CDSS has issued information about drought relief programs. One such program is the Drought Food Assistance Program that provides low income individuals and families with three to five days of food if they live in one of 29 designated counties and are unemployed or underemployed as a result of the drought. Households self-certify and agree that the food received is for personal home use only. The food boxes are distributed by local food banks. Another program is the Drought Water Assistance Program to assist low income households with residential water utility bills in 10 counties. CDSS also distributed a brochure about drought relief programs. ACIN I-62-15 (7/22/15).
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
Author: Stephen Goldberg
CalWORKs instructions on home county rules
CDSS has clarified that residence in California, but not in a particular county, is required for CalWORKs eligibility. Although recipients are required to report address changes within 10 days, failure to report an address change, by itself, is not a basis for adverse action against the recipient. For example, not reporting moving from a Region 1 (higher grant) county to a Region 2 (lower grant) county would cause an overpayment because of the difference in the grant level, but not because of the failure to report. In addition, a recipient can temporarily reside in another county for up to four months without changing their home county as long as they intend to return. CDSS provided five examples to illustrate the CalWORKs home county rules. ACIN I-63-15 (7/27/15).
Questions and answers regarding Family Stabilization Program
CDSS has issued 15 questions and answers about the Family Stabilization Program (FSP). FSP provides intensive case management services to CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work (WTW) participants who are experiencing an identified situation or crises. The program is described in ACL 14-12 . Among other items, the questions and answers clarify that FSP services are available to adults who are exempt from WTW participation, and adults in the family who are not included in the assistance unit if there is at least one mandatory WTW participant in the family.
Regarding FSP plans, the questions and answers clarify that a client in sanction status can use an FSP plan to cure their sanction, and each adult in a household must have a separate FSP plan. CDSS also clarified that FSP is not mandatory. In addition, CDSS states that if a client has a crisis outside of the scope of a county’s FSP plan, the county should still assess such clients for WTW exemption and provide services for removal of barriers to WTW participation outside of the FSP program. ACIN I-64-15 (7/29/15)
CalWORKs and CalFresh verification requests
In response to a request submitted by Legal Services of Northern California in 2009, CDSS has reiterated that counties must assist clients in obtaining information, including assistance in obtaining a Social Security Number and card. CDSS stated that if an application is unable to obtain a Social Security Number and card within 30 days of application, CDSS must evaluate the circumstances for good cause. In addition, CDSS stated that counties cannot require a printout from the Social Security Administration as proof of an applicant’s Social Security Number
CDSS also stated that the CW2200 Request for Verification form is a mandated form and must be used by counties. The CW2200 lists information that an applicant must provide and lists types of proof that an applicant can submit to verify particular information. The CW2200 also states that clients can request help from the county in obtaining verification and that counties can pay costs of obtaining verification when necessary. ACIN I-24-15 (4/13/15) and I-24-15E (5/5/15)
Guidance on pregnancy and young child exemptions
CDSS has clarified that temporary illness from pregnancy is good cause for non-participation in Welfare-to-Work. If a pregnant participant is unable to participate in Welfare-to-Work activities for at least half of her participation requirement in a month, that month does not count toward the 24 month time clock. If pregnancy significantly impairs a woman’s ability to participate in
Welfare-to-Work for at least 30 days, she can be exempt from Welfare-to-Work for disability.
CDSS has also reminded counties of the one-time young child exemption that allows an exemption for a parent or caretaker relative caring for a child under age 23 months to be exempt from Welfare-to-Work. In addition, a parent caring for a child under age six months can be exempt from Welfare-to-Work once and exempt for 12 weeks for subsequent children.
In addition, CDSS reminded counties that Civ. Code Section 43.3 and SB 252 allow a mother to breast feed her child in any public or private location, including a county welfare department office. ACIN I-38-15 (6/3/15).
Eligibility guidelines for Trafficking And Crime Victims Assistance Program
CDSS issued detailed guidelines for eligibility for the Trafficking And Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP). In general, TCVAP is available to victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and other serious crimes who are not eligible for other state or federal programs. The program began operating in 2007. Because counties requested clarification about policies and procedures for the program, CDSS issued and made publically available program guidelines to supplement existing regulations, All County Letters and All County Information Notices about the program. ACIN I-07-15 (1/29/15).