More final regs… This ACIN transmits final regulations amending the CalWORKs Homeless Assistance (HA) Program to implement AB 335, to include a DV exception to the “once in a lifetime” limit on HA. The new rules were initially implemented through ACL 08-42; the final regulations became effective on September 25, 2010. The new rules permit recipients to verify DV with a sworn statement, unless the CWD documents in writing an independent, reasonable basis to find the recipient not credible. The DV may be verified by a sworn statement for up to two periods of temporary HA payments and two payments of permanent HA. The CWD is required to immediately inform HA program recipients (based on DV), of the availability of DV counseling and services, and refer them to services upon request, and provides for an offer of a “homeless avoidance plan.” [Download]
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
ACIN I-101-10: CalWORKs: Final Regulations On Inter-County Transfer (ICT) Process (12/3/10)
Sending on the final regulations amending the face-to-face and verification requirements for non-needy caretaker relatives getting CalWORKs on behalf of a court dependent child (and who is not receiving federal Foster Care), who are in an Inter-County Transfer. The law was initially implemented through ACIN I-05-09, dated January 20, 2009. The final regs were effective September 25, 2010. The sending county must provide documentation to the receiving county verifying caretaker relative status and foster care placement authority. [Download]
ACL 10-13: Elimination Of The Eight-Month Time Limit For Afghan And Iraqi Special Immigrants (11/16/10)
The Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2010 , enacted on December 19, 2009, extends benefits for Afghan and Iraqi Special Immigrants (SI’s). These folks are now immediately and continuously eligible for SNAP benefits, and are treated as refugees, provided that other program eligibility requirements are met. They are no longer subject to the eight-month federal limit. The change in policy is effective immediately. SI recipients whose eight-month period expired and who were not eligible for or transitioned to CFAP must reapply, and their benefits are not retroactive. SI recipients who are currently in their eight-month certification period must be transitioned to federal CalFresh for their 12-month certification period; SI recipients who are receiving CFAP benefits must be transitioned to federal CalFresh; SI applicants or recipients who were denied, due to the expiration of their eligibility time period, on December 19, 2009 or thereafter should have their denials reconsidered to the extent they were otherwise eligible. [Download]
ACIN I-96-10: Fraud Awareness & Promising Approaches (11/22/10)
A reminder to counties, “In light of the Governor’s Executive Order S-09-10 and the heightened awareness around welfare fraud” of the Promising Approaches and State Recommendations to fraud referrals/investigations and other state efforts in this area. [Download]
ACIN I-97-10: Access To Public Assistance Case Records Regulation Heading (11/23/10)
In order to avoid confusion, the state hearing regulations headings have been renamed. “Release of Information in Conjunction with a State Hearing” which implied that case file information could only be provided in the event of a state hearing has been changed to “Access to Case Records.” [Dowload]
ACL 10-55: Implementation Of The Renaming Of The Food Stamp Program To CalFresh (11/23/10)
So, we had focus groups, we had marketing research, we got a new name. Here’s the “how to” of implementing CalFresh as our nom de guerre for Food Stamps, aka SNAP. Counties are to phase in the new name as the state creates new forms and materials. The Notice also provides information on how we got the name (“CalFresh” was chosen because it was described as representing a healthy lifestyle and a “fresh” new program… The tagline, “Better Food for Better Living,” moves people to proactively think about the kinds of food they purchase through the program and brings to mind the shift to purchasing healthy food with CalFresh benefits.”) The ACIN includes a stuffer to clients, and info that a “style guide” will be coming out soon. [Download]