Though intended to make everyone’s life easier, automation has posed many problems for counties, clients and advocates. This letter reminds counties that, regardless of what the automation system will allow, recipients and advocates must be permitted to review the entire case file, even if that means a “manual workaround.” If counties have folks review the entire file electronically, they must help show how to navigate the system. The alternative is printing out the entire file. And if the computer won’t let the worker comply with the law … manual workaround. This includes issuance of benefits and payment of Aid Paid Pending. [Download]
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
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ACIN I-24-06 – Inter-County Transfers for CAPI (April 5, 2006)
You want it, you get it. At least if you are a county. By county request, the state has issued an Inter-County Transfer (ITC) coversheet form for the CAPI program. Along with the coversheet, a reminder that CAPI is a statewide program, so CAPI benefits should not be terminated for a recipient who moves within the state. [Download]
New CalWORKs Forms
New forms for your clients. A Request for a Welfare to Work Exemption (the 2186A) and a new Plan Rights and Responsibilities. Hopefully a little clearer than the prior forms.
ACL 06-09 – CalWORKs Emergency Welfare-To-Work (WTW) Regulations (April 18, 2006)
The emergency WTW regulations implementing SB 1104 and 68 regarding “universal engagement” and “core” work activities are now out and attached to this ACL. The ACL also includes the new forms, most importantly, the new WTW 2 welfare-to-work plan document. Note: counties are now told that they should get a new WTW 2 whenever there is a change within the existing activity (like a change in schedule). [Download]
ACIN I-11-06 – 2006-7 – Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents Waivers (February 22, 2006)
Finally. Remember the Hokey-Pokey? Well, elgibile counties now all have their fee IN the ABAWD waiver program, and must have their Board of Supervisors vote to take their fee OUT if they want to be curmudgeonly. So, those counties that have high unemployment (throughout or by zip) can allows single folk more food stamps that the oh-so-generous 3 months out of 3 years that welfare reform got ‘em. [Download]
ACIN I-09-06 – Use of Translated Forms and Documentation of LEP Services and Accommodations (February 17, 2006)
Not only are counties to use forms translated by CDSS, regardless of the Limited English Proficient (LEP) population size, but, GASP!, they are to do so regardless of what the county’s computer automation system will spit out. Motivated by the joys of the new CalWIN system, the Civil Rights Bureau (CRB) reminds counties “there’s always paper.” While they are there, the CRB also goes over the requirement to allow clients to self-identify their preferred language of oral AND written communications, documenting the use of language services, use of self-provided interpreters, documenting disability accommodation need and provided services, and… that there are more obligations awaiting a reader’s pleasure in MPP Division 21. [Download]