training materials - benchmarkinstitute.org · listen. we all will be ... listen carefull y. 2....

________________________________________________________________ FOOD ASSISTANCE MANUAL Appendix/1

Appendix Training Materials

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Appendix/2 FOOD ASSISTANCE MANUAL

Contents

Benchmark Learning Philosophy ........................................................................................................... 3 Guidelines for Participation .................................................................................................................... 3 Food Assistance Skills Training ............................................................................................................. 4 Trainer Role ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Feedback Guidelines ........................................................................................................................ 6 Change Process Model ..................................................................................................................... 7 Skills Development Notes ...................................................................................................................... 9 Skills Development Plan ...................................................................................................................... 11 Introduction to Public Benefits............................................................................................................. 13 CalFresh Overview ............................................................................................................................... 17


Benchmark Learning Philosophy Learn by Doing People retain knowledge and skills if they have immediate and repeated opportunities to practice what is learned. Informal Atmosphere Learning is increased in an atmosphere that is the least reminiscent of any formal schooling. Variety of Methods Research has demonstrated that learning proceeds most quickly when information reaches the learner through more than one sensory channel. We use methods directed at the visual, auditory and kinesthetic channels. Guidance not Grades We use no devices for comparative evaluation of your progress. We offer honest individualized feedback with explicit performance standards. We help you set achievable learning goals and suggest ways to meet them. No Tricks, Traps or Red Herrings Such artifice hinders and sometimes prevents learning. Learning by Layering We believe in layering information – basic information first, followed by exercises and experiences to use and practice applying the information. We aim to set cognitive hooks in the mind so that you can identify issues, recognize critical information in life-like situations. We do not believe in "memorize and regurgitate." Learning How to Learn Information and knowledge are increasing exponentially. A key skill is learning how to improve your ability to learn. First steps are becoming aware of the value in setting learning goals and identifying your preferred sensory channels for taking in information.

Guidelines for Participation All persons here are of equal worth and value; all opinions are valued and needed. Be Present. Minimize distractions; avoid multitasking. Participate. If you tend to be quiet in group situations, work on increasing your contributions – we're here to learn from one another. Avoid monopolizing the discussion by talking too much or too long.

Listen. We all will be speaking from our experiences; we talk about what is true for us. We agree to listen to one another with respect. Areas will arise where we agree to disagree. Ask questions. Asking questions is a great way to learn; it is not a sign of weakness. Help create an atmosphere where it is easy to for everyone to ask questions.

Express your needs and expectations constructively. Let us know what you need and expect. Please do it in a way that maximizes the possibility that people will hear you and respond. Explore new options, perceptions and assumptions; consider new experiences before passing judgment.

Extend yourself, take risks, and make mistakes in pursuit of learning. Learning doesn't happen if you don't.

Honor confidentiality. Cheat! Work and share information with others.

Give feedback in an honest way that helps others. Please speak in "I" terms: "I think; I feel; I believe; It's been my experience that." Feedback is a gift. Be open to receiving it from others, try to understand not defend.

Be on time for sessions. Do your best. Enjoy!


Food Assistance Skills Training Goals • To help develop tools to assist families increase their food security through participating in CalFresh • To provide the opportunity to meet with people who share commitment to this goal. Objectives At the end of the training, using the Food Assistance Manual, you'll develop your ability to: • Process CalFresh applications more quickly and accurately • Make effective referrals • Create a plan for your ongoing learning • Find and use key resource tools including forms and checklists • Gather information effectively from people with difficult behaviors • Connect with others to expand your resources and expertise


Trainer Role • Help you achieve your learning goals and objectives by: ► Providing information (discussion and demonsration) ► Giving structure to the learning experience ► Giving guidance and feedback • Create a safe learning environment • Encourage you to be resources to one another • Protect you from unhelpful, non-constructive criticism • Intervene when the group is experiencing difficulties


Feedback Guidelines Giving Feedback Giving feedback on a performance supplements experience, enhances self-awareness and eliminates unawareness. Useful feedback includes information about what you've done that conforms closely to or deviates from an acceptable standard of performance. Five Rules for Providing Feedback 1. Describe what you see, hear without judgment: "When you began your presentation, you stood behind the table and didn't look at anyone" vs. "you were hiding behind the table." 2. Express how you interpreted the behavior. "I believed that you did not have command over the subject matter." "I interpreted it to mean that you were not interested in what you were saying." 3. Express your feeling about the behavior. (Feelings are facts.) "I was annoyed because I didn't think I would get the information that I came for." 4. Express your reaction to the behavior. "As a result, I didn't pay much attention to what you said during your presentation." 5. Suggest an alternative behavior. "I would have felt more confident if you had moved from behind the table and made eye contact with us as you gave your presentation." Receiving Feedback 1. Listen carefully. 2. Avoid being defensive. 3. Determine which elements of the feedback are unclear or excluded. 4. Solicit missing information and request clarification as needed. 5. Summarize the feedback to be sure that you understand. 6. Decide what you want to do as a result of the feedback.


Change Process Model Often people resist change because they are uncertain about the results. It takes time to internalize new behaviors. Once you are aware of how the change process works and understand its dynamics, you will be able to approach change more positively. This model shows a four-step process for internalizing new behaviors or skills so that eventually they become part of your behavior pattern.

CHANGE PROCESS MODEL Step I Nonawareness Unconscious of one's behavior that results in ineffectiveness

Step II Awareness Conscious of one's behavior that results in ineffectiveness

Step III Internalized Consciously putting into practice the new behavior or skill

Step IV Integrated Unconsciously applying the new behavior or skill

Internal Experience That Takes Place When Integrating a New Skill or Behavior Resistance: Tending to stay with the familiar. Being Unsure: Starting to apply new skills and behavior and feeling phony. Assimilation: Becoming comfortable with the new behavior or skill. Transference: Applying behavior or skills learned in one setting to another setting or situation. Integration: Automatically and unconsciously reproducing the new behavior or skill as part of you.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________Appendix/8 FOOD ASSISTANCE MANUAL

____________________________________________________________________________________________ FOOD ASSISTANCE MANUAL Appendix/9

Skills Development Notes:


Skills Development Plan Date: Areas How Resources

By when


Introduction to Public Benefits Goals • Introduce major public benefit programs (and acronyms) that interface with CalFresh. 1. Public Benefits - Background A. Present day attitudes are firmly rooted in the past and shape the current public benefits systems. B. These attitudes are powerful, underlie public policy and have practical ramifications for our daily work: • Poverty is personal; • Economic success is a matter of personal merit and hard work; • Those who fail to achieve are morally or personally defective. C. Benefit programs can be divided into social insurance and income assistance programs. 2. Federal & State Programs: Laws A. Social Security Act of 1935 = one of – if not the – most important laws of 20th century. Framework for major benefit programs. 1) Established: a) Federal Old Age Benefits (Title II) Retirement at 65 b) Grants to States for: (1) Old Age Asst.(Title I) (2) UIB (Title III) (3) Aid to Dependent Children (Title IV) (4) Aid to Blind (Title X) c) 1972 – Title XVI – SSI created, adult categorical programs abolished. B. Food Stamps/SNAP 1)1933 - Agricultural Adjustment Act — Crop prices fall; farms have excess supply. Feds buy commodities and distribute to relief agencies. Some opposed “charity” - harm to the market; dumped hogs and milk rather than give to the needy. Enacted when word “Relief” out of title


2)1939 – New Deal “Food Stamps Plan” –– People buy orange stamps to purchase food. For every $1 in orange stamps feds give $.50 in blue stamps to buy commodity surplus foods. 3)1964 - The Food Stamp Act - Great Society Program: “to achieve a more effective use of agricultural overproduction, improve levels of nutrition among individuals with low-incomes and strengthen the agricultural economy.” Prohibits discrimination - race, religion, national origin, or political ideology. C. Health 1965 - Medicare and Medicaid. 1997 - State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) 2010 - Affordable Care Act D. Hierarchy of Laws 1) Most major benefit programs - governed by several layers of federal, state and local laws: a) U.S. Constitution b) Federal Statutes c) Federal Regulations d) State Constitution e) State Statutes f) State Regulations g) County Regulations and policy statements. 2) Advocacy considerations: a) The higher the law in the hierarchy, the more likely workers who deal with our clients are not aware of it. b) Workers may cite policy statements or agency practices that do not have the force of law. c) Laws that are inconsistent with higher laws are invalid. 3. Federal & State Programs: Agencies A. Governmental body, usually part of the executive branch, charged with implementing laws enacted by a legislative body. 1) Federal 2) State 3) Local B. Agency Functions (Quasi-Powers) 1) Executive powers =


2) Legislative powers = 3) Adjudicatory powers = a) CF Odyssey C. Limitations on Agency Powers 1) Constitutions – sets minimums a) e.g., Goldberg v. Kelly 2) Judicial Review D. Research 1) Code of Federal Regulations – Federal Register On Line Tutorials http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/tutorial/index.html 2) CA DSS – ACLs and ACINs 4. Interrelationship of Laws & Agencies A. Laws & Agencies 1) CalFresh a) Opting In b) Waivers B. Rules to Live By 1) Know agency time limits, procedures etc. a) Time limits b) Notice c) APP rules d) Hearing procedures 2) Create Your Contact List 3) Cultivate Deep Contacts C. Assertive Advocacy

1) Fair hearing representation 2) Policy Advocacy 3) Rule Making 4) Litigation

5. Analytical Tools A. Public Benefits Chart 1) Category (Who) a) Certain Types of People Meeting Certain Conditions

http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/tutorial/index.html

http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/tutorial/index.html


b) Types Excluded from 1) e.g.; fleeing felons, certain immigrants 2) Financial (Need) a) Resources (1) Limits (2) Excluded or Exempt b) Income (1)Limits (2)Exclusions, exemptions, disregards (3)Deeming- "What's yours is mine," e.g. sponsors (4)In kind, e.g., housing 3) Conduct (Acts) something someone must do or refrain from doing a) Work, Cooperate, Attend School, Rehab b) Sanctions – good cause 4) Procedural to demonstrate that people are eligible or remain eligible. a) Apply b) Verify c) Report B. Benefits Checklist 1. Time 2. Category 3. Financial 4. Conduct 5. Procedural 6.Grant Computations 7. Debt 8. Process 7. Other Programs 8. Emergency C. The Numbers


CalFresh (SNAP) Overview

I. Goals At the end of this session and the problem solving session, using the Outline, your notes, and the Food Assistance Manual, you will be able to describe the major issues in CalFresh program; calculate a CF Budget and describe and define:

• the four bases of eligibility for CalFresh; • the terms "household," "ABAWD," "certification period," "IPV," "EBT;" • the formula for determining financial eligibility for CalFresh;

• how the CalFresh interfaces with CalWORKs and GA/GR workfare. II. Hunger

Hunger Statistics & Studies http://www.frac.org/; A Blueprint to End Hunger (2004) http://www.centeronhunger.org/pdf/Blueprint%20final.pdf

III. Nutrition Assistance Programs A. Child Nutrition • National School Lunch Program • School Breakfast Program • Special Milk Program • Child and Adult Care Food Care Program (CACFP) • Summer Food Service Program • CA Department of Education http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/

B. Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) California Department of Health Services http://www.wicworks.ca.gov/

C. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) California Department of Social Services http://efap.net/efap.html


D. Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Same as above, but serves folks who need adult day care.

E. Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) F. Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations G. Congregate dining, pantries, co-ops, farmers markets, community gardens Finding these resources: California Association of Food Banks http://www.cafoodbanks.org/find.htm

IV. Statutes & Regulations A. Federal 7 U.S.C. § 2001, et seq. 7 CFR § 270, et seq. FNS Administrative Notices

B. State W& I Code §10,000-11,000; 18,000, et seq. MPP Division 63; MPP Division §19-22 ACLs; ACINs.

C. Local County Directives

V. Category Eligibility: Who Is Eligible?

A. Households – a group living together who purchase and prepare food together 1. Goal – to establish as many households as possible.

2. Test – Do they customarily purchase and prepare food together? If yes, then same household.

3. Can be households of one person only.

http://www.cafoodbanks.org/find.htm


B. Special rules about who MUST be in a household: even if don't buy and prepare together. These groups must apply as a single household: 1. Spouses

2. Parents and their children a. unless "child" 22 or over and prepares and purchases food separately b. unless person in family is 60+ AND disabled.

C. People Who Can’t Get CalFresh Include: 1. SSI recipients (only in CA) 2. Fleeing felons; 3. People in jail; other institutionalized people; 4. Some students; 5. Some strikers; 6. People disqualified or terminated from receiving Food Stamps;

7. Undocumented and not qualified immigrants but:

a. California Food Assistance Program CFAP – for lawful immigrants who do not qualify for federal CalFresh. NILC Chart Manual, 3/25

b. Excluded immigrant's income is counted against household on a prorated basis.

VI. Financial Eligibility: Is the Household Needy?

A. Resources – property on hand 1. Includes: cash on hand, tax refunds (not EITC), stocks, bonds, insurance settlements, boats, cars, federal work study, student loans and grants. 2. Must be "actually available"

3. Limit = $2,250; Elderly or disabled in household – $3,250

4. Modified Categorical Eligibility (MCE) – Non-assistance CalFresh HHs - no resource test. Disabled/Elderly gross income must be under


200% FPL ACL 14-56 (August 22, 2014); CH 2 §208.2

B. Exempt Resources include: 1. house lived in and land it's on

2. all vehicles

3. student loans and grants, federal work study 4. vacant lot plan to build on 5. funeral plot 6. personal household goods 7. cash value life insurance and pension plans 8. tools of the trade

C. Income – money that's gotten on a regular basis 1. Earned (wages) 2. Unearned (e.g., TANF, UIB, SSA)

D. Excluded Income includes: 1. anything that is not received as money, e.g., housing, child care, food 2. vendor payments 3. money earned if < 18 and at least half-time student 4. irregular income < 3 month's duration 5. loans 6. child support HH member pays for dependent child (not living in home)


E. Two Income Tests – Gross & Net 1. Gross Income Test = household countable gross income must be less than gross income limit (200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines). MCE 2. Net Income Test = household net income must be less than net income limit (100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines). 3. Deductions a. Earned Income = 20% of earnings b. Standard = depends on number in household c. Dependent care if working or schooling

d. Medical expenses over $35/month for elderly or disabled

e. Excess Shelter Deduction = rent + utilities that exceed 50% of income up to cap. Elderly or disabled have no cap. Homeless = standard deduction. f. Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) = a fixed amount in CA.

Note: SUAS or Heat & Eat

F. CalFresh Allotment 1. Adjusted CalFresh Income = Net Income x .3

2. Maximum Allotment – Adjusted CalFresh Income

G. Calculation Review 1. Gross Income less than Gross Income Limit

2. Net income (countable gross – deductions) less than Net Income Limit 3. Net Income x .3 = Adjusted CalFresh Income 4. Max Allotment for Household size – Adjusted CalFresh Income = FS Allotment


VII. Conduct Eligibility: What Acts Must People Perform or Refrain From Doing as a Condition of Eligibility?

A. Finger printing of all applicants – GONE! AB 6 B. Work Requirements 1. Required to look for and accept jobs to stay eligible; jobs can’t be "unsuitable" 2. Exempt if, e.g.:

a. Work at least 30 hours per week or earning $172.50 Weekly (federal minimum wage) b. Caring for child under < 6 or disabled person c. Under 16, over 54 d. Medically unfit to work e. If a migrant farm worker on contract to start f. If in CalWORKs WtW, GA workfare or alcohol drug rehab. program

C. ABAWDS = Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents. 1. Unemployed able-bodied adults (18-50) without dependent child entitled to CF 3 months out of every 36-month period. Period begins the day recipient receives notice. 2. Exceptions: unable to work (NOT SSI standard); exempt under current CF. law; employed, doing workfare, job training

3. Feds can waive requirement in a particular area if 10% unemployment exists. CWDs can waive up to 15% on individual basis. 4. W&I Code § 18926 requires DSS to seek waiver for all eligible counties unless they opt out in writing ACIN I-06-07 (February 26, 2007) 2013/14 Waiver granted 5. Feds allow 2 year waivers. ACIN I-06-07 (February 26, 2007)

http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/getinfo/acin07/pdf/I-06_07.pdf





D. Penalties 1. If don’t comply with work, work training, or quit without good cause, denied or cut off CalFresh for up to one month, second time, up to three months, third time, up to six months.

VII. Procedural Eligibility: What Must People Do to Demonstrate that They Meet and Continue to Meet CalFresh Eligibility Requirements?

A. They Must Apply 1. Process is intended to be (relatively) easy: only need signature, date and name for it to be complete. Many ways to submit application including phone, on-line. CWD must give checklist of what is necessary to process Application;

2. No more face to face interview at CWD. DSS requires a telephone interview in lieu of a face-to-face interview at intake and recertification in most circumstances. ACL 12-26 (May 31, 2012) a. Current county practices (including conducting a face-to-face interview on the first day if the applicant is in the office) may be maintained at applicant’s option if such practice expedites determining eligibility and issuing benefits.

3. CWD has 30 days to act on application (compare 45 days for CalWORKs). Must receive F. S. card and written notice of approval OR disapproval notice; 4. California application shortened in 2002 (Handbook, Appendix A);

5. May apply on line.

B. They Must Report Semi-annual Reports (SAR) replaces Quarterly Reports QR7

C. They Must Reapply 1. Must reapply before certification period ends each year or lose stamps. Certification period is usually 12 months, sometimes 6 or 24 months; 2. Must reapply face-to-face subject to same exceptions as initial application interview A.2

http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/lettersnotices/entres/getinfo/acl/2012/12-26.pdf


above. Also County must screen for waiver as in A.5 above.

VIII. Benefits: What Eligible Households Get

A. Amounts/Allotments Depends on net income and persons in household

B. Review of Eligibility and Benefit Amount 1. Gross Income less than Gross Income Limit 2. Net income (countable gross – deductions) less than Net Income Limit 3. Net Income x .3 = Adjusted CalFresh Income

4. Max Allotment for Household size –

Adjusted CalFresh Income = FS Allotment

C. EBT – Electronic Benefits Transfer. 1. Golden State Advantage Card 2. "Point of Sale" (POS), "Personal Identification Number" (PIN) 3. Automatically deducts cost from the monthly allotment and issues a receipt showing the balance.


D. Transitional CalFresh (TFS) 1. Work Incentive Program available when leaving CalWORKs; 2. Amount goes up because no income from CW grant; 3. Once on TFS, allotment stays same for 5 months; 4. Receive for 5 months without having to reapply; 5. No reporting requirements during 5 months; 6. May apply for regular CalFresh during or after; 7. Cannot receive if losing CW b/c sanctioned or disqualified from F. S., e.g. IPV; 8. New Rules ACL 11-70 (October 26, 2011)

IX. Immigrants A. Immigrant Benefit Chart Manual 3/27

B. CFAP California Food Assistance Program 1. Feds have restored most groups, although still small group on CFAP; 2. Can be deeming issues around sponsors; 3. Undocumented people cannot receive federal or state CalFresh; but can apply for family members who are citizens or eligible LPRs. income (and deductible expenses) of the ineligible non-citizens on a pro-rata basis.

X. Fair Hearing Process A. Same as CalWORKs 1. Aid Paid Pending the Hearing; 2. Right to Review and Copy File; 3. Right to Confront and Cross Examine; 4. Right to have representation; 5. Written Decision by ALJ.

B. Appeal to Court if Lose Hearing (Writ of Mandate)




XII. Resources

A. California (Online) Guide to the CalFresh Program http://www.foodstampguide.org/

B. Food Research and Action Center (frac.org) National support center on Food issues – monitors legislation, does policy work and produces publications. Publish a weekly digest

D. California Food Policy Advocates (cfpa.net) Latest updates in California legislation on food issues.

E. California Association of Food Banks http://www.cafoodbanks.org/ 2016

training materials - benchmarkinstitute.org · listen. we all will be ... listen carefull y. 2....

Documents