The Social Security Administration release guidance about medical evidence for disability claims based on symptom of Long COVID.  The  guidance discussesthe kinds of medical evidence Social Security says is needed to evaluate disability claims based on long-term health effects of COVID-19.  (Dear Colleague Letter, July 18, 2023.)

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is implementing the SUN Bucks program for Summer 2024 to provide nutrition benefits to low-income families with school age-children. The program will provide $40 per month in food benefits during the Summer Operational Period (SOP), spanning June, July, and August.

During the Summer of 2024, County Welfare Departments (CWD’s) are not responsible for implementing SUN Bucks. However, eligible families may contact CWD’s with general questions about SUN Bucks. CDSS is asking CWD’s to proactively share information about the availability of the program.

Sun Bucks cards will be mailed to addresses on file with the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) or the California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS). Families are highly encouraged to keep their addresses current with their schools or county.

For school aged children receiving Cal Fresh, Cal Works, or Medi-Cal who are experiencing homelessness and using a CWD office address for mail pick up, SUN Buck cards are delivered to the CWD office.

Children eligible for Free or Reduced Price Meals (FRPM) automatically qualify for SUN Bucks. Eligibility for FRPM is determined by

1. School meal applications or alternative income forms; OR
2. Receipt of CalWORKs, CalFresh, or Medi-Cal benefits; OR
3. Categorical eligibility for FRPM established by attending Head Start, experiencing homelessness, being in Foster Care, being a runaway, or being part of a migrant family

Children are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks if either

1. For Children age 0-22, the CALPADS system shows they have been determined eligible for FRPM based on school meal application/alternative income forms ‘categorical eligibility or
2. For Children age 6-18, the CALSAWS system shows they are eligible for FRPM based on receipt of CALWORKS, Cal Fresh, or Medi-Cal

Children who are not a part of CALPADS or CALSAWS and still want to access SUN Bucks benefits must apply for FRPM by completing a school meal application or alternative income form. Either application must be submitted to the school of enrollment by August 31, 2024. Families can obtain a correct FRPM application from the school administrators office.

For summer 2024, there is no dedicated SUN Bucks application.

SUN Bucks EBT cards look the same as Golden State Advantage EBT Cards and will arrive in the mail with activation information. SUN Bucks cards are accepted at the same locations as Cal Fresh EBT cards, including grocery stores, farmers markets, and approved online grocery retailers.

Each eligible child will get a card with $120 in food benefits. If a family has 4 eligible children, they will receive 4 separate cards. Cards will be mailed to the address on file with CALPADS and CalSAWS.

For summer 2024, EBT cards will be mailed to households by California’s EBT vendor, Fidelity Information Systems (FIS). Over the counter issuance of SUN Bucks EBT cards is prohibited.

SUN Bucks benefits will be expunged 122 days after available funds are loaded onto the EBT card. Expunged funds cannot be restored or replaced.

For Summer 2024, SUN Bucks EBT cards will be mailed by FIS staggered in stages.

Stage 1 card issuance begins June 2024 for children streamlined through CALPADS data as of March 31, 2024, or through CalSAWS data as of February 29, 2024. The first stage is anticipated to be completed in August 2024.

Stage 2 card issuance is for newly eligible children who qualify for SUN Bucks and will begin in late August. Children determined eligible through Cal SAWS data between March 1 and August 31, 2024 will be issued cards in stage 2. Children determined eligible through CALPADS data beginning April 1, 2024 will also be issued cards in stage 2 until issuance is complete. Stage 2 will include issuances related to replacement request. The second stage of SUN Bucks card issuance should be completed by the end of January 2025.

The SUN Bucks helpline is accessible via the California EBT customer service center, beginning May 28, 2024. Families can call (877) 328-9677 to reach the SUN Bucks helpline.

Requests to replace SUN Bucks card are granted if

1. A SUN Bucks card holder reports a previously activated card was lost, stolen, or damaged; OR
2. The SUN Bucks card was not received in the mail

For Summer 2024, disputes regarding eligibility or other actions will be handled at the state level through a process facilitated by SUN Bucks helpline. Families can use the SUN Bucks helpline to request a review of a decision regarding their benefits.  (ACWDL, May 28, 2024.)

The State Public Health Officer has ordered that all In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers be vaccinated by November 30th 2021.  This requirement does not apply to IHSS providers who live with or are family members of the recipient.

To be eligible for these exemptions, the provider must only provide to a single household. If a provider services multiple households, the exemption does not apply and the provider must adhere to the vaccination requirement.

Providers may also be granted an exemption if they provide the recipient with a COVID-19 Vaccination Exemption Form signed by the provider either stating:

• The provider is declining the vaccination based on religious beliefs; or

• The provider is excused from receiving the vaccine due to an eligible medical reason (with an exemption form signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or other licensed medical professional).

The recipient’s responsibilities include requesting documentation showing that the provider has been vaccinated or can provide an exemption form. The recipient is responsible for reviewing the exemption form and determining if the provider has met the criteria to meet one of the exemptions listed above.  A recipient may not enforce the vaccination requirement.

Once the recipient determines that the exemption is met, the unvaccinated provider must meet the requirements when entering or working in the recipient’s residence:

• The unvaccinated provider must be tested weekly for Covid-19 with either an authentic PCR or antigen test.

 

• The unvaccinated provider must always wear a surgical mask or respirator while in the home. Each county can distribute Essential Protective Gear to any IHSS recipient or provider who requests it.

The provider’s responsibilities include maintaining all records regarding their vaccination status, vaccination records, or documents showing their medical exemption status. If the provider is exempt, they are responsible for keeping records of their weekly testing results.  Providers who are not currently working with a recipient must show proof of their vaccination or their exemption when they are hired.  Providers may use their annual State sick leave, if eligible, to take time away from work to get vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 infection.

Notices to inform all IHSS providers who are not live-in providers or provide services to nonfamily members have been sent on October 2021 stating the new vaccination/exemption requirements.  (ACIN I-81-20, October 11, 2021.)