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Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services Resource Guide 2013
Table of Contents Introduction
Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services Programs and Services Overview Contact Information Sheet
CalWORKs Fact Sheet Homeless Programs for Families Rights, Responsibilities and Other Important Information Sample Application for Cash Aid, CalFresh and Medi-Cal Statement of Fact for Cash Aid, CalFresh and Medi-Cal GAIN Fact Sheet Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) Fact Sheet Orientation/Job Club/Vocational Assessment (JCO) Fact Sheet Vocational Assessment Fact Sheet DPSS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Fact Sheet DPSS Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Fact Sheet DPSS Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Brochure Problems with Mental Health and Substance Abuse Brochure Specialized Supportive Services for Victims of Domestic Violence Brochure Confidential Domestic Violence (DV) Information WtW/GAIN Decision Chart Refugee Employment Program (REP) Fact Sheet General Relief Fact Sheet General Relief Opportunities For Work (GROW) Fact Sheet Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) Fact Sheet Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) Brochure CalFresh Program Fact Sheet CalFresh Benefits Your Rights and Responsibilities Sample Application for CalFresh Benefits Medi-Cal Program Quarterly Fact Sheet Sample Application for Medi-Cal In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Fact Sheet IHSS Application for Social Services SOC 295 Health & Nutrition Mobile Office Fact Sheet Toy Loan Program Fact Sheet Toy Loan Program Frequently Asked Questions Volunteer Program Fact Sheet Volunteer Program Flyer Accessing Health and Human Services Programs
CalWORKs
General Relief
Medi-Cal
Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services Programs and Services Overview
The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) serves a diverse community through a variety of federal, State, and County-funded programs designed to alleviate hardship and promote health, personal responsibility, and economic independence. DPSS administers the CalWORKs, CalFresh (Food Stamps), Medi-Cal, General Relief (GR), and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Programs, and the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) to low-income residents of Los Angeles County through dozens of DPSS Offices and other public and non-profit agencies located across the County. The following provides a description highlighting some integral components of these programs.
CalWORKs: State and federally-funded temporary cash assistance for low-income families with children and
any combination of the following, as necessary:
Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) Program: CalWORKs applicants and participants are prepared to find and maintain employment. Eligible CalWORKs applicants are engaged during the first points of contact with DPSS, and once participating in GAIN, they are provided with case management, employment services and ongoing supportive services. In addition, participants receive assistance in resolving or clearing their Welfare-to-Work (WTW) non-compliance or pending sanction through the GAIN Sanction Home Visit Outreach Project, which employs intensive case management to identify services participants need to overcome employment barriers. CalWORKs Housing Program: Program provides a number of services and benefits designed to assist CalWORKs homeless families, or families at risk of homelessness, to prevent eviction or move out of their current situation and into affordable permanent housing. Benefits include temporary shelter, permanent housing, moving assistance, short-term rental subsidy, assistance to prevent eviction, relocation assistance, and case management services. CalWORKs Specialized Supportive Services: Mental health, domestic violence, and substance abuse services are provided to participants in need of services. Supplemental Security Income Assistance Program (SSIAP): SSIAP workers provide physically and mentally disabled CalWORKs participants with assistance and advocacy support throughout the SSI application process. The goal is to obtain an early SSI approval for participants who appear to meet federal SSI eligibility criteria.
MEDI-CAL: State and federally-funded program which provides medical benefits to low-income families with children and elderly/disabled individuals who are unable to afford the cost of their medical care. CalFresh (FOOD STAMPS): Federal program with the purpose of promoting and safeguarding the health and well-being of low-income households by raising their levels of nutrition and increasing their food purchasing power. IHSS: State-mandated program that provides domestic services and personal care services to eligible aged, blind and disabled individuals to allow them to remain safely in their own homes.
The intent of the program is to prevent costly institutional care, by providing basic in-home care services to consumers who cannot safely perform the services themselves. Services must be related to health or safety and cannot be authorized for comfort.
GR: County-funded cash assistance for low-income individuals not eligible for State/federal assistance, plus the following services, as necessary:
General Relief Opportunities for Work (GROW) Program: GROW transitions employable GR participants into the labor market. Participants are assisted with activities designed to prepare them for employment, including case management, employment services and supportive services. Supplemental Security Income Medical Advocacy Program (SSIMAP): SSIMAP workers provide physically and mentally disabled GR participants with assistance and advocacy support throughout the Social Security Income (SSI) application process. The goal is to obtain an early SSI approval for participants who appear to meet federal SSI eligibility criteria.
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CAPI: State-funded cash assistance provided to aged, blind, and/or disabled legal non-citizens who are categorically ineligible to Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP) due to their immigration status.
SSIAP: SSIAP workers provide physically and mentally disabled CAPI participants with assistance and advocacy support throughout the SSI application process. Many disabled CAPI participants may be eligible to federally-funded SSI based on their disability.
REP provides employment and training services, case management and placement services for refugees residing in the U.S. for five years or less and asylees residing in the U.S. for five years from the date they are granted asylum. Services are available to refugees aided through the CalWORKs, Refugee Cash Assistance, and GR Program, or refugees not aided through a public assistance program.
Customer Service Center (CSC): The CSC provides participants with a single point of contact for ease in accessing their CalWORKs, CalFresh (Food Stamps), Medi-Cal or GR case information and reporting changes through the telephone. In addition, participants have access to general case information, emergency hotlines and program hotlines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via a self-service menu. CalFresh (Food Stamp) and Medi-Cal Outreach: CalFresh (Food Stamp) and Medi-Cal Outreach staff is stationed at various non-traditional community sites (including health clinics, food pantries, farmers markets, WIC sites, churches and schools) to accept and assist with CalFresh (Food Stamp) and/or Medi-Cal applications. Workers engage with the community, providing information and referrals to available resources and services. LINKAGES Project: A Los Angeles County interdepartmental partnership that promotes service coordination for families involved in the child welfare system (Department of Children and Family Services) who are also receiving services or benefits provided by DPSS. The goal is to increase child safety and family functioning and increase the number of positive child/family outcomes. YourBenefitsNow (YBN) Website: Los Angeles County residents can now apply on-line for CalWORKs, CalFresh (Food Stamps), or Medi-Cal www.dpssbenefits.lacounty.gov. Participants with an existing case can also view their benefit information through the YBN website. YBN provides 24/7 easy and convenient access for new and existing clients.
FRAUD PREVENTION
Income and Eligibility Verification System (IEVS): The coordinated data exchange system made available through IEVS allows workers to search and verify income and assets associated with specific identifying information for each household member, including name, social security number, and date of birth. IEVS is a valuable tool in identifying and detecting welfare fraud. Statewide Fingerprint Imaging System (SFIS): SFIS clerks capture fingerprints and photo images during the CalWORKs or GR application process. SFIS is a valuable tool for preventing duplicate aid fraud by matching applicants fingerprints against those individuals known to the statewide system. Early Fraud Prevention and Intervention Activities: Welfare Fraud Investigators take referrals for early fraud detection from eligibility staff, the Central Fraud Reporting Line, WeTip, and computer matches from fingerprints, addresses, and wage and asset matches.
Child Care Resources: Agencies identify appropriate child care for CalWORKs families and other families depending on family size and income. Agencies serve as a resource and referral to connect families to alternative community program services. Health Care Options: Applicants/participants receive assistance in choosing and enrolling in a health care plan. Department of Mental Health: Mental health services are provided to CalWORKs and GR participants. Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE): LACOE provides orientations for GROW participants. Military and Veterans Affairs: Staff provides referrals and resource information.
Los Angeles County, DPSS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. DPSS has a No Wrong Door Policy when serving the public, and participants will receive services in the office of their choice or accept a referral to another office.
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For general information on programs, services, and issues, constituents may contact: (626)569-1399 Customer Service Toll Free Number (310)258-7400 Centers 1 (866) 613-3777 (818)701-8200 DPSS Central Help Line Toll Free Number 1(877) 481-1044
For legislative staff assisting constituents on unresolved issues, contact: Derrick Robinson, Director of Government Inquiry and Response Phone: (562) 908-6602 Fax: (562) 463-5396 Email: derrickrobinson@dpss.lacounty.gov For all other questions, contact: Nestor Requeno, Director of Intergovernmental Relations Phone: (562) 908-8517 Fax: (562) 699-3671 Email: nestorrequeno@dpss.lacounty.gov
CalWORKs
The CalWORKs is a time-limited cash aid program for children and families designed to provide temporary assistance for basic needs (shelter, food and clothing). The program establishes work requirements and provides a broad spectrum of Welfare-to-Work (WtW) services that help remove barriers to employment and help families become economically self-sufficient. Contents CalWORKs Fact Sheet Homeless Programs for Families Rights, Responsibilities and Other Important Information Sample Application for Cash Aid, CalFresh and Medi-Cal Statement of Fact for Cash Aid, CalFresh and Medi-Cal
Additional information may be accessed through the websites listed below: www.ladpss.org DPSS main website, listing all departmental information, including program-specific information, office locations and the community events calendar. www.lacountyhelps.org Informs citizens of Los Angeles County of state and federal benefits assistance. This website provides additional information about programs available after completing a short online survey. www.211LACounty.org Provides information about human social services in the Los Angeles County.
CALIFORNIA WORK OPPORTUNITY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO KIDS (CalWORKs) PROGRAM Fact Sheet
Requirements Deprivation must exist (unemployment; deceased, disabled or absent parent). At application, the principle wage earner must not be employed more than 100 hours a month. Once the case is approved, the principle wage earner may be employed over 100 hours per month as long as there is financial eligibility. Children must live with a parent or relative caretaker. Children must be under 18 years of age or 18 years of age enrolled as a full-time student in high school or a vocational/technical training program and: Expected to graduate/complete the training program before reaching age 19; or Not expected to graduate/complete the training before age 19 due to a disability. Intend to reside in California. Must be a U.S. Citizen, naturalized or lawful permanent immigrant. Provide a Social Security Number.
Income Limits Gross income may include income from earnings, disability benefits, child/spousal support payments, veterans, etc. For Intake, the gross income (for earnings, deduct $90 from the gross income) must be under Minimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC) for the family. If income is below MBSAC, a second income test (Recipient Test) is applied: $112/50% disregards to income from earnings or $225 disregard for specific disability-based income. Apply a $225 disregard for specific disability-based income. If the Assistance Unit (AU) also has earned income, subtract the amount if the difference between the DBI and the $225, whichever is less and deducted 50% of the remainder. For earned income only, disregard $112 and deduct 50% of the balance from the income. The remainder must be under the Maximum Aid Payment (MAP) for the family. For approved cases, the gross income must be under MAP for the family after certain disregards are applied. (See above Recipient Test.)
Property/Resource Limits $2,000 (cash on hand, savings, stocks, etc.). $3,000 if someone in the AU is 60 years or older. Exempt Property/Resources may include: The home the applicant/participant resides in. Personal/household items (furniture, appliances, etc.) Tools used for trade/profession. Participants may hold special restricted savings accounts to be used for education/training, business or to purchase a home. For the first car, deduct $4,650 from the Fair Market Value, the remainder is counted towards the property limit.
-2Other Requirements Child Support cooperation. Immunizations for all children under the age of 6 who are not enrolled in school. Proof of regular school attendance for all school-age children. Work and training is required for most parents. Quarterly Eligibility/Status Reporting. Participants who self-identify as either a fleeing/drug felon are ineligible for CalWORKs. Maximum Family Grant (MFG) requires that cash benefits will not increase even if additional children are born. There are exceptions to this rule, but in general, the MFG rule is invoked when a child is born into an AU that has received CalWORKs for at least 10 months immediately prior to the childs birth. The MFG child is eligible to receive CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits.
Time Limits Most adults can only receive 48 months of cash aid. Exemptions may be applied to 20% of the CalWORKs population and to participants receiving domestic violence services. The months do not need to be consecutive. Months in which aid was received prior to January 1, 1998 are not counted. Includes months in which aid was received from other states (after 1/1/98).
MAP Levels Exempt MAP (higher) is limited to families where each adult relative caretaker in the (AU) receives or meets one of the following conditions: SSI/SSP benefits; IHSS benefits; SDI, Temporary Workers Compensation, Temporary Disability benefits; or Is a non-needy, non-parent caretaker relative who is not included in the AU. Additional Benefits For Intake, a pregnant woman with no other children must be in her last trimester before she is eligible for assistance. An applicant with other eligible children may receive the pregnancy allowance from the date of application through the month of birth. For approved cases, a pregnant participant may receive the pregnancy allowance from the first of the month in which medical verification is received through the month of birth. The first $50 from a child support payment is disregarded. A special need allowance may be allowed for diets, transportation, etc. A special non-recurring allowance may be given to replace clothing and household equipment if the loss was due to a sudden and unusual circumstance (fire, flood, earthquake, etc.). There are a variety of homeless assistance programs available. A Diversion payment may be available for applicants who need help to meet a one-time-only expense that prevents current employment or who is likely to find employment in a short period of time.
Emergency Assistance to Prevent Eviction (EAPE) - Helps CalWORKs families who are at risk of losing their housing because of non-payment of rent due to a financial hardship (not for any other lease/contract violations) to prevent eviction and remain in permanent housing. EAPE provides up to $2,000 to help pay rent and/or utilities for up to two months in arrears to assist the family in maintaining permanent housing. This program can be used as needed until the $2,000 limit has been exhausted. NOTE: Effective October 1, 2010, this program is available only to families meeting their Welfareto-Work requirements (participating in the GAIN Program).
Housing Relocation Program - Provides a one-time-only relocation subsidy of up to $1,500 to eligible CalWORKs participants working 20 hours or more per week or with a documented offer of employment for 20 hours or more per week. In addition, the family may receive up to $405 to purchase a stove/refrigerator if needed for the new place. 4-Month Rental Assistance (RA) Program for CalWORKs Families Assists homeless CalWORKs Welfareto-Work families to remain in non-subsidized permanent housing by providing a short-term rental subsidy. Families receiving HA Permanent Housing and/or MA may qualify for a rental subsidy of up to $300 per family (based on the family size) for up to four consecutive months. NOTE: All of the above homeless programs are once-in-a-lifetime. Some programs may be accessed again when certain exceptions are met (domestic violence, mental or physical illness, prior residence becoming uninhabitable, or natural disaster).
Additional information may be accessed through the websites listed below: www.ladpss.org DPSS main website, listing all departmental information, including programspecific information, office locations and the community events calendar. www.lacountyhelps.org Informs citizens of Los Angeles County of state and federal benefits assistance. This website provides additional information about programs available after completing a short online survey. www.211LACounty.org Provides information about human social services in the Los Angeles County.
The program pays for transportation, child care and work-related expenses to enable participants to attend assigned activities to facilitate positive outcomes. After participants find employment, Post-Employment Services are available to assist employed participants retain their jobs, and/or obtain higher paying jobs. Exempt participants may volunteer to participate in GAIN. Although not required, participation in GAIN is mandatory for all CalWORKs participants unless they are exempt. Exemptions required documentation, verification, and the approval of a GAIN Services Worker. However, once a participant volunteers to enter program, he/she must adhere to the same rules and regulations as mandatory participant do. Mandatory participants can utilize WtW Services for up to 48 months. The GAIN Program has embraced the philosophy, GAIN: The Bridge to Independence a practical and powerful message. Participants are shown how employment will greatly benefit their family, and prepare parents to secure self-sustaining jobs, which will eventually lead to long-term economic self-sufficiency. The GAIN Program is the largest Welfare-to-Work program in the nation and is focused on activities that rapidly move people into employment. Currently, we are serving 46,534 mandatory Welfare-to-Work Participants.
BACKGROUND/PROGRAM DESIGN Los Angeles County Department of Social Services (LADPSS) Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) is a post-assessment activity for participants who remain unemployed. These services are arranged through a contract the Department has with the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), who in turn sub-contracts with One-Stops/Work Source Centers located throughout the County. LADPSS operates two models: Paid Work Experience: Participants are placed in government or non-profit agencies; SBWIB is the employer-of-record; DPSS pays 100% of the costs; Participants are paid minimum wage ($8 an hour) Placements are 4 months in duration;