CalFresh and Cash Stagger Issuance

CalFresh Stagger Issuance

For EBT, the CalFresh stagger day is determined by the last digit of the case number. CalFresh stagger days occur during the first 10 calendar days of the month, including weekends and holidays. The stagger day CANNOT be changed. The following chart indicates which day of the month the client’s benefits are deposited into his/her EBT account and available to purchase food:

If the Last Digit of the Case Number Ends in:	The Client’s CalFresh Benefits are Deposited on the:
1	1st Day of the Month
2	2nd Day of the Month
3	3rd Day of the Month
4	4th Day of the Month
5	5th Day of the Month
6	6th Day of the Month
7	7th Day of the Month
8	8th Day of the Month
9	9th Day of the Month
0	10th Day of the Month

Cash Stagger Issuance

W&I Code Section 10072 (c) mandates that monthly cash benefits be staggered over a period of three calendar days, including weekends and holidays. Without staggered cash benefit issuance, the potential that banks would be unable to adequately meet the needs of recipients, as well as other commercial customers, would exists due to the high volume of withdrawals occurring on the first of the month. The cash stagger day is based on the last digit of the case number. The following chart indicates which day of the month the client’s cash benefits are deposited into his/her EBT account and available for withdrawal or purchasing items.

If the Last Digit of the Case Number Ends in:	The Client’s CalFresh Benefits are Deposited on the:
1, 2 or 3	1st Day of the Month
4, 5, 6, or 7	2nd Day of the Month
8, 9, or 0	3rd Day of the Month

Note: CalSAWS always issues regular recurring benefits according to the case stagger date, regardless of when the case is approved (i.e., before or after FME).

Cash Stagger Exemption

If the client cannot get the landlord or child care provider to agree to accept payment on the second or third day of the month without a late fee, the client may request an exemption from cash stagger issuance. Follow these procedures when a client requests an exemption from the cash stagger day:

1. The Client requests an exemption from cash stagger.
2. The EW:
   1. Documents the request in the Journal Detail page.
   2. Explains to the client that the landlord and/or child care provider must complete and sign the “Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Exemption from Cash Benefit Stagger” (CSF 65), unless a copy of the agreement stating payment will not be accepted after the 1st of the month without a late fee is on file in the case record or Imaging.
   3. Provides the client with a CSF 65. 
      1. Note: If the CSF 65 is mailed, insert a pre-paid envelope.
3. The Client:
   1. Completes the CSF 65.
   2. Ensures the landlord/child care provider completes and signs the CSF 65.
   3. Returns the CSF 65 to the EW.
4. The EW:
   1. Receives and evaluates the CSF 65.
   2. Determines if the client qualifies for the exemption.
   3. Checks the approval or denial box on the CSF 65.

If the request is...	Then the EW...
Approved,	Selects the appropriate exemption type, status, and reason from the drop down menu in the Capture EBT Exemption window. Note: CalSAWS will generate a Notice of Action (CSN 02) approving the stagger day exemption.
Denied,	Selects the appropriate exemption type, status, and reason from the drop down menus in the Capture EBT Exemption window. Note: CalSAWS will generate a Notice of Action (CSN 01) denying the stagger day exemption.

Note: The client may file an appeal through Fair Hearings regarding the decision made by the county on the cash staggered exemption.

Reminder: It is illegal for a landlord to impose late fees until AFTER the 5th of the month. If the client states the landlord insists that late charges will be charged prior to the 5th of the month and provides proof, the exemption must be allowed; however, it is recommended the EW suggest that the client report this to the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

Related Topics

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Overview

EBT Forms