DPSS ePolicy

To revise existing policy and/or form(s)

Note: Changes are shown highlighted in grey throughout the document.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) shares a data file containing Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) monthly payment amounts with the counties via the Medi-Cal Eligibility Data System (MEDS). When benefits are adjusted due to the SSA Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), the SSI/SSP benefits are also subject to change. These changes are effective January 1, 2026, for CalFresh households (HHs), and the system will adjust the monthly benefit amount effective the February 2026 benefit allotment.

Once the SSA COLA is implemented, staff must act on the new SSI/SSP monthly payment amount no later than January 1st of each year for all continuing cases based on readily available data.

Ongoing Transitional CalFresh (TCF) HHs containing SSI/SSP recipients are included in the data file. However, the new SSI/SSP amount will not be used in the CalFresh budget until the TCF period ends and the HH either recertifies in the 5th month or reapplies for regular CalFresh benefits. This change will not affect the Supplemental Nutrition Benefit (SNB) and Transitional Nutrition Benefit (TNB) cases.

When CalFresh benefits are adjusted due to the SSA and/or SSI/SSP COLA changes, the requirements for a timely and adequate Notice of Action (NOA) will apply.

On January 1st of each year, all SSI/SSP recipients are subject to a change in their monthly payment amount because of the annual SSA COLA. The SSI/SSP COLA increase is reasonably anticipated and is considered a County Initiated Mid-Period Action.

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