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ACL NO. 14-63 Page Two

allotment amount is under $10, except in the initial month. In some cases, that amount may be zero. Federal rules at 7 CFR 273.10 (e)(2)(iii)(A) and (B), gives states the option to either deny, or certify and suspend, eligible households of three or more whose net income would result in the receipt of no benefits. As stated in ACIN I-50-13, California has opted to deny zero benefit cases. This also applies to existing households with three or more members in which the tables of benefit issuance indicate a benefit amount of zero. Such cases are to be terminated.

It has come to our attention that we had not “officially” notified counties regarding this option which was chosen as less administratively costly than certifying and carrying cases that are eligible for zero benefits. Therefore, the following instructions are provided.

Applicant Households

If a household of three or more that is determined to be categorically eligible either through traditional CE or MCE and has a net income amount that results in eligibility for zero benefits, the county will deny the application. The denial will be based on the fact that the household’s net income exceeds the level at which benefits are issued.

Ongoing Households

If a CE/MCE household with three or more members has a reported change in gross income and/or allowable expenses which causes their net income to increase to the point where they no longer qualify to receive any benefits, the county will discontinue the household’s participation as a result of the net income exceeding the level at which benefits are issued.

For those CE households being recertified that would receive no benefits due to their net income, the county will deny the recertification application for the same reason as an initial application as indicated above.

If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact your CalFresh county consultant or call the CalFresh Policy Bureau at (916) 654-1896.

Sincerely,

Original Document Signed By:

TODD R. BLAND Deputy Director Welfare to Work Division