CalFresh Update 2023-6

Non-Minor Dependent (NMD) and CalFresh Eligibility

Date	References	Clerical	Handbook(s) Revised
4/28/2023	ACIN I-68-17	N/A	Household Composition

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Background

NMDs are youth who were under an order for foster care at age 18, and are participating in extended foster care under dependency, transition, or delinquency jurisdiction, up until he or she is 21 under a transitional independent living case plan.

Most NMDs are placed in Transitional Housing Program (THP)-Plus Foster Care (FC) or Supervised Independent Living Placement (SILP) and apply for CalFresh alone.  Some NMDs live with their parents or relative caregivers.  

Policy

The current rule that applies to Foster Care children living with other household members  also applies to NMDs.  A CalFresh household has the option to include or exclude an NMD and the foster care payment when determining the household's eligibility and benefit level. Therefore, the NMD shall be considered a border and ineligible to participate in CalFresh independently from the household. 

The exception to this rule applies to NMDs who are a CalFresh household of one.  This is often the case for NMDs residing in a SILP or THP+FC placement.  In shared living arrangements where meals are purchased and prepared separately, each individual may apply for CalFresh benefits as a separate household (i.e. THP+FC, renting a room in a SILP).

For more information, refer to Boarders and Unearned Income.

Implementation

The information in this Update is not new but a reiteration of the existing policy. 

Data Systems

No changes

Forms and Notices

N/A

Other Programs

This change only applies to the CalFresh program. 

Supervisors

EW Supervisors must review this Update with their respective EWs.

Contacts

Angela Shing, Director Department of Employment & Benefit Services Contact Person(s): Michelle Demetrius ADSS II, 408-755-7540.

 

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