WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
1. Semi-Annual Reports
You must fill out and return a form called SAR-7 every six months. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! You will be asked to report your income, property and household composition, and any changes in your income, property or household composition that you anticipate in the next three months. You will need to fill it out in order to continue to be eligible. Under certain circumstances, you must report changes before your required reporting month.
If your SAR-7 gets lost, or you do not turn it in, your case will be suspended at the end of the month. If you had a good reason, such as being sick or not receiving the form in the mail, your worker may grant you “good cause” and your benefits may be restored. You have up to 30 days after your report due date to turn in your report to have your benefits reinstated regardless of whether or not you had a “good cause” for not turning in your report on time.
2. Recertification
You must be reviewed for benefits each year before the end of your certification period or your CalFresh will be cut off. You will receive a letter that tells you the application for this review is due. Be sure to complete this on time so you can continue to receive CalFresh without a break.
3. Work Registration
All CalFresh household members age 16 through age 59 who do not have children in the home must be screened for work registration. This may or may not be required, and is contingent upon state unemployment levels.
If you are not found to be exempt, you must agree to:
• Respond to a request of additional information regarding employment status or availability for employment
• Report to a suitable job if referred
• Accept a suitable job offer
• Not voluntarily reduce work hours to less than 30 hours per week
• Cooperate with the requirements of any welfare-to-work program you are assigned to, including CalFresh “workfare”
In CalFresh workfare, the number of hours you do is based on the amount of your CalFresh benefits divided by minimum wage. Sometimes when unemployment is high the County may not require workfare.
Fair Hearing
Everyone has the right to a “fair hearing” if you feel you were unfairly denied or to correct any mistakes (see Legal Hearings) If you appeal within 10 days or up to the day the action takes effect (whichever period of time is longer), your usual benefits will continue until the matter is resolved.