SB 1065 (2020) made several changes to CalWORKs Homeless Assistance benefits.  Implementation of those changes was contingent on programming into the CalSAWS computer system.  The California Department of Social Services has announced that the programming has been completed, and the changes to the Homeless Assistance program are operational effective September 1, 2022.  These changes are described in ACL 21-121, summarized here.

Any family denied Homeless Assistance on or after September 1, 2022 based on rules that were changed shall have that denial reversed.  (ACIN I-70-22, November 1, 2022.)

 

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has informed counties participating in the CalWORKs Home Visiting Program (HVP) of an increase in the material goods fund limit from $500 to $1,000 beginning July 1, 2022. The funds may be spent on multiple items throughout the family’s participation in the HVP. Families currently enrolled in the program who have reached the $500 material goods limit may receive an additional $500 in material goods if they are eligible because the, $1,000 limit is cumulative per case.

Counties should coordinate with home visitors and CalWORKs staff for the distribution of funds for each family served by HVP. The material goods fund is to be used to remove barriers for vulnerable enrolled families and help support family stability. Not all needs will fall into the scope of this. Still, if a need is identified by the home visitor in a participating county, the material goods funds should be offered to eligible families. These funds cannot be used to supplant services already being provided through Welfare-to-Work supportive services, such as, diapers and transportation.

Counties and their contracting agencies must collaborate to establish the process of issuing the material goods funds and have the flexibility to decide how to track the payments of the material goods. CDSS recommends tracking the payments of the material goods in CalWORKs case documentation or the HVP monthly data reporting. CDSS also encourages counties and their subrecipient and/or contractor to make a reasonable effort to track aggregate information on the usage of these funds for ease of reporting and future program improvements.  (ACL 22-86, October 15, 2022.)

 

 

On October 1, 2022, the Welfare-To-Work (WTW) changes adopted by Assembly Bill (AB) 461 (Chapter 582, Statutes of 2021) came into effect.  AB 461 changes how self-employed hours are calculated for a CalWORKs WTW member. Starting October 1, 2022, self-employment participation hours are calculated based on the number of hours the participant self-reported as being self-employed. These hours may be reported verbally, through a written self-assessment, timesheet, estimated hours for previous months, a business plan, or other means.

Counties can no longer requires participants to report their income to determine hours of participation in self-employment, and WTW participants may self-report any hours spent on activities related to their business to meet hourly requirements. In the case of non-subsidized employment, the participant may be self-employed if they have the income to support the hours, otherwise, they will follow the regular WTW stream to participate in self-employment. WTW participants who are self-employed as salespeople count all hours spent promoting their business or trying or contacting potential or actual customers as hours worked.

If the participant’s business is not generating income, the County should discuss what the business needs to be successful so that the member can support their family and reduce the need for support. Clients interested in becoming self-employed can explore the CalGOLD website to learn more about required licenses, permits, forms, and fees.

WTW participants must comply with all of the same applicable business licensing, permits, and tax reporting requirements as any other business operating in their locality. For more information, they should visit the California Department of Revenue website.

The county does not need to verify that WTW participants have received all legally required business documents or documents to conduct their business. Self-employment and support services are available to as needed for self-employed participants. Counties are encouraged to provide case management for self-employed members.

The CalWORKs County Plan and regional market rates govern transportation. Members may use their own vehicles if public transportation is not available, but the county cannot set a limit on monthly reimbursement.

Counties may provide the tools, clothing, fees, etc. that the participant needs to run their business as supportive services.  Licensing, permitting, and other fees and expenses necessary for self-employed participants to comply with local operating requirements are allowable as an ancillary supportive service. However, counties are not required to pay all of the participant’s expenses when starting the business. Counties may consider renting or leasing equipment to meet member needs if purchasing equipment is too expensive.

Self-employed participants may deduct 40 percent of their gross self-employment income, or reasonably anticipated self-employment expenses, from their gross income when determining eligibility and at each re-determination.

While limiting necessary support services is prohibited, counties may require a secondary review by a supervisor prior to issuing a supportive services payment.

MPP Section 42-750.42 requires county to inform members of changes to transportation arrangements and additional ancillary services at least ten calendar days in advance of the proposed change, except in emergencies or exceptional situations.

CalWORKs calculates work participation rates based on self-employment income divided by the federal minimum wage. Additional activities outside regular business hours are reported accordingly, depending on the type of activity.

For income reporting, CalWORKs recipients must report income during the semi-annual reporting period, annual redetermination, or any time their income exceeds the income reporting threshold.  (ACL 22-80, October 14, 2022.)