SI SF01801.300 Completing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application – California – BenefitsCal Web Portal

A. Background

The California legislature signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1811 Sections 38-41 into law on June 27, 2018, which ended SSI cash-out in California on June 1, 2019. This allows recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or State Supplementary Payments (SSPs) to receive SNAP benefits if eligible. Prior to October 1, 2008, SNAP benefits were referred to as Food Stamps, and are known as CalFresh benefits in the State of California. Previously, SSI/SSP recipients in California were ineligible for SNAP benefits because the SSP included a ten dollar benefit for food assistance.

Beginning June 1, 2019, SSA technicians will complete CalFresh applications for SSI applicants and recipients who live in pure SSI households in California. As defined in SI 01801.005, a pure SSI household is one in which an individual lives alone and is applying for or receiving SSI, or a household in which everyone is applying for or receiving SSI.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), in partnership with the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Social Security Administration (SSA) created a BenefitsCal web portal application. The application allows SSA technicians to submit CalFresh applications electronically instead of submitting paper applications.

B. Overview of the BenefitsCal Web Portal

SSA technicians will use the BenefitsCal web portal to submit a CalFresh application for SSI applicants or recipients living in pure SSI households. Below is additional information about the web portal:

• The BenefitsCal web portal is an external internet application maintained by CDSS not SSA.

• SSA technicians will access the BenefitsCal web portal by entering the following URL in their web browser: https://benefitscal.com/SSAUser

• Technicians need a four-digit passcode to access the BenefitsCal web portal. The passcode is stored on the San Francisco Center for Disability and Programs Support (SF CDPS) SharePoint and changes quarterly.

Note: 

SSA’s firewall may prevent technicians from accessing the BenefitsCal web portal if technicians click on the link from an email in Outlook. As a workaround, technicians may copy and paste the URL into their web browser or set it as an internet favorite.

C. What to do if the web portal is malfunctioning, SSA network systems are down, or the SSI applicant or recipient does not want to use the web portal to file for CalFresh benefits

If the BenefitsCal web portal is not functioning or the SSI applicant or recipient does not want to use the web portal, complete the paper application form CF 285 (Application for CalFresh Benefits). Refer to SI 01801.300 for detailed instructions.

For situations requiring paper CalFresh applications, complete both the CF 285 and the SSA-4233 (SSA Transmittal for SNAP Applications). Refer to SI 01801.310 for completing the SSA-4233. The SSA-4233 is used as a coversheet for the CF 285 when faxing applications to the county office for processing. Refer to the SF CDPS SharePoint for the fax numbers.

For paper CF 285 applications completed via telephone, write "SSA TELEPHONE INTERVIEW" on the upper right hand corner of the first page of the application and mail the completed CF 285 to the CalFresh applicant for signature. Do not tickle for receipt of the signed application. Advise CalFresh applicants they may return the application to SSA or take the application to the local county CalFresh office for processing.

IMPORTANT: Fax the SSA-4233, the completed and signed CF 285, along with supporting documentation to the local county office within one federal workday of receiving the application.

D. Field Office (FO)/Workload Support Unit (WSU)/Teleservice Center (TSC) Procedures

The following business procedure applies to both in-office and telephone interviews:

Step 1. During an SSI initial claim or redetermination (RZ), ask the SNAP screening questions in the Consolidated Claims Experience (CCE) path found in MS 08119.019, and shown below in step 2. Do not initiate an unscheduled RZ if an SSI recipient inquires about filing for CalFresh. Instead, complete a stand-alone post-eligibility (PE) event in CCE and complete the SNAP screening questions on the "Potential Eligibility for Other Benefit Leads - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" page.

Step 2. If the SSI applicant or recipient resides in a pure SSI household and answers "YES" to the question, "May I take your SNAP application today?", offer assistance with completing a CalFresh application or recertification per SI 01801.005C.2.b.

  • If the applicant or recipient is not living in a pure SSI household, but wishes to apply for CalFresh, refer them to BenefitsCal.com or the local county CalFresh office to apply or recertify for CalFresh, and stop here.

  • If the applicant or recipient is living in a pure SSI household, but answers "No" to the question "May I take your SNAP application today?", document the reason why they choose not to file for SNAP on an SSA-5002 (Report of Contact) or the Report of Contact page in the CCE, and stop here.

SNAP recipients are required to recertify their eligibility to continue receiving SNAP benefits after the current certification period. Use the BenefitsCal web portal or the CF 285 for both initial SNAP applications and recertification cases.

Below is a screenshot of the SNAP screening questions in the CCE:

ALT TEXT

Step 3. Complete the SSI initial claim, RZ, or stand-alone PE event using normal processing instructions. Once the SSI action is complete, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4. Upon completing the SSI initial claim, RZ, or stand-alone PE event, do the following:

  • Open the BenefitsCal web portal by accessing the web link: https://benefitscal.com/SSAUser

  • Obtain the four-digit passcode from the SF CDPS SharePoint and when prompted enter the passcode into the BenefitsCal web portal. The passcode changes quarterly.

Refer to section C above when the web portal is malfunctioning, SSA systems are down, or if the SSI applicant or recipient does not want to use the BenefitsCal web portal to file for CalFresh benefits.

If a paper application is completed as outlined in section C above, stop here. If utilizing the BenefitsCal electronic application, proceed to step 5.

Step 5. Read the following required script, word-for-word, to the CalFresh applicant:

You said that you want SSA to help you complete a SNAP application today. In California, SNAP is known as CalFresh. To fill out the SNAP/CalFresh application, I, an SSA technician, will enter information into the BenefitsCal.com. This is not a Social Security tool or website. The California Department of Social Services – not SSA – is responsible for the BenefitsCal.com application tool and information provided on this application.

In order to help you complete the SNAP/CalFresh application, you will need to give me information that I will enter into the BenefitsCal.com application tool, so that your local county office can review and process your application. Some of the information I will ask you about might be the same as what you gave me for your SSI claim. SSA will not keep any information that you provide for the SNAP/CalFresh application.

If you do not want SSA to help you complete the SNAP/CalFresh application online today, SSA will help you complete the SNAP/CalFresh application on paper. If you do not want SSA to assist you with completing a SNAP/CalFresh application, you may complete the application at BenefitsCal.com on your own or we may refer you to a local county office.

Note: 

If the SSI applicant or recipient does not want SSA to assist with completing a CalFresh application, refer them to BenefitsCal.com or the county CalFresh office, and stop here.

Step 6: Complete the CalFresh application using the BenefitsCal web portal, ensuring all screens are answered completely. Refer to the BenefitsCal web portal User Guide for additional instructions. If the CalFresh applicant is in the office, proceed to step 7a. If the CalFresh applicant is on the telephone, proceed to step 7b.

Step 7: On the Review and Submit web portal page, review the application summary by selecting "Download a copy of the application for review."

a. Web Portal In-Office Process

For in-office interviews, print the "Information for Households Applying for CalFresh with the Social Security Administration (CF SSA 1)" for the CalFresh applicant to read and review. There is currently an English Regular Print Information Sheet (12 point font), and an English Large Print Information Sheet (18 point font). Links to the documents are located on the SF CDPS SharePoint.

Read the following required scripts, word-for-word, to the CalFresh applicant:

Here is a summary of the use of BenefitsCal:

  • BenfitsCal.com is a website run by CalSAWS, a non-profit organization that accepts your benefits applications.

  • Before your application is submitted, I am going to read you several statements, and you will need to tell me whether they are accurate or not under penalty of perjury.

    • Your answers to the questions are true and complete to the best of your knowledge.

    • You read, or had read to you, and you understand and agree to the information for households applying for CalFresh with the Social Security Administration.

    • You understand that your county CalFresh office may verify the information in this application with Federal, State and local officials to determine if it is accurate.

    • You understand that giving false or misleading statements or misrepresenting, hiding or withholding facts to establish eligibility for CalFresh is fraud. Fraud can cause a criminal case to be filed against you and you may be barred for a period of time (or life) from getting CalFresh benefits.

    • You understand that illegally using or trafficking SNAP benefits is subject to the same penalties as above.

    • You understand that Social Security Numbers or immigration status for household members applying for benefits may be shared by the State with the appropriate government agencies as required by federal law.

    • You declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America and the State of California that the information contained in this statement of facts is true and correct, with full knowledge that all statements made in this application are subject to investigation and that any false or dishonest answer to any question may be grounds for denial or subsequent recovery or overissuance.

    Do you agree that the previous statements are accurate? Do you also agree with the Information for Households Applying for CalFresh with the Social Security Administration?

If the CalFresh applicant agrees with the statements above, check the "Click if the applicant agrees" box and read the following script, word-for-word, before electronically signing the CalFresh application with the applicant's approval.

Now that your application is complete, the next step is for you to authorize me to sign your name on the application and submit it to the State. To do so, I will have to sign your name by entering it on the electronic application. Do you authorize me to sign your name on the application and submit it to the State?

If the CalFresh applicant agrees, type their full legal name in the designated areas.

Note: 

If the CalFresh applicant does not agree with any of the statements, stop the application process and direct them to their local county CalFresh office.

b. Web Portal Teleclaim Process

For telephone interviews, before signature, do the following:

Note: 

If the CF SSA 1 URL is unavailable for viewing (i.e., the URL is down), read the document word-for-word to the CalFresh applicant located on the SF CDPS SharePoint. Contact the SF CDPS at SF.MOS.CDPS.Programs.Support.Team@ssa.gov to report the issue.

Read the following required scripts, word-for-word, to the CalFresh applicant:

Here is a summary of the use of BenefitsCal:

  • BenfitsCal.com is a website run by CalSAWS, a non-profit organization that accepts your benefits applications.

  • Before your application is submitted, I am going to read you several statements, and you will need to tell me whether they are accurate or not under penalty of perjury.

    • Your answers to the questions are true and complete to the best of your knowledge.

    • You read, or had read to you, and you understand and agree to the information for households applying for CalFresh with the Social Security Administration.

    • You understand that your county CalFresh office may verify the information in this application with Federal, State and local officials to determine if it is accurate.

    • You understand that giving false or misleading statements or misrepresenting, hiding or withholding facts to establish eligibility for CalFresh is fraud. Fraud can cause a criminal case to be filed against you and you may be barred for a period of time (or life) from getting CalFresh benefits.

    • You understand that illegally using or trafficking SNAP benefits is subject to the same penalties as above.

    • You understand that Social Security Numbers or immigration status for household members applying for benefits may be shared by the State with the appropriate government agencies as required by federal law.

    • You declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America and the State of California that the information contained in this statement of facts is true and correct, with full knowledge that all statements made in this application are subject to investigation and that any false or dishonest answer to any question may be grounds for denial or subsequent recovery or overissuance.

    Do you agree that the previous statements are accurate? Do you also agree with the Information for Households Applying for CalFresh with the Social Security Administration?

If the CalFresh applicant agrees with the statements above, check the "Click if the applicant agrees" box and read the following script, word-for-word, before electronically signing the CalFresh application with the applicant's approval.

Now that your application is complete, the next step is for you to authorize me to sign your name on the application and submit it to the State. To do so, I will have to sign your name by entering it on the electronic application. Do you authorize me to sign your name on the application and submit it to the State?

If the CalFresh applicant agrees, type their full legal name in the designated areas.

Note: 

If the CalFresh applicant does not agree with any of the statements, stop the application process and direct them to their local county CalFresh office.

Step 8. After electronically submitting the CalFresh application, may print a copy of the application for the CalFresh applicant upon request. You may also text, email, or print a confirmation receipt for them.

Reminder: If you are sampled while assisting an applicant completing a CalFresh application, work sample all SNAP application and recertification related activities under “Other Workloads” and “Food Stamp Applications/Recertifications” in Employee Office Sampler (EOS) to ensure the SNAP activity is credited properly.

E. References:

  • SI 01801.005 Overview of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits

  • SI 01801.300 Completing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application

  • SI 01801.310 How to Complete Form SSA-4233, Social Security Administration Transmittal for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Applications

  • MS 08119.019 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

  • BenefitsCal Web Portal User Guide

  • SNAP VOD


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0501801300SF
SI SF01801.300 - Completing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application – California – BenefitsCal Web Portal - 09/26/2024
Batch run: 09/26/2024
Rev:09/26/2024