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Classification Changes
Classification Changes [63-504.123]
Households with a change in classification (such as PA vs. nonassistance household status) must retain their original certification period unless the circumstances described in the section Changing the Certification Period apply.
A family applies for CalWORKs and CalFresh on January 20. The cash eligibility is not cleared by February 19 (30 days later). The CalFresh application must be processed as nonassistance with a 12-month certification period which begins in January. On March 2, CalWORKs eligibility is cleared. The CalFresh household is converted to PA for April, but the initial 12-month certification period of January through December is maintained. The RD and the RC must be aligned.
Changing the Certification Period [63-504.15 & 63-504.16]
Once the certification period is established, it cannot be shortened. If the household becomes ineligible, CalFresh benefits must be discontinued with a proper 10-day Notice of Action citing the reason(s) and regulation(s).
Exception: When all members of a currently certified NA HH apply for PA benefits, the HH shall be informed that it may be recertified for CalFresh at the same time its PA eligibility is determined. If the HH agrees to be recertified, the HH shall be provided with the application forms and have a joint interview. A NEC is not to be sent. If the HH is eligible for PA benefits, a new CalFresh certification period is assigned. Documentation must be added that the client agreed to be recertified.
For other programs the HH is applying for (e.g., Medi-Cal), the CalFresh certification period may be aligned as long as the HH agrees. The case file must be documented that the re-certification was done at the client’s request.
If a household is certified for less than the maximum number of months, the household’s certification period may be lengthened as long as the total months of the certification period do not exceed 24 months for households in which all adult members are elderly or disabled, or 12 months for all other households. If the certification period is lengthened, the household must be advised.
The EW certifies an elderly/disabled household for only 12 months. The following day, the EW realizes this household should have been given a 24-month certification period. The certification period can be extended to 24 months but a revised Notice of Action must be sent.
Related Topics
Establishing Certification Periods