CalFresh: categorical eligibility.

Existing law provides for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) , under which each county distributes nutrition assistance benefits provided by the federal government to eligible households, and the CalWORKs program, under which each county provides cash assistance and other benefits to qualified low-income families and individuals. In California, federal nutrition assistance benefits are administered through CalFresh. Existing law also provides for the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services, pursuant to which medical benefits are provided to public assistance recipients and other low-income persons. Under existing law, the State Department of Social Services is required to develop a program of categorical eligibility under CalFresh for needy households who meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements, in accordance with federal law. This bill would require the State Department of Social Services, to the extent permitted by federal law, to design and implement a program of categorical eligibility for the purpose of establishing the gross income limit for the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and state maintenance of effort funded service that confers categorical eligibility for any household that is categorically eligible and that includes a member who receives, or is eligible to receive, medical assistance under the Medi-Cal program. Because counties administer CalFresh, this bill would increase county duties by potentially expanding the eligible population, and would thereby impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.