Failure to timely complete recertification

 

An application for recertification is considered delayed if the recertification process is not completed by the end of the final month of the certification period. The county should consider an application for recertification timely if it was submitted before the 15th day of the final month of the certification period.

Client-caused delay

If a household files an application before the end of the certification period but the recertification process cannot be completed within the final month of certification period because of a client-caused delay, the county shall deny the application at the end of the period.  This applies whether the application for recertification was timely or untimely filed.  After the county denies the application, the household has up to 30 days after the end of the certification period to complete the recertification process.  If the household takes the required action within 30 days after the end of the certification period, the county shall withdraw the denial and provide prorated benefits retroactive to the date the client took the required action and completed the recertification process.

California has been granted a waiver by the federal government that allows counties to choose to deny CalFresh applications, including recertifications, for failure to submit requested verification within 10 days of the written request even if 30 days have not passed since the application date.  [ACL 19-57.]  The waiver is in effect until April 30, 2024.  [Id.]  42 counties have chosen to implement this waiver.  [Id.]

Counties must meet several conditions to deny an application for failure to submit requested verification within 10 days of the written request even if 30 days have not passed since the application date including the county completed an interview with the applicant, inform applicants of the 10 day standard both verbally and in writing, the county must assist the applicant in obtaining verification, counties must act on verification submitted within 60 days of the application date without a new application and grant benefits from the date verification is submitted, and if verification is submitted within 30 days of the application date, the county must reopen the application and grant benefits from the original application date. [Id.]

In addition, the notice of denial must state the reason for the denial and inform of the right to submit verification within 30 days of the date of application, and if eligible receive benefits from the application date. [Id.]

County-caused delay

If a household files a timely application for recertification but recertification is not completed within the final month of the certification period because of county-caused delay, the county must continue to process the case and provide a full month of benefits for the first month after the new certification period as soon as administratively possible. [MPP § 63-504.61(e)(1); ACL 19-10]

Recertification filed less than 30 days after end of certification period

If the household files an application for recertification within 30 days following the last month of the certification period, benefits must be prorated based on when the application for recertification is received.  [MPP § 63-504.61(i)(4); ACL 19-10.] If the application is then delayed beyond what would be the first month of the new certification period because of fault of the county, that delay is considered county-caused delay.

Recertification filed more than 30 days after end of certification period

Rertification shall be considered a new application for CalFresh and the county cannot require the client to submit an additional new application.  If the CF 37 recertification form is submitted more than 30 days after the end of the certification period, the county must process the recertification form as a new application and cannot require another new application. [ACL 19-10.]

Incomplete application for recertification

When the county receives an incomplete application for recertification, the county must send a denial notice.  The Notice of Expiration of Certification form does not satisfy the requirement for denying an application for recertification.

 

Notice of Missed Interview

When a household misses their recertification interview appointment, the county sends the household a notice of missed interview. [CF 386.]  The Notice of Missed Interview is dated to reflect the end of the certification period, even when the certification end date falls on a weekend or holiday.  [ACL 19-10.]