The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance regarding reassessment and redetermination for the Adoption Assistance Program and the Kin-GAP program because of COVID-19.
Counties should send the AAP reassessment form to adoptive parents at least 60 and no more than 90 days prior to the reassessment date. Returning the form is optional. If the parent(s) return the form without a request for change, the county can process it when received or wait until after June 30.
If parent(s) return the form requesting an increase in assistance, the county must process it. If parent(s) do not return the form, the rate continues at the rate in the prior AAP agreement. However, signed AAP agreements for wraparound services and out-of-home placements paid by AAP are limited to 18 months.
The requirement to return the Kin-GAP Determination of Eligibility form within two weeks of the date it was mailed is temporarily suspended. Counties shall continue Kin-GAP payments even if receipt of the paperwork is delayed. (ACL 20-47, April 21, 2020.)