Complete with the new regs, this letter sets forth the changes to the Expedited Services (ES) Food Stamps program. Oops. CDSS regs conflicted with the federal requirements, when stating that there would be no 2nd month ES issuance if the household applied after the 15th and had verification postponed. Feds require that the household get the 2nd month if otherwise entitled, regardless of postponed verification. [Download]
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
ACIN I-61-08: Information On COLAs (8/21/08)
Transmits a chart showing the maximum allotments for FFY 2009 (starting 10/1/08). Thrifty food plan, standard deduction, shelter deduction, SUA (and Limited Utility Allowance), income eligibility standards are up. Homeless shelter and telephone allowances are unchanged. [Download]
ACIN I-46-08E: Correction ACIN No. I-46-08 (IGAR forms/process)(8/13/08)
Missing page; clarified the duties… For CAPI cases, the SSP 14 form is intended to replace the CAPI Interim Assistance Reimbursement (IAR) Authorization (SOC 451) form. The SOC 451 is obsolete and no longer valid. [Download]
ACL 08-35: Eligibility For Iraqis/Afghans With Special Immigrant Visas And Information On Newly Arriving Iraqi Refugees (8/1/08)
Information on benefits for Iraqi and Afghans who worked as translators or interpreters and given Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), or admitted as refugees. A 2007 law allows Iraqis/Afghans with SIVs to get federally-funded refugee benefits and services, for a maximum of six months from the date of entry to the U.S. (2007 and 2008, only, 500 visas/yr.) A 2008 law provides that Iraqis (not Afghanis) can get 8 months of aid (5 years of visas, at 5,000/yr.) Benefits and employment services are the same as other refugee programs. Spouses and children also get the refugee benefits/services, as otherwise eligible. So, RCA for singles, and CalWORKs for families, Food Stamps for both. The letter includes a list of acceptable documentation.
California state law provides state-funded CalWORKs and CFAP/food stamps to PRUCOL immigrants. Iraqi/Afghan special immigrants are considered PRUCOL, and are eligible for state-only benefits after their respective federal eligibility periods (six or eight months) elapse.
Counties that “discover or become aware” that they denied CalWORKs or Food Stamps to any Iraqi and/or Afghan with a SIVs after December 26, 2007 and prior to the date of this letter must reconsider those denials, and issue retros, if otherwise eligible. And just to spin your head, information on SIV immigrants who adjust their status (before or after getting the SIV) and how it impacts benefits – but don’t worry, there’s a handy chart to boot!
SIV immigrants are in addition to an estimated 1400-1500 refugees/asylees from these countries expected to resettle in California. They are eligible for benefits for the regular period of time. [Download]
ACL 08-22E: Correction – Transitional Food Stamp/Household Member Is Approved For Benefits In Another Food Stamp Household (8/6/08)
Some wrong cites, and clarification regarding the treatment of any deductions allowed in the Transitional Food Stamp (TFS) when an individual leaves the TFS household because he/she has been approved in a different household. CWDs must also disallow any deductions attributable to the person who left (as well as income), when the individual is aided in another household. [Download]
ACIN I-60-08: Application Release Collaborative On Independent Living Program (ILP) Transformation (8/15/08)
CDSS applied for and was chosen as one of six states to participate in a National Governor’s Association (NGA) Policy Academy for Youth Transitioning out of Foster Care. The Academy provided an opportunity to systematically address key challenges and improve transition outcomes. This process resulted in a new vision for California’s Independent Living Program, set forth in this notice, as well as the application to be part of the “Breakthrough Series Collaborative.” About 20 counties/tribes will be selected. [Download]