The California Department of Social Services has issued instructions about using an employment verification service called The Work Number. After counties execute contracts and Memoranda of Understanding, they can use The Work Number for initial and ongoing CalWORKs and CalFresh eligibility, fraud investigations, and to verify employment and income for TANF participation rate data.
If a county takes adverse action based on information received from The Work Number, the county must send a notice stating the name, address, and telephone number of The Work Number, the right to get a copy of the report from The Work Number if requested within 60 days, and that the information can be disputed by contacting The Work Number.
The Work Number is in addition to the existing IVES income verification system. As with IVES matches, counties must contact the assistance unit and give an opportunity to resolve any discrepancies before taking adverse action. ACL 16-43 (May 12, 2016).