ACL 10-22: TANF Emergency Contingency Fund: Non-Recurrent Short-Term Benefits (4/19/10)

Program instructions regarding the provision of Non-Recurrent Short-Term Benefits which can be funded through the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF). Eligible groups are families potentially eligible for CalWORKs who take Diversion benefits; those on CalWORKs; and “needy families” (income less than 200% of the federal poverty level, which also meets one of the following criteria: a minor child is living with a parent or adult relative caregiver, (including a non-custodial parent who does not reside with the minor child), regardless of whether the child is receiving CalWORKs cash aid; a woman who is in her third trimester of pregnancy; A family in which a minor child is temporarily absent for a period of time not to exceed 12 months due to child abuse and neglect, and the parent or parents of the child are engaged in family reunification services. The benefits are designed to deal with a specific crisis situation or episode of need; not intended to meet recurrent or ongoing needs; and will not extend beyond four months. [Download]

ACIN I-20-10: Informing The Homeless Of Food Stamp Availability (4/13/10)

A reminder of county obligations to meet the needs of homeless food stamp applicants and recipients. In addition to “reviewing” policies to ensure fair access, counties are required to provide various options regarding mailing alternatives for homeless applicants and recipients. These options may include allowing the use of post office boxes; alternative mailing addresses, general delivery pick-up (U.S. Postal Service), and pick-up at the local welfare office. However, homeless households cannot be restricted to only one option for mail delivery/pick-up. [Download]

ACIN I-26-10: Cuban/Haitian Entrant Program And Temporary Protected Status For Haitian Nationals (4/8/10)

Bad news for earthquake displaced Haitians: The feds clarified that Office of Refugee Resettlement can be provided only to Haitians who are: parole status as a Haitian Entrants, paroled into the U.S. and has not acquired any other status; subject to removal, deportation, or removal proceedings but does not have a final, non-appealable order; has an application for asylum pending. Thus, although many Haitians got Temporary Protected Status, and may have work authorization, they are not eligible for ORR services. Nor are they eligible for food stamps. CDSS will issue information on CalWORKs eligibility later. [Download]