CalFresh Beneficiaries Urged to Report Changes in Income to Avoid Penalties
As the income reporting threshold (IRT) for CalFresh and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is crucial for eligibility, recipients are being reminded by authorities to report any changes that may affect their status. Failure to do so could lead to penalties and accusations of fraud.
In the latest CalFresh IRT table update, a single-person household can earn up to $1,396.00 USD monthly to be eligible for benefits. The earning capacity increases based on the number of family members.
However, failure to report income above the threshold can result in reduced or suspended benefits, with recipients potentially being required to repay excess benefits. Intentional non-reporting to obtain additional benefits will be considered fraud.
In California, for example, the IRT sets the threshold at $1,396.00 USD for a single-income household. Various deductions, such as standard deductions based on household size, child care costs, and medical expenses for elderly or disabled members, are considered to determine eligibility and benefit amounts.
With beneficiaries expected to report any changes in their income or household composition within 10 days, there are multiple ways to do so, including by phone, online, by mail, fax, or in person. CalFresh provides an income change reporting form to facilitate this process.
It is crucial for CalFresh beneficiaries to stay vigilant about the IRT table and promptly report any changes in their circumstances to avoid potential penalties and accusations of fraud.