reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18900.4.

18900.4. (a) (1) To the extent permitted under federal law, an individual shall have the option to complete an application or recertification interview and provide the required client signature by telephone.
(2) To fulfill the requirements of paragraph (1), counties may implement any method of electronic signature, including telephonic signature, in compliance with state and federal program requirements, that is supported by county business practices and available technology.
(3) Counties currently using the Consortium IV (C-IV) or LEADER Replacement System (LRS) of the Statewide Automated Welfare System (SAWS) shall comply with this subdivision beginning on or before January 1, 2023, and counties currently using the CalWORKs Information Network (CalWIN) system of SAWS shall comply with this section beginning on or before January 1, 2024.
(b) (1) The department, in consultation with counties, representatives of the statewide automated welfare system consortia, recognized exclusive representatives of eligibility workers, and advocates for CalFresh participants shall develop recommendations to implement a fully telephone-based service model statewide, including, but not limited to, the ability to complete the application, semi-annual report and recertification processes by telephone in all counties. The recommendations shall assess implementation of a telephone-based service model statewide in addition to, not in place of, existing options to complete the application, semi-annual report, and recertification for CalFresh in person, by mail, or online.
(2) The recommendations shall be provided to the Legislature during the 2022–23 budget hearings.
(3) The fully telephone-based service model assessed pursuant to subdivision (b) shall, to the extent permitted under federal law, satisfy both of the following criteria:
(A) Use simple, user-friendly language and instructions for CalFresh applicants, participants, eligibility workers, and application assisters.
(B) Provide service and assistance to applicants and participants in a manner that is accessible to individuals with disabilities and those who have limited English proficiency as required by applicable state and federal laws.
(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 85, Sec. 78. (AB 135) Effective July 16, 2021.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18900.6.

18900.6. (a) There is hereby created the SSI/SSP Cash-In Supplemental Nutrition Benefit (SNB) Program.
(b) The department shall use state funds appropriated for this program to provide nutrition benefits to continuing CalFresh households that were eligible for and receiving CalFresh benefits as of June 1, 2019, or the alternate implementation date described in subdivision (b) of Section 18900.5, but for whom the household’s monthly CalFresh benefit was reduced when a previously excluded individual was added to the household pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 18900.5.
(c) (1) The amount of SNB provided to each household shall be based on an SNB table developed by the department.
(2) The benefit table described in paragraph (1) shall be issued annually and based on all of the following:
(A) The projected number of households described in subdivision (b).
(B) The size of households described in subdivision (b), as determined when the previously excluded individual was added to the household pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 18900.5.
(C) The number of previously excluded individuals added to the household pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 18900.5.
(D) The total funding appropriated for purposes of this section in the annual Budget Act.
(d) SNB provided pursuant to this section shall be delivered on a monthly basis through the electronic benefits transfer system created pursuant to Section 10072, in the same manner as CalFresh benefits, and, to the extent permitted by federal law, shall not be considered income for any means-tested program.
(e) SNB shall be provided to the household if the household continues to receive CalFresh benefits, and includes the individual added to the household pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 18900.5.
(f) A household whose CalFresh benefits are restored, consistent with current law governing CalFresh, following discontinuance for failure to provide the necessary documentation or information required to determine continuing eligibility, shall also have their SNB restored, without proration, back to the original date of discontinuance of the CalFresh benefits. If a household is discontinued for any other reason and reapplies for benefits, the supplemental benefit provisions outlined in this section shall not apply.
(g) A household that is eligible for and receives SNB under this section shall not at any point be eligible for transitional nutrition benefits as created in Section 18900.7, regardless of a change in household circumstances.
(h) The department shall develop client notices for the SNB program, as appropriate.
(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 27, Sec. 118. (SB 80) Effective June 27, 2019.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18900.8.

18900.8. (a) The State Department of Social Services shall work with representatives of county human services agencies and the County Welfare Directors Association of California to update the budgeting methodology used to determine the annual funding for county administration of the CalFresh program beginning with the 2023–24 fiscal year. As part of the process of updating the budgeting methodology, the ongoing workload and costs to counties, including, but not limited to, expanding the CalFresh program to recipients of Supplemental Security Income and State Supplementary Payment Program benefits shall be examined.
(b) The costs of county operations used in the budgeting methodology developed pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be reviewed by the department for the 2027–28 fiscal year and every third fiscal year thereafter. The department shall provide information to the legislative budget committees regarding this review and how it may impact county administrative costs as part of the budget proposed by either January 10 or May 14 of any year prior to the fiscal year for which this provision applies.
(c) In implementing this section, the department shall consult legislative staff, representatives of county human services agencies and the County Welfare Directors Association of California, advocates, and organizations that represent county workers.
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 573, Sec. 25. (AB 207) Effective September 27, 2022.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18900.9.

18900.9. Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department may do both of the following:
(a) Implement all waivers approved by the United States Secretary of Agriculture for a period of less than 24 months through all-county letters or similar instructions.
(b) Implement all waivers approved by the United States Secretary of Agriculture for a period of 24 months or longer through all-county letters or similar instructions until regulations are adopted, which shall occur no later than 24 months after implementation occurs.
(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 85, Sec. 81. (AB 135) Effective July 16, 2021.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.

18901. (a) The eligibility of households shall be determined to the extent permitted by federal law.
(b) In determining eligibility for CalFresh, minimum age requirements other than those that exist under federal law shall not be imposed.
(c) The department shall establish verification policies and procedures for CalFresh applicants and beneficiaries in the event that necessary verification is not provided by the applicant or beneficiary to accompany the application, semiannual report, annual recertification, or any other form or submission that requests verification be provided at the time of submission. These policies and procedures, to the extent permitted by federal law, regulation, guidance, or a waiver thereof, shall require counties to first seek verification from available electronic sources or self-attestation before requesting documentary evidence from the applicant or beneficiary to complete required verification or pursuing secondary evidence to verify the necessary information. Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department shall issue an all-county letter or similar instructions no later than January 1, 2021.
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 11, Sec. 84. (AB 79) Effective June 29, 2020.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.1.

18901.1. (a) The department shall issue guidance to counties that does all of the following:
(1) Simplifies the verification of dependent care expense deductions necessary to determine a household’s eligibility for, or the benefit level of, CalFresh.
(2) Establishes that dependent care expenses shall be considered verified upon receipt of a self-certified statement of monthly dependent care expenses, unless federal law or guidance requires additional documentation.
(3) Prohibits a county human services agency from requesting additional documents to verify dependent care expenses, except when the reported dependent care expenses are questionable as defined in state regulations.
(b) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), until regulations are adopted, the department may implement this section through all-county letters or similar instructions. The department shall adopt regulations implementing this section.
(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 11, Sec. 85. (AB 79) Effective June 29, 2020.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.15.

18901.15. (a) The department shall issue guidance to counties that does both of the following:
(1) Establishes that shelter costs reported by an applicant or recipient on a signed CalFresh application or semiannual report form shall be sufficient for purposes of determining the applicant’s or recipient’s excess shelter costs deduction.
(2)  Prohibits a county human services agency from requesting additional documents to verify excess shelter costs, except when the reported shelter costs are questionable.
(b) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department may implement and administer this section through all-county letters or similar instructions.
(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 90, Sec. 2. (AB 494) Effective July 12, 2019.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.25.

18901.25. (a) There is hereby created the Safe Drinking Water Supplemental Benefit Pilot Program, a state-funded program to provide additional CalFresh nutrition benefits for interim assistance to purchase safe drinking water in areas where it is necessary.
(b) The State Department of Social Services shall use moneys allocated for this program to provide time-limited additional state-funded nutrition benefits to residents of prioritized disadvantaged communities that are served by public water systems that consistently fail to meet primary drinking water standards, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code. Benefits shall be in addition to benefits provided for pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 11450) of Chapter 2 of Part 3, and shall not be considered as income for any program established in this code.
(c) The department may use its own existing databases and databases from the State Water Resources Control Board to determine which CalFresh households are eligible to receive benefits pursuant to this section. The following households shall receive priority:
(1) CalFresh recipients served by persistently noncompliant public water systems in disadvantaged communities, as defined in Section 79505.5 of the Water Code, as determined by the location of the recipient’s residence.
(2) CalFresh recipients in communities deemed eligible for interim emergency drinking water benefits by the State Water Resources Control Board, as determined by the recipient’s residence.
(d) Benefits granted pursuant to this section shall be delivered through the electronic benefits transfer (EBT) system created pursuant to Sections 10072 and 10072.2.
(e) The benefits authorized pursuant to this section are not entitlement benefits. A county shall comply with this section only to the extent funding for this purpose is appropriated in the annual Budget Act and available to the county. A county shall not be required to expend county funds for the provision of benefits authorized under this section.
(f) This section shall become inoperative on July 1, 2025, and, as of January 1, 2026, is repealed.
(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 43, Sec. 84. (AB 120) Effective July 10, 2023. Inoperative July 1, 2025, by its own provisions. Repealed as of January 1, 2026, by its own provisions.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.26.

18901.26. (a) Subject to an appropriation by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act or another statute for this purpose, the department shall administer the CalFresh Minimum Nutrition Benefit (MNB) Pilot Program to provide 12 months of additional state-funded nutrition benefits to ensure eligible households receive a supplement that, when added together with the federal allotment, totals no less than fifty dollars ($50).
(b) (1) The department shall use funds appropriated for the pilot program established in subdivision (a) to provide eligible households a state-funded monthly minimum nutrition benefit that is no less than the difference between the household’s monthly CalFresh allotment and the minimum monthly benefit threshold established in subdivision (c).
(2) (A) For purposes of this section, “eligible household” means a household that is approved to receive a federally funded or state-funded monthly CalFresh allotment that is less than the minimum monthly benefit threshold established in subdivision (c) and is identified by the department to participate in the CalFresh MNB Pilot Program.
(B) The department shall retain sole discretion to identify additional eligibility criteria and define the scope of the CalFresh MNB Pilot Program, and shall consult with counties and stakeholders to identify and prioritize populations or regions that have persistently high levels of hunger.
(c) The minimum monthly benefit threshold for this section is fifty dollars ($50).
(d) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the federal and state laws and regulations governing the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Chapter 51 (commencing with Section 2011) of Title 7 of the United States Code) shall also govern the program provided for under this section.
(2) Benefits granted pursuant to this section shall be delivered through the electronic benefits transfer (EBT) system created pursuant to Sections 10072 and, to the extent permitted by federal law, shall not be considered income for any means-tested program.
(e) The pilot program established pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be implemented on the date that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the automation necessary to implement this section.
(f) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department may implement and administer this section through all-county letters or similar instructions without taking regulatory action.
(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 43, Sec. 85. (AB 120) Effective July 10, 2023.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.3.

18901.3. (a) Subject to the limitations of subdivision (b), pursuant to Section 115(d)(1)(A) of Public Law 104-193 (21 U.S.C. Sec. 862a(d)(1)(A)), California opts out of the provisions of Section 115(a)(2) of Public Law 104-193 (21 U.S.C. Sec. 862a(a)(2)). An individual convicted as an adult in state or federal court after December 31, 1997, including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere, of any offense classified as a felony that has as an element the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance, as defined in Section 102(6) of the federal Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Sec. 802(6)) or Division 10 (commencing with Section 11000) of the Health and Safety Code, shall be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits as provided for under this section.
(b) As a condition of eligibility to receive CalFresh benefits pursuant to subdivision (a), an applicant or recipient described in subdivision (a) who is on probation or parole shall comply with the terms of the probation or parole, including participation in a government-recognized drug treatment program, if required. If the county human services agency receives verification that the individual is in violation of probation or parole or that the individual is a fleeing felon pursuant to federal law, the individual shall be ineligible for CalFresh benefits under this section until the person is no longer in violation of probation or parole or a fleeing felon pursuant to federal law. Verification shall be obtained using existing county human services agency protocols to determine eligibility.
(c) This section shall become operative on April 1, 2015.
(Repealed (in Sec. 49) and added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 26, Sec. 50. (AB 1468) Effective June 20, 2014. Section operative April 1, 2015, by its own provisions.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.35.

18901.35. (a) (1) No later than September 1, 2022, the department shall issue an all-county letter containing recommendations and suggested methods for county human services agencies to partner with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and county jails to enroll otherwise eligible applicants for the CalFresh program to ensure that an applicant’s benefits may begin as soon as possible upon reentry of the applicant into the community from the state prison or a county jail.
(2) The all-county letter shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(A) Information on the benefits of enrolling formerly incarcerated individuals into the CalFresh program.
(B) Information on acceptable forms of identification necessary to complete an application for CalFresh benefits, including information on how to verify an applicant’s eligibility for expedited service, as defined in Section 273.2(i)(1) of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(C) Information on how to connect individuals released from the state prison with employment or employment opportunities, including how counties may work with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to connect individuals to employment opportunities related to any experience, training, and education that the individual has obtained, including experience, training, and education obtained while in state prison.
(D) Encourage counties to require county eligibility workers to regularly enter any state prison or county jail within the county to conduct interviews and assist individuals that are within 45 days of release from state prison or county jail with completing applications for CalFresh benefits. This assistance shall be for the purpose of establishing eligibility for CalFresh benefits prior to release from the institution.
(b) If the department deems it necessary to maximize CalFresh enrollment outcomes or employment placement success rates for individuals reentering the community from the state prison or a county jail, the department shall submit to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service a request to waive Section 273.1(b)(7)(vi) of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations to allow for preenrollment of applicants prior to their release from the state prison or a county jail.
(Added by Stats. 2020, Ch. 225, Sec. 1. (AB 3073) Effective January 1, 2021.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.4.

18901.4. (a) Effective July 1, 2010, the department shall propose a Transitional Food Stamps for Foster Youth demonstration project under which independent foster care adolescents, as defined in Section 1905(w)(1) of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 1396d(w)(1)) who are not eligible for CalWORKs or Supplemental Security Income program benefits, shall be eligible without regard to income or resources, subject to federal law authorizing demonstration projects pursuant to Section 2011 and following of Title 7 of the United States Code.
(b) An individual eligible for the program proposed pursuant to this section shall receive the maximum benefit amount allotted for a household size of one for the initial certification period, which shall remain constant for the entirety of the initial certification period. The food stamp case shall be established and maintained in the county of jurisdiction designated by the terminating foster care case.
(c) The demonstration project proposed pursuant to this section shall maximize access to benefits and minimize interim reporting requirements during the certification period.
(d) Not later than March 1, 2010, the department shall seek all necessary federal approvals to implement this section as a demonstration project for these beneficiaries. This section shall be implemented only to the extent that federal financial participation is available.
(e) The department shall implement this section by an all-county letter (ACL) or similar instruction from the director and shall adopt regulations as otherwise necessary to implement this section no later than January 1, 2011.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 501, Sec. 22. (AB 6) Effective January 1, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.5.

18901.5. (a) The department shall establish a program of categorical eligibility for CalFresh in accordance with Section 5(a) of the federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. Sec. 2014(a)), and implementing regulations, to improve nutrition and promote the retention and development of assets and resources for needy households who meet all other federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program eligibility requirements. Categorical eligibility for CalFresh shall also apply to any individual who is a member of a household that will be receiving or is eligible to receive cash assistance under Part 5 (commencing with Section 17000), or eligible to receive food assistance under Chapter 10.1 (commencing with Section 18930).
(b) The director shall implement the program established pursuant to this section only with the appropriate federal authorization and if implementation would not result in the loss of federal financial participation.
(c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2014.
(Repealed (in Sec. 82) and added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 29, Sec. 83. (SB 855) Effective June 20, 2014. Section operative July 1, 2014, by is own provisions.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.57.

18901.57. The department, as the lead agency in partnership with the State Department of Education, shall maximize participation in the federal Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program established pursuant to Section 1762 of Title 42 of the United States Code.
(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 43, Sec. 86. (AB 120) Effective July 10, 2023.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.6.

18901.6. To the maximum extent allowable by federal law, each county welfare department shall provide transitional CalFresh benefits to households terminating their participation in the CalWORKs program.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 73. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.7.

18901.7. (a) To the extent allowable by federal law, the income, resources, and deductible expenses of any household member who is rendered ineligible for CalFresh benefits pursuant to Title IV of Public Law 104-193, and any amendments thereto, shall be excluded when calculating federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits administered in California as CalFresh, under this chapter.
(b) No household shall receive more CalFresh benefits under this section than it would have received if no household member was rendered ineligible pursuant to Title IV of Public Law 104-193 and any subsequent amendments thereto.
(c) This section shall become operative on September 1, 1998.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 74. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.8.

18901.8. (a) To the extent permitted by federal law, and with receipt of necessary federal approvals, the State Department of Social Services, in conjunction with affected stakeholder groups, shall develop and implement, if otherwise feasible, a simplified and shorter application form for nonassistance CalFresh cases. The contents of this simpler form shall be evaluated for use in multiprogram application forms for the CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs programs. The department shall seek any federal approvals necessary for implementation of the form.
(b) The department shall not require any county to implement use of the form described in subdivision (a) until the county has been allowed sufficient time to reprogram its automated systems for the purpose of implementing the form.
(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 27, Sec. 121. (SB 80) Effective June 27, 2019.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.9.

18901.9. (a) For the purpose of eligibility under this chapter, the rules governing the resource value of motor vehicles shall be aligned with an alternative program allowed under federal food stamp law.
(b) The department shall seek any federal approvals necessary to implement subdivision (a).
(c) If any federal approvals are necessary to implement subdivision (a), that subdivision shall be implemented only upon the execution of a declaration by the director, which shall be retained by the director, stating that any federal approvals necessary to implement subdivision (a) have been obtained.
(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 743, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2004.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.10.

18901.10. To the extent permitted by federal law, and subject to the limitation in subdivision (d), each county welfare department shall, if appropriate, exempt a household from complying with face-to-face interview requirements for purposes of determining eligibility at initial application and recertification, according to the following:
(a) The county welfare department shall screen each household’s need for exemption status at application and recertification.
(b) A person eligible for an exemption under this section may request a face-to-face interview to establish initial eligibility or to comply with recertification requirements.
(c) (1) No later than January 1, 2022, for purposes of interview scheduling and rescheduling at initial application and recertification, county welfare departments shall implement one or more of the following interview scheduling techniques in addition to providing written notice, to the extent they are not currently in use: time-block, telephonic contact in conjunction with, or prior to, the provision of written communication about the need to schedule an interview, and same-day interviews.
(2) The department, in consultation with the counties and client advocates, may authorize additional scheduling techniques to fulfill the requirement described in paragraph (1).
(d) This section does not limit a county’s ability to require an applicant or recipient to make a personal appearance at a county welfare department office if the applicant or recipient no longer qualifies for an exemption or for other good cause.
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 85, Sec. 82. (AB 135) Effective July 16, 2021.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18901.14.

18901.14. (a) The department shall convene a workgroup comprised of the University of California, the California State University, the California Community Colleges, the Student Aid Commission, representatives from student organizations from all three sectors of public postsecondary educational institutions, the County Welfare Directors Association of California, and representatives from CalFresh eligibility workers and CalFresh advocates to identify the steps necessary to establish a CalFresh application submission process that accommodates the large influx of CalFresh applications during the beginning of a school term in counties where large public postsecondary educational institutions with 10,000 students or more are located. The workgroup may be convened as part of an existing workgroup that is comprised of the same members specified in this subdivision.
(b) On or before April 1, 2023, the department shall submit a report to the Legislature on the necessary steps identified pursuant to subdivision (a) and any estimates of costs associated with implementing them. The report shall include an analysis of using regional partnerships between counties and shall only include recommendations that are compliant with Section 10503 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(c) The report required by this section shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 874, Sec. 4. (SB 641) Effective January 1, 2023.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18902.

18902. Each county welfare department shall carry out the local administrative responsibilities of this chapter, subject to the supervision of the department and to rules and regulations adopted by the department.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 1973, Ch. 1216.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18903.

18903. The department shall enter into and execute on behalf of the state all necessary agreements in connection with this chapter as may be required by the United States Government.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 1973, Ch. 1216.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18904.

18904. Regulations, orders or standards of general application to implement, interpret or make specific the law relating to this chapter shall be adopted, amended, or repealed only in accordance with Section 10554. The director shall also provide for the two methods as described in Section 18904.1.
(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 902, Sec. 61. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18904.1.

18904.1. (a) The director, to the extent permitted by federal law, shall establish methods for CalFresh benefit issuance in all counties which guarantee to low-income households the health-vital nutritional benefits available under this chapter and to achieve the most efficient system for program administration so as to minimize administrative costs.
(b) The director shall maintain methods for over-the-counter and mail issuance of CalFresh benefits in a county until issuance of CalFresh benefits by electronic benefits transfer for all CalFresh recipients in the county has been implemented pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 10065) of Part 1.
(c) Until issuance of CalFresh benefits by electronic benefits transfer has been implemented in a county for all CalFresh recipients, the director shall maintain, in the county, methods for over-the-counter issuance that guarantee program accessibility in all cases where a household has been found to be in immediate need of food assistance or where a household has been determined to be eligible for the replacement of a previous issuance.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 76. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18904.2.

18904.2. The department may administer outreach programs and adopt rules and regulations requiring counties to conduct outreach programs to the extent permitted by federal law and eligible for federal financial participation.
(Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 689, Sec. 3.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18904.25.

18904.25. (a) Pursuant to the federal Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (Public Law 100-77), the department shall develop CalFresh information on expedited services targeted to the homeless population, including unaccompanied homeless children and youths, as those terms are defined in Section 11434a of Title 42 of the United States Code. The department shall also develop information on expedited services specified in Section 18914.5 for victims of domestic violence. This information shall be made available to homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, emergency food programs, local educational agency liaisons for homeless children and youths, designated pursuant to Section 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii) of Title 42 of the United States Code, and other community agencies who provide services to people who are homeless.
(b) Each county human services agency shall annually offer training on CalFresh application procedures to homeless shelter operators. That training shall include eligibility criteria and specific information regarding the eligibility of unaccompanied homeless children and youths. In addition, each county human services agency, upon request, shall provide homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters with a supply of that portion of the CalFresh application used to request CalFresh expedited service.
(c) Upon receipt of a signed CalFresh application from an unaccompanied child or youth under 18 years of age, the county human services agency shall determine eligibility for CalFresh benefits, including making a determination of whether the child or youth is eligible to apply as a household of one or if he or she must apply with members of a household with whom he or she is regularly purchasing and preparing foods, and screen the application for entitlement to expedited service pursuant to Section 18914. If the application of the child or youth for CalFresh benefits is denied, the county human services agency shall provide the child or youth a written notice explaining the reason for the denial.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 859, Sec. 1. (AB 2057) Effective January 1, 2017.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18904.3.

18904.3. (a) If a private nonprofit organization, public postsecondary educational institution, or other state or local agency secures funds for CalFresh outreach activities that are allowable for partial federal reimbursement, and complies with contracting requirements established in state and federal law, the department shall, subject to approval of the state’s outreach plan by the United States Department of Agriculture, act as the state entity for receipt of federal reimbursement on behalf of the organization, institution, or agency.
(b) Any reduction in federal funding to the state that is due to the result of any audit of CalFresh outreach contracts or activities shall be applied to the appropriate local government that served as the contracting agency for CalFresh outreach activities.
(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 290, Sec. 3. (AB 1747) Effective January 1, 2017.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18904.35.

18904.35. Upon approval of a final plan for CalFresh outreach activities, in accordance with Section 18904.4, the department shall, in determining whether to request federal matching funds for a CalFresh outreach activity, give priority consideration to those activities that implement the final plan.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 79. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18905.

18905. In the event that the United States Department of Agriculture makes a final determination to reduce federal funding of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, administered in California as CalFresh, due to issuance errors or improper or inadequate county administration of the program, the county or counties responsible for such reduction shall be liable for the amount thereof in accordance with standards adopted by the Director of Social Services.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 80. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18905.1.

18905.1. The department shall not impose any additional requirements for verification of eligibility for expedited service other than those minimum requirements that exist under federal law.
(Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 443, Sec. 1.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18906.

18906. The department shall establish and maintain a plan whereby costs for county administration of CalFresh under this chapter will be effectively controlled within the amounts annually appropriated for such administration. The plan, to be known as the County Administrative Cost Control Plan, shall establish standards and performance criteria, including workload, productivity and support services standards, to which counties shall adhere. The plan shall be part of a single state plan, jointly developed by the department and the State Department of Health Care Services, for administrative cost control for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), CalFresh, and Medical Assistance (Medi-Cal) programs. Allocations shall be made to each county and shall be limited by and determined based upon the County Administrative Cost Control Plan. In administering the plan to control county administrative costs, the department shall not allocate state funds to cover county cost overruns which result from county failure to meet requirements of the plan. The department and the State Department of Health Care Services shall budget, administer, and allocate state funds for county administration in a uniform and consistent manner.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 81. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18906.5.

18906.5. (a) The state shall pay 70 percent of the nonfederal costs of administering the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, administered in California as CalFresh, subject to Sections 18906 and 18906.7. The counties shall pay the remaining share of the nonfederal costs.
(b) The state shall pay 85 percent of the nonfederal share of the costs of AFDC fraud investigation subject to Section 15204.5. The counties shall pay the remaining share of the nonfederal costs.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 82. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18906.6.

18906.6. At the time the United States Department of Agriculture allows the state to retain a portion of the value of any claims collected, the state shall retain 50 percent of this portion. The remaining 50 percent shall be distributed by the State Department of Social Services to the counties based upon the amount of claims collected by each county.
(Added by Stats. 1981, Ch. 579, Sec. 1.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18906.7.

18906.7. The state shall pay 100 percent of the nonfederal costs of administering an early fraud prevention and detection program in the administration of this chapter, established pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 18902.5, subject to Section 18906.
(Repealed and added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 97, Sec. 24. Effective June 30, 1991.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18906.8.

18906.8. Subject to Section 18906, the state may pay 100 percent of the nonfederal administrative costs, when cost-effective, as determined by the state, of followup activities in the Income Eligibility and Verification System for recipients.
(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 69, Sec. 63. Effective June 30, 1993.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18907.

18907. In the determination of eligibility for CalFresh, there shall be no discrimination against any household by reason of marital status, political belief, or any characteristic listed or defined in Section 11135 of the Government Code to the extent not in conflict with federal law.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 84. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18908.

18908. Except as provided in Section 18904.1, federal supplemental security income benefits, state supplemental security program benefits, public assistance, and county aid benefits shall not be reduced as a consequence of the receipt of CalFresh benefits under this chapter, to the extent permitted by federal law.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 227, Sec. 85. (AB 1400) Effective January 1, 2012.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18909.

18909. Section 10850, relating to disclosure of information regarding public assistance recipients, shall apply to information obtained under this chapter.
(Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 101, Sec. 176.)
2023 California Code › Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC › DIVISION 9 - PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES › PART 6 - MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS › CHAPTER 10 - CalFresh › Section 18910.

18910. (a) To the extent permitted by federal law, regulations, waivers, and directives, the department shall implement the prospective budgeting, semiannual reporting system provided in Sections 11265.1, 11265.2, and 11265.3, and related provisions, regarding CalFresh, in a cost-effective manner that promotes compatibility between the CalWORKs program and CalFresh, and minimizes the potential for payment errors.
(b) For CalFresh recipients who also are Medi-Cal beneficiaries and who are subject to the Medi-Cal midyear status reporting requirements, counties shall seek to align the timing of reports required under this section with midyear status reports required by the Medi-Cal program. This subdivision does not apply to CalFresh households in which all adult members are elderly or disabled members, as defined in Section 271.2 of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and in which the household has no earned income.
(c) The department shall seek all necessary waivers from the United States Department of Agriculture to implement subdivision (a).
(d) Counties may establish staggered, semiannual reporting cycles for individual households, based on factors established or approved by the department, provided the semiannual reporting cycle is aligned with the certification period; however, all households within a county must be transitioned to a semiannual reporting system simultaneously. Up to and until the establishment of a countywide semiannual reporting system, a county shall operate a quarterly system, as established by law and regulation.
(e) The requirement of subdivision (e) of Section 11265.1 shall apply to the implementation of this section.
(f) (1) This section shall become operative on April 1, 2013. A county shall implement the semiannual reporting requirements in accordance with the act that added this section no later than October 1, 2013.
(2) Upon implementation described in paragraph (1), each county shall provide a certificate to the director certifying that semiannual reporting has been implemented in the county.
(3) Upon filing the certificate described in paragraph (2), a county shall comply with the semiannual reporting provisions of this section.
(g) (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that, due to the establishment of a semiannual reporting cycle, change reporting no longer be imposed on certain households that were exempt from quarterly reporting pursuant to federal law. To that end, the department shall work with county human services agencies, client advocates, and the Statewide Automated Welfare System to eliminate change reporting for all households no later than January 1, 2017.
(2) For the purposes of this subdivision, “change reporting” means the reporting requirements imposed on households designated as certified change reporting households pursuant to Section 273.12(a) of Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 20, Sec. 54. (SB 79) Effective June 24, 2015.)