CalWORKs
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Extension of benefits eligibility for Afghan migrants
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has provided guidance extension of the arrival timeframe for Afghan Humanitarian Parolees and other persons who have left Afghanistan to be eligible for CalWORKs and CalFresh and refugee resettlement benefits. Afghan…
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Impact of Social Security COLA on CalWORKs and CalFresh
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued information to County Welfare Departments (CWDs) that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) effective December 30, 2022, and payable January 1,…
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CalWORKs for Humboldt earthquake victims and evacuees
The California Department of Social Services has issued a reminder about policy for processing CalWORKs cases for victims and evacuees of state and/or federally declared disasters. On December 20, 2022, Governor Newsom issued an Emergency Proclamation for Humboldt…
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CalWORKs direct deposit bank account standards
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has released an update on bank account standards for direct deposit of CalWORKs benefits. The Welfare and Institutions Code allows direct deposit by electronic fund transfers to qualifying financial institution accounts…
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Implementation of CalWORKs Homeless Assistance changes
SB 1065 (2020) made several changes to CalWORKs Homeless Assistance benefits. Implementation of those changes was contingent on programming into the CalSAWS computer system. The California Department of Social Services has announced that the programming has been completed,…
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Treatment of CAPP payments for various programs
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance to County Welfare Departments (CWDs) regarding treatment of California Arrearages Payment Program (CAPP) payments issued to California assistance program applicants and recipients to help pay eligible past due…
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Treatment of Better for Families Tax Refund, and the Young Child and Foster Youth Tax Credits
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance for various programs about the treatment of Better for Families Tax Refund, and the Young Child and Foster Youth Tax Credits. AB 192 established the Better for Families Tax…
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Reclassifying CalWORKs overpayments during COVID as IPVs
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued a clarification that CalWORKs overpayments established during COVID which were originally classified as administrative error must be reclassified as Intentional Program Violation (IPV) if the overpayments are later determined…
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CalWORKs Home Visiting Program increase in material goods payment limit
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has informed counties participating in the CalWORKs Home Visiting Program (HVP) of an increase in the material goods fund limit from $500 to $1,000 beginning July 1, 2022. The funds may…
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CalWORKs WTW counting of self-employment time
On October 1, 2022, the Welfare-To-Work (WTW) changes adopted by Assembly Bill (AB) 461 (Chapter 582, Statutes of 2021) came into effect. AB 461 changes how self-employed hours are calculated for a CalWORKs WTW member. Starting October 1,…