After implementing the end of durational sanctions and the post-DRA requirement to submit county plan addendas, at long last here are the changed regulations. [Download]
Summaries of select CalWORKs, CalFresh, Health and Housing Regulations
calworks
ACIN I-64-08: Revised EBT Forms And NOA Messages Due To Recent Farm Bill Changes (9/10/08)
New forms, effective 10/1/08, having to do with the time before an EBT account becomes dormant and expungement of EBT accounts (From 270 days under a waiver, to 365 days). To make life simple, CalWORKs has been made to conform with the Food Stamps EBT rules. [Download]
ACL 08-35: Eligibility For Iraqis/Afghans With Special Immigrant Visas And Information On Newly Arriving Iraqi Refugees (8/1/08)
Information on benefits for Iraqi and Afghans who worked as translators or interpreters and given Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), or admitted as refugees. A 2007 law allows Iraqis/Afghans with SIVs to get federally-funded refugee benefits and services, for a maximum of six months from the date of entry to the U.S. (2007 and 2008, only, 500 visas/yr.) A 2008 law provides that Iraqis (not Afghanis) can get 8 months of aid (5 years of visas, at 5,000/yr.) Benefits and employment services are the same as other refugee programs. Spouses and children also get the refugee benefits/services, as otherwise eligible. So, RCA for singles, and CalWORKs for families, Food Stamps for both. The letter includes a list of acceptable documentation.
California state law provides state-funded CalWORKs and CFAP/food stamps to PRUCOL immigrants. Iraqi/Afghan special immigrants are considered PRUCOL, and are eligible for state-only benefits after their respective federal eligibility periods (six or eight months) elapse.
Counties that “discover or become aware” that they denied CalWORKs or Food Stamps to any Iraqi and/or Afghan with a SIVs after December 26, 2007 and prior to the date of this letter must reconsider those denials, and issue retros, if otherwise eligible. And just to spin your head, information on SIV immigrants who adjust their status (before or after getting the SIV) and how it impacts benefits – but don’t worry, there’s a handy chart to boot!
SIV immigrants are in addition to an estimated 1400-1500 refugees/asylees from these countries expected to resettle in California. They are eligible for benefits for the regular period of time. [Download]
ACIN I-52-08: Prohibitions On Counties In Requesting Personally Identifying Information Of Victims Of Domestic Abuse From Service Providers In Awarding Grants (7/15/08)
SB 1491 limits the personally identifying information that counties may request from nongovernmental provides of domestic abuse services. It is unlawful for any entity to request or require that a victim service provider disclose personally identifying information regarding any of the persons to whom it is/has/is considering/has considered providing services; or request or require that a victim service provider use any computer software or system that requires the disclosure of personally identifying information (which the letter describes).
The law does allow counties to use an individual’s case number, his or her first name and year of birth, and/or the service provider’s client file number, but CDSS strongly encourages counties to reconsider the use of an individual’s first name in combination with any other information that can ultimately identify the individual. Counties should consider using the county’s case number and the provider’s internal case number for identification.
The letter identifies a promising practice of establishing a centralized unit of specialized supportive services workers to handle only domestic abuse cases. [Download]
ACL 08-36: Camacho V. Allenby Lawsuit (SIP Support Services) (7/28/08)
Instructions to implement the Camacho lawsuit on support services for SIP participation prior to the signing of the WTW plan. Reimbursement is due for all cases with SIPs approved as of April 7, 2008. Reimbursement must occur when the expense meets all of the following conditions: 1) The expense was incurred after the beginning date of aid; 2) The expense was necessary for participation during the academic period or term (semester or quarter) in which the SIP is approved; 3) The expense is determined eligible under CalWORKs regulations; and 4) The expense was an unreimbursed out-of-pocket cost. Counties are only obligated to pay for supportive service costs that were necessary for participation in the academic period or term (semester or quarter) in which the SIP is approved. [Download]
ACIN I-47-08: CalWORKs Child Care And Supportive Services And On-Line Courses (7/29/08)
The Notice provides guidance to CWDs regarding the inclusion of on-line courses in a WTW plan and when it is appropriate to provide CalWORKs supportive services for individuals participating in approved on-line courses. This ACIN does not address study time (wait for that with bated breath). Bottom line: on-line courses are a form of eduation, and CWDs must allow on-line courses as an activity if they are consistent with the participant’s assessment and participation can be verified. However, if the assigned activity is available in more than one format, counties may adopt a policy of requiring one over another. CWDs have written standards on the approval of on-line courses, and must apply their policies equitably to all participants. CalWORKs participants assigned to on-line courses are eligible for supportive services including transportation, ancillary expenses, and child care. Child care services shall be provided based on the individual’s need for the services, taking into account scheduling and other factors, such as other WTW activities, transportation, disabilities, and other factors that may render it necessary to take the on-line course at a time other than during school hours. CWDs cannot deny child care on the basis that the course could be taken during night hours when the children are sleeping. Another letter will be issued on verifying participation and hours. [Download]