California Department of Social Services - State Hearings Division
Notes from the Training Bureau - October 30, 2002

Reference: All County Information Notice I-56-02; Public Law 107-171

There are several changes to the food stamp program resulting from the Food Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-171). Among those changes that become effective October 1, 2002 are the following:

¨ Legal noncitizens who are disabled are entitled to federal benefits, including food stamps regardless of the date of entry into the United States. The definition of disability for those who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996 requires the person to receive disability benefits rather than to establish disability by providing a physician's statement.
¨ The food stamp resource limit for households with a disabled member is raised from $2000 to $3000 to match that for households with an elderly member.
¨ As referenced in ACL 02-62, the standard deduction for a household with five members is increased from $134 to $147. The standard deduction for a household with six or more persons is increased to $168.