Policy Pick: New Bill Would Ease Access to CalFresh Benefits

More than 3 million people participate in CalFresh, and more than 70 percent of the households that participate include children, according to California Association of Food Banks. However, this is only half of those who are eligible. The closer the state gets to participation by 100 percent of those eligible, the more likely it is to receive an additional $4.9 billion in federal funds.

"By removing unnecessary and burdensome hurdles for families applying for food stamps, my bill would not only support California financially by drawing down billions of federal dollars, it would ensure that thousands more families and children in need have adequate nutrition," Fuentes said.

The CalFresh Act would do three things:

Semi-Annual Reporting
The bill would change the requirement from quarterly to semi-annually. California is the last state to require quarterly reporting. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, semi-annual reporting is simpler and reduces paperwork.

Eliminate the Statewide Fingerprinting System
CalFresh program participants must provide fingerprints and a photo image to receive benefits. California is just one of three states that require this. The cost to the state of California to process the fingerprint and photo images is $17 million a year. California Food Policy Advocates calls fingerprinting and imaging a huge burden to the state for a process that discourages applicants. A more effective way of preventing fraud would be to match names with Social Security numbers, according to a report by the California Association of Food Banks.

Heat and Eat Program
Rent and utilities costs are taken into account when CalFresh benefits are calculated for participants. Under the proposed bill, CalFresh beneficiaries would receive a minimal utility assistance benefit under the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This would allow all CalFresh families to claim a Standard Utility Allowance of $321, regardless of how much they spend on utilities. This would increase benefits for some participants, and simplify the verification process for all, by no longer requiring that participants produce utility bills.