Guidance on pregnancy and young child exemptions

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CDSS has clarified that temporary illness from pregnancy is good cause for non-participation in Welfare-to-Work. If a pregnant participant is unable to participate in Welfare-to-Work activities for at least half of her participation requirement in a month, that month does not count toward the 24 month time clock. If pregnancy significantly impairs a woman’s ability to participate in
Welfare-to-Work for at least 30 days, she can be exempt from Welfare-to-Work for disability.

CDSS has also reminded counties of the one-time young child exemption that allows an exemption for a parent or caretaker relative caring for a child under age 23 months to be exempt from Welfare-to-Work. In addition, a parent caring for a child under age six months can be exempt from Welfare-to-Work once and exempt for 12 weeks for subsequent children.

In addition, CDSS reminded counties that Civ. Code Section 43.3 and SB 252 allow a mother to breast feed her child in any public or private location, including a county welfare department office. ACIN I-38-15 (6/3/15).

Notice requirements for Medi-Cal applicants/beneficiaries who fail to respond or provide additional information

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In light of the recent preliminary injunction in Korean Community Center of the East Bay v. DHCS, DHCS has instructed counties as of June 23, 2015, to stop discontinuing for failure to respond until appropriate and adequate NOAs can be issued with the specific information requested.  DHCS MEDIL I 15-18 (7/29/15).

The state has issued more specific instructions for denials at application (DHCS ACWDL 15-26) and discontinuances at redetermination (DHCS ACWDL 15-27).  The letters provide required language for these situations.  Additionally, the state reminds counties on how to handle verbal requests for discontinuing benefits. (7/31/15).

Eligibility guidelines for Trafficking And Crime Victims Assistance Program

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CDSS issued detailed guidelines for eligibility for the Trafficking And Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP). In general, TCVAP is available to victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and other serious crimes who are not eligible for other state or federal programs. The program began operating in 2007. Because counties requested clarification about policies and procedures for the program, CDSS issued and made publically available program guidelines to supplement existing regulations, All County Letters and All County Information Notices about the program. ACIN I-07-15 (1/29/15).

Extension of CalWORKs eligibility to former foster youth

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AB 12 (2010) created CalWORKs eligibility for certain people who were previously in foster care. The program is called the non-minor dependents program. In general, people who were previously in foster care are entitled to extended CalWORKs eligibility if they are completing high school or are in a program leading to a high school equivalent degree, enrolled at least half time in college or vocational education, participating in a program to remove barriers to employment, employed at least 80 hours per week or disabled. CDSS issued regulations implementing the non-minor dependents program and summarized the changes in the regulation package. ACIN I-01-15 (1/28/15).