of the five-month TCF period, the TCF HHs must complete TCF RC process early (i.e., during the second through the fourth month of the TCF period) to implement the policy change.

TNB Program and ICT

At the time of an ICT, TNB benefits will be transferred to the HH’s new county of residence. TNB benefits will not be terminated as a result of the ICT. TNB continuing eligibility will be re-evaluated only at TNB RC.

Voluntary Request to Discontinue TNB

The Head-of-HH, a responsible adult HH member or the HH’s AR, may voluntarily request in writing or verbally to discontinue the TNB case at any time. The discontinuance, with a 10-day NOA, will be treated as a mid-period action and no further verification is required.

Overissuance

There is no recoupment for overissuances under the TNB Program. TNB benefits are not to be used for CalFresh recoupment/repayment.

Underissuance

If TNB benefits were underissued, supplemental TNB benefits can be issued. This applies whether the cause was an administrative error or an inadvertent HH error.

Background

California’s Cash-Out policy started in 1974, when the federal government began the combined federal-State SSI/SSP Program. At that time, States were allowed to increase their SSP grant instead of administering what was formerly known as the Food Stamp Program to SSI/SSP recipients. California opted for this SSI Cash-Out policy and increased its monthly SSP grant by $10. Under the Cash-Out, SSI/SSP recipients were ineligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, known as CalFresh in California.

Assembly Bill (AB) 1811, Human Services Omnibus Trailer Bill, reverses the CalFresh eligibility policy “SSI Cash-Out,” under which the SSI/SSP recipients were ineligible for CalFresh. The bill also supplements an increase of $10 per individual or $20 per couple in the grant amount for the CAPI Program. In addition, the bill creates two State-funded programs, known as the SNB and TNB, to “hold harmless” the existing CalFresh HHs with SSI/SSP recipient(s) that may be negatively impacted by the implementation of this policy change.

Definitions

Term	Description
SSI/SSP	The SSI Program is a federally-funded program, which provides income support to eligible individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind or disabled. The SSP Program is the State program which augments SSI. Both SSI and SSP benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Eligibility for both programs is determined by SSA using federal criteria. If an eligible individual qualifies for SSI, they qualify for SSP. The benefits are in the form of cash assistance.
Implementation Date	The implementation date of the CalFresh Expansion to SSI Recipients policy is June 1, 2019.
HH’s Effective Date	The staggered policy implementation of the CalFresh Expansion to SSI Recipients is referred to generally as the HH’s effective date. The policy can be implemented at one of the following, whichever comes first: · SAR 7; · RC; · Voluntary Request: o When the HH voluntarily requests the excluding SSI/SSP recipient(s) evaluated for CalFresh; or o When a HH composition change is reported.
SSI/SSP-Only CalFresh HHs	HHs consist of only SSI/SSP recipients.
Reasonable Accommodation/Modification	The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws require equal access to people with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations (also known as modifications) to policies and procedures. A public entity must reasonably modify its policies, practices, or procedures to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to programs and services.
Elderly and disabled separate HH rule	An elderly and disabled member (and his/her spouse and children under 22 years of age) who is living with others and is unable to purchase and/or prepare meals separately because he/she suffers from a permanent disability, may qualify as a separate HH if the income of the others with whom the individual resides does not exceed 165% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The separate HH rule is not mandated for elderly and disabled HH regardless if they customarily purchase and prepare food together or not. If the elderly and disabled HH wishes to apply for CalFresh as a separate HH, they must complete the application process, including filing a separate CalFresh application. Note: The HH will be evaluated separately for ES if the HH is granted separate HH status. The separate HH will have their own EBT card.
Standard Medical Deduction (SMD) and Excess Medical Deduction	A CalFresh HH that contains at least one elderly/disabled HH member with verified medical expenses between $35.01 and $155 monthly will be granted a SMD of $120. For a HH with medical expenses above $155 per month, they can choose to deduct the actual medical expenses instead of using the standard medical expense deduction. Verification of actual expenses is required. This may maximize the amount of CalFresh benefits the HH will be receiving, when eligible. Note: The CF 31, CalFresh Supplemental Form for Special Medical Deductions is a recommended form to be used to determine the medical expenses being claimed by the HH. Effective June 1, 2019, HH may submit a revised CF 31, CalFresh Supplemental Form for Special Medical Deductions with the medical expense verification.
Nutrition Benefit (NB)Programs	The NB refers to either SNB or TNB.
Designated Nutrition Benefit (NB) Eligibility staff	Eligibility staff are responsible for processing current CalFresh cases with SSI/SSP recipients and maintaining the approved SNB/TNB cases.
SNB Program	The SNB Program provides supplemental benefits for the existing CalFresh HHs that experience a reduction in benefits when the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) is added to the HHs on their effective date.
TNB Program	TNB Program provides transitional nutrition benefits for the existing CalFresh HHs that experience a discontinuance of benefits when the excluded SSI/SSP recipient(s) is added to the HHs on their effective date.
SSI/SSP Reversal Month	Month in which the SSI recipient was evaluated and determined eligible for NB Programs or regular CalFresh benefits.
Authorized Representative (AR)	The Head-of-HH, spouse, or any other responsible member of the HH may designate an AR to act on behalf of the HH. An AR is an adult, including a person who is a non-HH member, is sufficiently aware of the HH’s circumstances and is authorized to act on behalf of the HH in the following: · Apply for CalFresh; · Use the EBT card to purchase the HH’s food; · Complete work registration forms; and/or · Complete required reporting. Note: There is a distinction for an AR to receive benefits and an AR to review case records. Please refer to the Office Operations Release that cover Access to Case Records (19-005.1) and the Office Operations Release that covers the Advocate Liaison Systems (23-810).

Requirements

Requirement	Limit/Condition
SSI/SSP recipients	Individuals may be eligible for SSI/SSP, if they meet the following requirements: · Are age 65 and over, or blind or disabled; · File an application for SSI/SSP; · Meet income and resource limits; · Are a U.S. citizen, or a non-citizen who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residency and meet certain special conditions, and are a U.S. resident; or · Are not incarcerated.
SSI/SSP Suspense Status	Individuals who are not receiving an SSI/SSP payment but are authorized to receive SSI/SSP are considered to be in suspense status. SSI/SSP recipients, who are in suspense status prior to June 1, 2019, are not considered excluded SSI/SSP recipients. These SSI/SSP recipients are eligible for CalFresh under the existing CalFresh policy, provided they meet all CalFresh eligibility criteria.
SSI/SSP-Only CalFresh CE HH	An SSI/SSP-Only HH is considered CE for CalFresh unless the HH is institutionalized or disqualified from receiving CalFresh for any reason.
SSI/SSP recipients who are residents of an Institution	SSI/SSP recipient(s), who are residents of an institution, may be eligible for CalFresh beginning June 1, 2019, if they are: · Residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly; · Narcotic addicts or alcoholics and who reside at a facility or treatment center for a participation in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program. This includes the children, but not their spouses, living with the SSI/SSP recipient(s) at the facility or treatment center; · Disabled or blind residents of group living arrangements; · Residents of a shelter for battered persons. This includes the children, but not their spouses, living with the SSI/SSP recipient(s) at the shelter; or Residents of public or private nonprofit shelters for homeless persons. The SSI/SSP recipient(s) who meet the above requirements must be a separate HH from the others, with whom they reside in the institution.
SSI/SSP recipients, residing in a GLA	GLAs are public or private non-profit homes for disabled or blind individuals that serve no more than 16 residents and are certified by the county. SSI/SSP recipient(s), who are residents of the GLAs, may be eligible for CalFresh beginning June 1, 2019. They may apply for CalFresh themselves or through an AR.
Excess Medical Expenses Deduction and Verification Requirements	The excess medical expenses are the portion of medical expenses more than $35 per HH, per month (excluding special diets) incurred by any HH member who is elderly and/or disabled. Spouses or other persons receiving benefits as a dependent of the disability recipient are not eligible to receive this deduction. Medical Deduction Verification Requirements: · HH must verify that they incur more than $35 a month in allowable medical expenses when they initially claim; and · Medical expenses verification is not required for subsequent re-evaluation unless the declaration is questionable, is more than $155 a month, or the amount changes. Note: Failure to provide verified medical expenses is not a basis for denying or discontinuing a CalFresh application or case. The medical expense deduction may be claimed and applied at any point during the HH’s certification period.
Uncapped Excess Shelter Deduction	A HH with members who are elderly or who have a disability can deduct the full amount of excess shelter costs as of the HH’s effective date. HH’s attestation is sufficient verification of the shelter deduction amount. Not further verification would be requested unless the HH’s statement is questionable.

Verification Documents

Staff may verify SSI/SSP benefit payments and other information through the State Data Exchange (SDX), the Beneficiary Data Exchange (BENDEX), Medi-Cal Eligibility Data System (MEDS), IEVS or through documentation provided by the HH. A HH may be contacted if the HH’s CalFresh application is incomplete, mandatory information/verification is missing or questionable.