Duty to extend special help to the homeless: CalFresh offices must have special procedures that serve homeless people (as well as the elderly and disabled, for that matter). [7 C.F.R. § 273.2(a); MPP § 63-601.11.] The county welfare office must help get the CalFresh benefits to the recipient each month. [7 C.F.R. § 274.2(a); MPP § 63-601.11.] While this is less of a problem with the emergence of the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system for distributing CalFresh and other welfare benefits, California counties still must help recipients get their EBT card. For example, the county welfare office may help the recipient by finding him an authorized representative, or by mailing the EBT card to a shelter, or by allowing the recipient to pick up the EBT card at the office, or by using “any other appropriate means.” [7 C.F.R. § 274.2(a); MPP § 63-601.11.]
Outreach to the homeless: State SNAP agencies can get federal money to do outreach to homeless people to help them get on the CalFresh program. [7 C.F.R. § 272.5(c).] California has adopted a homeless outreach program. [Welf. & Inst. Code § 18904.2 et seq.] The law requires that CDSS develop materials on expedited service (emergency CalFresh benefits) for the homeless and give the materials and the shortened application to homeless shelters for use with their clients. [Welf.& Inst. Code § 18904.25.] The law also requires local county welfare departments to offer annual CalFresh training to homeless shelter staff. [Welf. & Inst. Code § 18904.25(b).]
Homeless youth: Homeless youth who are not living with their parents or under the control of an adult can get CalFresh benefits on their own. The income of their parents must not be used in calculating eligibility. [7 C.F.R. § 273.1(b)(1)(iii); MPP § 63-402.141.]