ACIN I-01-12: The Secretary Of State’s Changes To The California National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) Manual (1/5/12)

Updated manual to go with clarification of the law.  Counties must actually provide a Voter Registration Card and National Voter Registration Act Preference Form to all applicants and recipients, regardless of whether the individual indicates they want to register to vote or not. This policy replaces the policy in ACIN I-09-09 to “offer” voter registration materials. This applies to the CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, WIC, and IHSS programs. [Download]

ACL 12-02: CalWORKs Program: Overpayment Collection (1/6/12)

A little late for the holidays, and perhaps influenced by front page SF Chronicle coverage, but DSS has ordered the counties to immediately terminate all current collection actions against current adults or emancipated minors who were minors at the time the CalWORKs overpayment occurred.  This means NO  grant reduction, tax intercept or other collection methods, and to prospectively forego pursuit of repayment from these adults or emancipated minors.  More info and regulations changes will be forthcoming. [Download]

ACIN I-73-11: CalFresh Trafficking Violations (12/15/11)

Information on how to “strengthen federal-state-local collaboration to pre-empt, detect and terminate the trafficking” of SNAP benefits, and a review of referral and investigation requirements, including that fraud requires intent.  Of note: “CWDs should be aware of, and take into consideration, issues such as limited English proficiency, domestic violence, advanced age, and learning and mental health related disabilities that may prevent or limit a recipient from understanding the rules or questions of investigators or being able to participate in the investigation (as might be the case of a domestic violence victim). These considerations should be weighed prior to concluding that there is reasonable suspicion that an intentional act may have occurred. Free translation services must be made available during all fraud investigations when the recipient has indicated to the county a preference for a language other than English. The rights of recipients should be paramount during all investigations.” [Download]