The Caseload Forecast Council is a state agency charged with preparing official state forecasts of the number of people expected to meet eligibility requirements and qualify for public assistance programs, including medical assistance, cash assistance, long-term care, and childcare.

The Legislature uses the forecasts to estimate the total expenditures for these different caseloads when developing their operating budget.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that provides a monthly food benefit to low-income households.  The state-funded Food Assistance Program (FAP) for legal immigrants provides the same monthly benefit to low-income households who do not qualify for the SNAP solely on the basis of their immigration status.

Historically, SNAP benefits have been entirely paid for with federal funding.  Under newly enacted federal requirements taking effect October 1, 2027, states must pay a portion of the total amount of SNAP benefits if the state exceeds a certain payment error rate.  The FAP is exclusively state funded.

The Caseload Forecast Council must forecast the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the state Food Assistance Program.