HUD states that “[t]he purpose of this notice is to facilitate the process for review and approval of special payments standards under the Housing Choice Voucher program as a reasonable accommodation for a family with a person with disabilities.” The notice clarifies how to calculate the special payment standard and the type of supporting documents that must be submitted with a request to waive the regular payment standard. The notice permits the 40 percent cap, normally applied only at initial occupancy, to be applied to families that need an exception or special payment standard to remain in their assisted units. [Download]
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
ACIN I-17-08: CalWORKs Program Hours Of Operations (3/3/08)
Just a reminder that the welfare offices have to to ensure that individuals can apply for and receive aid, including emergency benefits, when counties close their offices during regular office hours. (This was litigated in Blanco v. Anderson in 1995, in an order that also affected the Food Stamp and MediCal programs. However, this letter addresses CalWORKs only.) The county must provide a way to get applications and turn them in during an 8 hour/5 days a week period, and can use drop boxes or phone access. Additionally, the offices must post info on applications, alternative resources, and office hours. [Download]
ACWDL 08007: SECOND CONTACT REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDI-CAL APPLICATIONS (2/27/2008)
Reminds counties that they must make two contacts with applicants when attempting to get enough information from applicants to complete the application procedure. Contacts can be either verbal or written, but leaving a voicemail does not count as contact. [Download]
ACWDL 08-06: NEW LIMITS AND DISREGARDS FOR THE AGED AND DISABLED FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL PROGRAM FOR 2008 (2/25/2008)
The 2008 income limits and disregards for the A&D FPL program are now out. $1,097 is the limit for an individual beginning April 1st. [Download]
ACIN I-05-08E: Correction-Obsolete Food Stamp Q & As Regarding The Notice Of Missed Interview (NOMI) Process At Recertification (3/5/08)
Barely a month old, and already in need of correction! Two questions and answers recently published in ACIN I-05-08 regarding the recertification NOMI process are being made obsolete. CDSS is drafting an ACL informing CWDs of a new policy change regarding the NOMI process at recertification to be released in early Spring. [Download]
ACIN I-12-08: Implementation Of New Readoption Provisions For Intercountry Adoptions (2/25/08)
Senate Bill 1393 amended Family Code Section 8919 to include specific requirements that must be met in order for a a California Superior Court to issue a final readoption order. (Readoption is the process of completing a second adoption in California after a foreign born child has been adopted in a foreign country by California residents.) Currently, readoption in California is not mandatory by California law, but may be required by the federal government for immigration purposes.
The bill also establishes alternative requirements for readoption when the original adoption occurred in a country whose adoption laws have been certified by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as meeting or exceeding those of California’s. The countries eligible for certification are: China, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Russia, and South Korea. The certification process is currently being developed by the CDSS. When these countries have been certified, the state will provide further instructions. A new birth certificate shall be established by the State Registrar upon receipt of a readoption order issued by the Superior Court. [Download]