PD 25-02: Application Withdrawal Reminder

Date:	02/14/25
To:	Eligibility Staff
From:	Ana Guitron, SSA BPIS, Sandra Loredo, SSA BPIS
Reference:	N/A

Background

A household may voluntarily withdraw its application for CalFresh benefits any time before eligibility has been determined, whether it's for intake or recertification. This withdrawal is an action initiated by the client for their own reasons.

Reminders

The Eligibility Worker is not to advise or suggest that the client withdraw their application, regardless of perceived ineligibility. Once eligibility has been determined, the application cannot be withdrawn anymore. Instead, a written Notice of Approval or Denial must be provided to the household. An application cannot be partially withdrawn (i.e., for only one month).

Method to Withdraw Application

An applicant may withdraw their application by:

Completing a Withdrawal of Application (SCD 166) or Notice of Withdrawal Application (CW 10), or
Submit a signed written statement that they do not wish to complete the application, or
Verbally notify Social Services that they do not wish to complete the application.

Important: When a verbal withdrawal is made the EW must contact the household and inform them they cannot file for a hearing but may reapply at any time or provide the household with the SCD 166 or CW 10 (If the form is mailed, it does not have to be returned). Document the withdrawal reason on the Journal Detail page and state that contact was made with the household to confirm the withdrawal. A withdrawal NOA is not provided if the applicant withdraws from the application.

Right to Reapply

A household that withdraws their application must be advised of the right to reapply at any time in the future. Once a household withdraws its application, it cannot be reactivated. A new application must be submitted

Hearing Rights

Once the applicant withdraws their application, they are not entitled to file for a hearing.

Documentation

Document in the Journal Detail page:

The reason for the withdrawal, if known, and
That contact was made by phone or in person with the household to confirm the withdrawal.

Refer to the topic Withdrawals in Chapter 4 of the Calfresh Handbook for further guidance.