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State explores CFAP Plus to backfill CalFresh losses but warns cost and timing are uncertain
Summary
CDSS told lawmakers CalSAWS could be configured to provide a state benefit (CFAP Plus) for groups losing CalFresh under HR 1, but officials said implementation would be complex and could not occur before Oct. 1, 2027; Department of Finance warned expansion could cost hundreds of millions to billions depending on eligibility.
The subcommittee discussed options to expand the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to cover people who would lose CalFresh benefits under the federal HR 1 changes. Ryan Gillette of CDSS said CalSAWS is exploring ways to provide state‑funded benefits to lawfully present noncitizens and able‑bodied adults without dependents who lose eligibility, but he cautioned that "implementation of a CFAP plus program could not occur any sooner than 10/01/2027." He noted that separate policy choices, reporting requirements and system design could add both time and substantial costs.
The Department of Finance reminded the panel that any decision to expand benefits would have General Fund impacts and said costs would depend on how eligibility is defined; DOF estimated the potential range could be in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions of dollars. CDSS said the immediate focus of the trailer bill language under consideration is to ensure the state's technology and automation capacity is ready for a potential future expansion, not to create an immediate benefit this fiscal year.
CDSS staff also said provisional planning funds (a referenced $15 million) are being evaluated to support automation and implementation work. The subcommittee asked CDSS for a programming cost estimate and a timetable for when the administration could provide it; CDSS said it would check internally and respond.
Lawmakers asked for a clear technical cost estimate to inform the May Revision and for the administration to provide feedback on trailer‑bill language under active review.
