The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a special alert that SSI and VA benefits recipients must register on the IRS portal by May 5, 2020 to get the $500 per dependent payment at the same time as their individual stimulus payment.  After May 5, 2020, Social Security recipients the IRS portal will no longer be available to enter dependent information for SSI and VA benefits recipients.  After May 5, 2020, SSI and VA benefits recipients will only be able to get the $500 per dependent payment by filing a 2020 tax return in 2021.  Note that the IRS did not say when on May 5 the portal would close for SSI and VA benefits recipients registering to get the $500 dependent payment.

For Social Security and Railroad Retirement recipients, the deadline to register on the IRS portal to get the $500 dependent payment was April 22.  Social Security and Railroad Retirement recipients who missed that deadline can only get the $500 dependent payment by filing a 2020 tax return in 2021.  (IR 2020-81, April 24, 2020.)

California is providing free or discounted hotel rooms to healthcare workers who are exposed to or test positive for COVID-19.  To be eligible, healthcare facilities need to certify that employees within their healthcare facility have presumably been exposed to COVID-19 and should self-isolate and/or quarantine to avoid further spreading the virus in the community.  (AFL 20-45, April 20, 2020.)

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.)

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.)

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has issued a directive regarding admissions to and discharges from facilities under its jurisdiction.  DDS is now denying admission and delaying discharge from the Porterville Developmental Center, the Canyon Springs Community Facility and all Stabilization, Training, Assistance and Reintegration homes under its jurisdiction and control.

DDS and Regional Center staff can continue to prepare for admissions and discharges.  For people in community transition planning, the regional resource development project will have conversations to ensure where feasible that such planning continues.  (Regional Center Executive Directors Letter, March 25, 2020, extended to May 20, 2020.)