CalFresh Update 2023-8
End of The Temporary Student Exemptions
| Date | References | Clerical | Handbook(s) Revised |
| 6/1/2023 | ACIN I-18-23 | None | N/A |
Background
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 (The Act) created two temporary exemptions for students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education. The CalFresh student eligibility rule expands eligibility to students who:
- Were eligible for federal or state work-study or
- Had an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of zero dollars.
California implemented these temporary student exemptions effective January 18, 2021. The temporary student exemptions will remain in effect until 30 days after the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) is lifted.
Changes
With the ending of the federal PHE, the two temporary exemptions will no longer apply to college students newly applying or recertifying for CalFresh. College students who currently receive CalFresh benefits and are exempt under one of the temporary student exemptions must remain exempt until their next recertification when their eligibility will be redetermined. Student status is not required to be redetermined mid-period or at SAR 7. As the temporary student exemptions expire, EWs should make every attempt to screen students for all currently allowable exemptions outlined in the CalFresh handbook. Students previously certified under the temporary exemptions may continue to be eligible under a permanent exemption if they meet one of the regular exemptions.
Intake Application
Beginning June 10, 2023, students newly applying for CalFresh must meet one of the permanent student exemptions to be eligible for CalFresh.
Applications received on or before June 9, 2023, will continue to have the temporary student exemptions applied, regardless of any delays in processing that may occur—eligibility for the temporary student exemptions is based on the application date, not the processing date.
The temporary student exemptions cannot be applied to new applications received on or after June 10, 2023.
Recertification
Recertification applications submitted through June 30, 2023, must be processed using the temporary exemptions. Recertification applications submitted on or after July 1, 2023, must be processed using only the regular student exemptions.
Once an exemption has been established, the exemption will apply throughout the certification period, except for the exemption based on work hours and work-study. Per
policy, students already approved for CalFresh under one of the temporary student exemptions will remain exempt until their next recertification. At their next recertification,
students must meet the criteria for one of the permanent student exemptions. Students may still be eligible for CalFresh if they meet a permanent exemption.
Example 1:
A household that had their certification expire in June submits a recertification application on June 15th and meets all other eligibility requirements. As a result, the student is eligible for temporary exemptions for the new certification period.
Example 2:
A household with certification expiration in July submits a recertification application on 6/29 and completes all other eligibility requirements in July. The student is eligible for the temporary student exemptions for the new certification period.
Example 3:
A household with certification expiration in July submits a recertification application on 6/25, and the EW processes RE after 7/1. The student is eligible for the temporary student exemptions for the new certification period.
Example 4:
A household with certification expiration in June submits a recertification application on 7/10 and completes all other eligibility requirements in July. The student is not eligible for the temporary student exemptions for the new certification period.
Implementation
The effective date for intake applications is 6/10/23, and recertification is July 1, 2023. Refer to the section above for detailed instructions.
Documentation
The case journal must indicate that other student exemptions are explored and the evaluation outcome.
Data Systems
No change
Forms
None
Other Programs
This change applies to the CalFresh Program only.
Supervisors
EW Supervisors must review this Update with their respective EWs no later than 6/5/2023.
Angela Shing, Director
Department of Employment & Benefit Services
Contact Person(s): Michelle Demetrius, CalFresh 408-755-7540.