COVID-19

COVID-19 IHSS parent providers

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The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance regarding redetermination of eligibility of a parent to be a paid In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provider for their minor child during COVID-19.  In general, parents are allowed to be paid IHSS providers for their minor children if the parent has left full-time employment or is prevented from obtaining full-time employment because no other suitable provider is available and the child is at risk of inappropriate placement or inadequate care unless the parent provides services.  In a two-parent household where one parent is a paid IHSS provider for a minor child, if the second parent loses employment or is no longer attending school or vocational training, the second parent is considered a suitable provider.

Through June 30, 2020, counties cannot reduce IHSS hours for any reason, including that a reassessment results in a parent being found ineligible to be a paid provider.  After June 30, 2020, if the second parent continues to be able and available, they will be considered a suitable provider and the first parent will no longer be eligible to be a paid provider.  If by June 30, 2020, the second parent again becomes unable or unavailable to provide services, the eligibility of the first parent to be a paid provider will not change.

If a reassessment prior to June 30, 2020 determines that parents are no longer eligible to hire a non-parent provider for their minor children, that change cannot occur until after June 30, 2020.  (ACL 20-49, April 23, 2020.)

COVID-19 Trustline registration period

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The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has extended the period for TrustLine child care registration to 180 days because of COVID-19.  Effective April 4, 2020, prospective license- exempt child care providers who are required to be TrustLine registered before child care payments can be made to receive retroactive payment for up to 180 days prior to the date of fingerprinting.  (ACWDL, April 23, 2020.)

COVID-19 drivers license and vehicle registration renewal

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Governor Newsom has issued an Executive Order suspending requirements for renewing drivers licenses is suspended through June 30, 2020.  Renewal of Department of Motor Vehicle identification cards and vehicle registration is suspended for 60 days.  Vehicle registration requirements are suspended through May 31, 2020.  Any late fees or penalties are waived as long as payment for the renewal is made within 60 days of the original date of expiration.  (Executive Order N-54-20, April 22, 2020.)

COVID-19 child welfare services visits by videoconference

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The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance authorizing child welfare services monthly caseworker visits to be done by videoconference when an emergency prohibits or limits face-to-face contact.  The decision to do monthly caseworker visits by videoconference must be made on a case by case basis.

Child and Family Service case reviews can be done by videoconference but that decision must be made based on the circumstances of the case using specified factors. (ACIN I-33-20, April 21, 2020.)

COVID-19 reassessment and redetermination for AAP and Kin-GAP

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The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance regarding reassessment and redetermination for the Adoption Assistance Program and the Kin-GAP program because of COVID-19.

Counties should send the AAP reassessment form to adoptive parents at least 60 and no more than 90 days prior to the reassessment date. Returning the form is optional.  If the parent(s) return the form without a request for change, the county can process it when received or wait until after June 30.

If parent(s) return the form requesting an increase in assistance, the county must process it.  If parent(s) do not return the form, the rate continues at the rate in the prior AAP agreement.  However, signed AAP agreements for wraparound services and out-of-home placements paid by AAP are limited to 18 months.

The requirement to return the Kin-GAP Determination of Eligibility form within two weeks of the date it was mailed is temporarily suspended.  Counties shall continue Kin-GAP payments even if receipt of the paperwork is delayed. (ACL 20-47, April 21, 2020.)

COVID-19 stimulus payment exempt from execution

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Governor Newsom has issued an executive order that CARES Act stimulus payments and any other payments in response to COVID-19 are exempt from attachment, levy, execution, or garnishment without a claim. This includes financial institution offsets and liens for including fees charged to or debts arising from the account in which the funds are held.  Only exceptions are for child support, spousal support or criminal restitution payable to victims.  Any money collected prior to the date of the order must be return without any further action.  (Executive Order N-57-20, April 23, 2020.)