The following changes to the Homeless Assistance (HA) program are now effective as of July 12, 2006, and must be implemented immediately:

• The maximum daily rate for temporary HA increased from $40 to $65 per day for families of four or fewer and $15 per day for each additional family member up to a maximum of $125 daily.

• Homelessness criteria is expanded to include families who receive a notice to pay rent or quit.

• The rent threshold for Permanent Homeless Assistance is changed from 80 percent of the maximum aid payment level to 80 percent of the total monthly household income (TMHI).

• Permanent Homeless Assistance is available to pay up to two months of rent arrearages to prevent eviction.
Each month of the rent arrearage payment shall not exceed 80 percent of the TMHI.

All these terms are also defined in the letter, which also has an informing notices. [Download]

Durational sanctions have ended! Effective immediately, all adults on CalWORKs sanctions can cure the financial penalty without any specified minimum time limit. (In other words, the minimum 3 to 6 month sanction time no longer exists). The cure process for 1st sanctions, set out in ACL 05-39, will be process for all sanctioned adults now. Counties are to contact all those currently on 3-6 month sanctions to inform them of this, and invite them to contact a worker to cure now. The statute was effective June 12,2006; clients who immediately cure upon being informed of the end of durational sanctions who are not restored to that date should contact Dora or Nu at Western Center, 213-487-7211 x 2337 or 2629. [Download]