Reimbursement of the county’s staff development expenditures is subject to completion of an Annual County Training Plan. A reminder that the plan is due by December 15, 2009. [Download]

Just announcing the new EITC outreach publications, revised for tax year 2009, to reflect increased income and credit limits and the ARRA temporary increase in the EITC for taxpayers with three or more qualifying children. ARRA also changed the Child Tax Credit (CTC) rules to allow taxpayers with lower income to qualify for the benefit. The publications also tell folks how to get advance EITC, how to file for retroactive EITC back three years, and referral phone numbers and websites for information on how to get free tax help. English on one side and Spanish on the other… [Download]

At long last, aid codes that can be assigned to individuals eligible for benefits and services under the Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP). Includes a reminder that Counties may not deny or discontinue the case because the applicant or recipient does not have a social security number. The letter also continues requiring counties with automation that requires a social security number to “enter a ‘pseudo’ number” or other workarounds to ensure that the case is processed and the client is served. (Previously discussed in ACL No. 06-60.)

This Letter also reviews eligibility for the various categories. [Download]

Supplements ACL 07-29 and reminds CWDs of state requirements that CWDs provide clients and their ARs unrestricted access to non-privileged or non-confidential information in public assistance case records, and to clarify existing law and regulations pertaining to client access to their case files. Access is not limitedto cases in which a hearing is requested. Counties are reminded that they must provide information that is supportive of a claimant’s position. There is a discussion of what may (or may not) be privileged, and a recommendation to get guidance from county counsel. [Download]

Information on the increased eligibility of Afghan Special Immigrants and their eligible family members for federal and state public assistance programs. Eligibility was extended from six to eight months. Includes a list of the types of documents that confirm both status and date of entry for Afghan Special Immigrants. Benefits and services available include Refugee Resettlement Program, CalWORKs Program, and the Food Stamp. [Download]

The ACIN reiterates what services are available for eligible recipients and clarify the responsibilities and roles of federal, state, and county governments under the U.S. Repatriation Program (Program), temporary assistance to U.S. citizens and their dependents who become destitute or ill in a foreign country and require assistance to return to, and resettle in, the U.S. [Download]