California Ends CalFresh Drug Felon Ban

Published on Apr 1, 2015 in CalFresh

4.1.2015 As of Wednesday, April 1, 2015 the lifetime ban on receiving CalFresh for people with a drug related felony offense has been repealed. The 2014-15 state budget repealed the lifetime ban for individuals as long as they are complying with the conditions of their probation or parole. The budget action also repeals the ban on CalWORKs basic assistance benefits.

Californians with a drug related felony offense will now be able to apply for CalFresh benefits. If all other conditions of eligibility are met, individuals can begin receiving benefits or can be added to an existing CalFresh household as of April 1, 2015.

The California Department of Social Services released additional implementation guidance on December 19, 2014. link

Learn more about the budget action and history of the ban. link

Apply for CalFresh. link

Questions? Contact Alexis Fernandez at 510.433.1122 ext. 111 or alexis@cfpa.net

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