Latest Updates
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County financial penalties for late IHSS reassessments
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance regarding county penalties for late In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) reassessments. IHSS has four subprograms which provide services to different populations: IHSS-Residual (IHSS-R). Recipients do not meet PCS…
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Extension of CalFresh Standard Medical Expense Deduction
The California Department of Social Services has issued guidance regarding extension of the CalFresh Standard Medical Expense Deduction (SMD). The SMD waiver and has been extended to September 30, 2029. The SMD is a standard $150 per month…
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Documentation of reasonable accommodation in CalSAWS.
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance regarding documentation of reasonable accommodation in the California Statewide Automated Welfare System (CalSAWS). This guidance applies to individuals with a “disability” as defined under the Americans with Disabilities…
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CalWORKs pregnancy verification form
The California Department of Social Services has issued a new form for third party pregnancy verification. People pursuing financial benefits from CalWORKS must prove they are pregnant. This can be done temporarily by the pregnant applicant providing a…
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CalWORKs definition of fleeing felon
People who are fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody and confinement after conviction, for a crime or an attempt to commit a crime that is a felony, are ineligible for CalWORKs. Effective January 1, 2024, the definition of…
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Requirement to provide copies of electronically filed CalFresh applications and allow corrections
The California Department of Social Services has issued guidance regarding providing CalFresh households with a copy of their application. If an application is signed via handwritten or electronic signature, the CWD must offer to provide a copy of…
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Housing and Disability Advocacy program funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26
The Housing and Disability Advocacy (HDAP) program has been allocated $44.6 million through June 30, 2028. HDAP provides housing-related financial assistance and supportive services The HDAP program provides housing supports and disability benefit advocacy to people experiencing homelessness…
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Bringing Families Home program funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26
The Bringing Families Home (BFH) program has been allocated $81 million through June 30, 2028. BFH provides housing-related financial assistance and supportive services to families who are receiving child welfare services, including tribal child welfare services, and are…
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Home Safe program funding for Fiscal Year 2025-26
The Home Safe program has been allocated $83.9 million through June 30, 2028. Home Safe provides housing-related assistance for individuals involved in Adult Protective Services who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and older and dependent adults…
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Implementation of CalFresh changes to noncitizen eligibility
HR1 caused substantial changes to noncitizen eligibility for CalFresh. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will implement these changes effective April 1, 2026. Counties cannot implement these changes prior to April 1, 2026. Counties cannot implement these…