Guidance to CWDs on how to handle cases when the whereabouts of an AU/household is unknown, because of returned mail, etc. Of note, for CalWORKs, residence in the state, but not in the county, is a requirement for continued eligibility for aid, and so AUs may not be automatically discontinued for “whereabouts unknown.” The worker must attempt to contact the AU and give them an opportunity to clarify the discrepancies, send an incomplete QR 7 notice, and make a Balderas contact before terminating aid, as well as before any referral for a fraud investigation.
For Food Stamps, CWDs cannot terminate for “whereabouts unknown,” but only for loss of residency, based on “reliable information.” When residency is questioned because of EBT usage, workers must attempt to contact the recipient for clarification, prior to any fraud referral. The letter reviews why recipients may be using EBT cards outside their home county, and why this is permissible if it does not involve a change in residency. Use in another county/state cannot be a presumed change in residency. [Download]