CDSS has issued additional policy clarification on the implementation of House of Representatives 1 (HR1) as it relates to the eligibility of noncitizens for CalFresh Benefits. The clarification is provided in a question and answer format. [ACIN 26-29]
(K. Wardrip)
As of June 8, 2026, CDSS is changing the workflow for verification of income, employment, and work hours in two ways. [ACL 26-37]
First, CDSS uses a consumer credit report called The Work Number (TWN) to verify work and employment information for applicants and recipients of CalFresh and CalWORKs. Previously, eligibility workers only obtained a TWN verification if income or employment was reported by the household/assistance unit. Effective June 8, 2026, CDSS requires eligibility workers to obtain a TWN verification for every initial applicant and at any recertification or redetermination of benefits.
Second, CDSS will now offer Truv as an option to applicants and recipients as a way to obtain verification of employment, income, and work hours. Participant consent to use of Truv is optional and participants can still use other verification methods. Truv allows individuals to consent to securely share real-time payroll and employment data directly from employers, payroll providers, and gig economy platforms. Individuals can utilize the Truv link provided by the county and complete the consent-based verification process by providing login credentials to relevant electronic sources.
(K. Wardrip)
Effective July 1, 2026, the maximum value limit for non-exempt vehicles will increase for applicants/recipients of CalWORKs and three other programs. The new limit will be $33,626 (in equity value). Any equity value above that amount will count against the applicant/recipient’s maximum asset limit. This changes also applies to the Refugee Cash Assistance, Entrant Cash Assistance and Trafficking and Crime and Victims Assistance programs. [ACL 26-38]
Applicants and recipients can self-certify their vehicles’ fair market value using the “Self-Certification Form for Motor Vehicles” (CW 80) form. The counties use this form to determine whether the value is exempt from the vehicle limit, the equity value of non-exempt vehicles and whether there is excess equity value that should count against the family’s total resource limit.
The California Department of Health Services has released guidance regarding changes to child care eligibility and attendance.
Effective January 1, 2026, medical and education appointments are considered excused absences from child care. A child care contractor can claim attendance for days that the contractor is required to hold a space when the family is assumed to have abandoned care or is appealing disenrollment.
The income threshold for CalWORKs Stage 3 child care is now 70% to 85% of area median income adjusted for family size.
There is an exemption from family fees for abused, neglected, or exploited children who are receiving child protective services, or are at risk of being abused, neglected, or exploited and have a written referral from a legal, medical, or social services agency. That exemption is extended to 24 months. This exemption applies to General Child Care and Development, Migrant Child Care and Development (CMIG), Family Child Care Home Education Networks, California Alternative Payment Program, Migrant Alternative Payment Program, California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Stage 2, and California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Stage 3. (CCB 26-02, January 22, 2026.)
Effective January 1, 2026, the definition of “migrant agricultural worker family” for purposes of migrant child care programs at least one family member earns at least 40 percent of their total gross income from employment in fishing, agriculture, or agriculturally related work during the 12 months prior to applying.
Parents must provide documentation of the family’s total countable income either by providing payroll records or a letter from the employer, or a release authorizing the contractor to contact the employer. If the employer does not provided the requested documentation, or requesting the documentation would adversely affect the parent’s employment, the parent can provide other verification such as a client list with amounts paid, tax return, quarterly estimated tax return, or other records of income. (CCB 26-03, February 24, 2026.)
The State of California has created HOPE Trust Accounts for eligible children in foster care. Eligible participants are either: 1) A child who enters foster care before age 18, has been in foster care for 18 months, and reunification services have been terminated; 2) A child who enters foster care before age 18 and reunification services have been terminated; or 3) A child under age 18 when their parent or guardian died during the COVID disaster because of COVID and the household income qualified the child for MediCal.
Each HOPE Trust Account will get a one-time $3,000 deposit. The account holder can access the account at age 18, but must be withdrawn prior to their 27th birthday.
All eligible children will have access to financial planning and related services through age 30.
If the child reunifies with their parent or legal guardian, or the child is adopted or places in legal guardianship, the child remains eligible for their HOPE Trust Account.
Funds deposited and investment returns from a HOPE Trust Account are not income or assets for any means tested program.
After the initial withdrawal of HOPE funds, the distribution of funds is a lump sum, and the remaining balance is an asset. (ACIN I-19-26, May 1, 2026.) Note that after the initial withdrawal of HOPE funds, the distribution of funds is a lump sum, and the remaining balance is an asset. [Id.]