The ACL focuses on the impact to the CalWORKs program of four sections of the ARRA: (1) increased Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) [counts as income]; (2) a one-time payment of $250 to recipients of Social Security, SSI, Railroad Retirement Benefits, and Veteran Disability Compensation or Pension Benefits [doesn’t count as income, and if kept exempt as resources for 9 months]; (3) a temporary increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) [always was exempt, remains so]; and (4) the Making Work Pay Credit (MWPC) [not income, excluded for 2 months after receipt as resource]. [Download]
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
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ACL 09-26: CalWORKs And Food Stamp: Treatment Of 2010 United States Census Workers’ Income (6/4/09)
It is expected that approximately 17,000 full-time and part-time workers will be hired as census takers in California beginning on April 1, 2009. Most workers will be working from four to ten weeks. While the income is not exempt, it can only be counted (for quarterly reporters) if reasonably anticipated. “The nature of these temporary part-time and full-time jobs is such that the income received will often be difficult to reasonably anticipate.” Any income received mid-quarter that does not exceed the Income Reporting Threshold, does not need to be reported until the next QR7 is due and may not affect the CalWORKs grant, if it is not expected to continue. All these rules also apply to RCA, and Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP) folks. [Download]
ACIN I-20-09: Instructions for Submission of CalWORKs County Plan Amendments (4/30/09)
Just a reminder to counties of the guidelines, and to update contact information, for the submission of CalWORKs County Plan revisions/amendments. [Download]
Public Comment: Homeless Assistance Regs and DV
Comments are due May 13, 2009. The public notice, statement of reasons and text are on-line.
ACIN I-30-09: Final WTW Regulations Regarding Durational Sanctions and County Plan Addendas (4/15/09)
ACL 09-20: CalWORKs: Grant Reduction; Suspension Of COLA To The Maximum Aid Payment (MAP) Levels; COLA Increase To The Minimum Basic Standard Of Adequate Care (MBSAC) Levels (4/8/09)
The state budget cut CalWORKs grants (both regions, exempt and non-exempt households). This ACL lists the new grant amounts, and reminds counties that this cut may result in higher Food stamps. The Maximum Aid Payment (MAP) COLA is suspended, but the Standard of Need (the MBSAC) goes up. All clients will get the attached stuff in a May mailing.
The cut also applies to Refugee Cash Assistance and the Trafficking/Crime Victims programs. [Download]