CalWORKs
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COVID-19 not counting new stimulus payments as income for benefits programs
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance regarding treatment of the new individual stimulus payments as income for various benefits programs. The payments authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 are individual tax rebates. …
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Temporary homeless assistance repeal of consecutive 16 day rule
SB 80 (2019) removed the requirement that the 16 days of temporary homeless assistance had to be used on consecutive days. Changes to the welfare computer systems have now been made, and the removal of the requirement that…
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Impact of SSA COLA on CalWORKs
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) informs counties that Social Security recipients will get a 1.3 percent cost of living increase (COLA) effective January, 2021. For new applicants, the actual amount of Social Security benefits, including the…
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COVID-19 civil rights obligations
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) provides guidance to counties regarding meeting their civil rights obligations in emergency situations. Civil rights laws remain in effect when counties take emergency actions such as closing physical offices to the…
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Disqualification consent agreements
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance to counties about Disqualification Consent Agreements (DCA) and a new form for CalWORKs DCAs. A DCA is a voluntary agreement for someone accused of an intentional program violation…
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Child support in lieu of CalWORKs clarifications
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued clarification regarding implementation of SB 380 and previous guidance in ACL 18-82. SB 380 provides CalWORKs applicants and recipients the option to exclude the needs of stepsiblings and half-siblings…
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CalWORKs special needs
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) provides guidance about CalWORKs special needs payments. A special need is a need not common to a majority of CalWORKs recipients for goods or services which are essential for their support. …
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COVID-19 county welfare department office access
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) reminds counties of their legal requirements to ensure applicants and recipients have access to public social services benefits and services during an emergency or disaster. Absent an order from federal, state…
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Return of CalWORKs 60-month time limit
Effective May 1, 2022, or when automation is complete, whichever is later, adults will be eligible to receive CalWORKs for a maximum of 60 countable months. The 60-month time limit replaces the current 48-month time limit. Months that…
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Counting homework time for Cell-Ed
In ACIN I-55-20, summarized here, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) described its partnership with Cell-Ed to provide distance learning for Welfare-to-Work, CalFresh Education and Training, and Refugee Support Services. People assigned to Welfare-to-Work, CalFresh Education and…