Governor Newsom has issued an Executive Order suspending requirements for renewing drivers licenses is suspended through June 30, 2020. Renewal of Department of Motor Vehicle identification cards and vehicle registration is suspended for 60 days. Vehicle registration requirements are suspended through May 31, 2020. Any late fees or penalties are waived as long as payment for the renewal is made within 60 days of the original date of expiration. (Executive Order N-54-20, April 22, 2020.)
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
COVID-19 child welfare services visits by videoconference
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance authorizing child welfare services monthly caseworker visits to be done by videoconference when an emergency prohibits or limits face-to-face contact. The decision to do monthly caseworker visits by videoconference must be made on a case by case basis.
Child and Family Service case reviews can be done by videoconference but that decision must be made based on the circumstances of the case using specified factors. (ACIN I-33-20, April 21, 2020.)
COVID-19 reassessment and redetermination for AAP and Kin-GAP
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance regarding reassessment and redetermination for the Adoption Assistance Program and the Kin-GAP program because of COVID-19.
Counties should send the AAP reassessment form to adoptive parents at least 60 and no more than 90 days prior to the reassessment date. Returning the form is optional. If the parent(s) return the form without a request for change, the county can process it when received or wait until after June 30.
If parent(s) return the form requesting an increase in assistance, the county must process it. If parent(s) do not return the form, the rate continues at the rate in the prior AAP agreement. However, signed AAP agreements for wraparound services and out-of-home placements paid by AAP are limited to 18 months.
The requirement to return the Kin-GAP Determination of Eligibility form within two weeks of the date it was mailed is temporarily suspended. Counties shall continue Kin-GAP payments even if receipt of the paperwork is delayed. (ACL 20-47, April 21, 2020.)
COVID-19 stimulus payment exempt from execution
Governor Newsom has issued an executive order that CARES Act stimulus payments and any other payments in response to COVID-19 are exempt from attachment, levy, execution, or garnishment without a claim. This includes financial institution offsets and liens for including fees charged to or debts arising from the account in which the funds are held. Only exceptions are for child support, spousal support or criminal restitution payable to victims. Any money collected prior to the date of the order must be return without any further action. (Executive Order N-57-20, April 23, 2020.)
COVID-19 PUC, PEUC and PUA are income for CalFresh
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance regarding counting benefits from new unemployment programs as income for CalFresh. Benefits from the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program are unearned income for purposes of CalFresh eligibility and benefits. (ACWDL, April 21, 2020.)
COVID-19 additions to Lanterman Act participant directed services
The Lanterman Act specifies services that where participant direction to allow consumers to exercise more authority over how, and by whom, services are provided. Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has issued a directive adding personal assistance, independent living skills and supported employment as services that can be participant directed. This change is to increase the ability for participants to access services during COVID-19. (Regional Center Executive Directors Letter, March 30, 2020, extended to May 29, 2020.)