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Approve revisions to the General Assistance Minute Order including updates to the grant amount and other regulatory and procedural revisions
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health & Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board approve revisions to the General Assistance (GA) Minute Order including updates to the grant amount and other regulatory and procedural revisions.
SUMMARY:
The GA program is a cash assistance, safety net program of last resort for adults with little or no income and without children. The cash benefits are considered a loan. The GA Minute Order is the regulatory document for the GA program, outlining the guidelines for administering the GA program pursuant to Welfare & Institutions Code 17000. The GA Minute Order was last updated in December of 2002. The GA Minute Order should be updated so that the program rules remain compliant with industry practices and policy, advocate concerns, community needs, and Welfare & Institutions Code 17000.
The following are recommended revisions to the GA Minute Order:
* GA Grant Amount: Maintain the current GA grant amount of $355 effective April 1, 2019. Annually thereafter, adjust the GA grant amount at the same percentage change as the U.S. Census Bureau Federal Poverty Level increase or decrease.
* Client Identification: Require verification of client identity utilizing multiple options including federal or state issued photo identification, taking a collateral statement of fact or verifying identity through the Medicaid Eligibility Data System (MEDS).
* Sponsor Deeming: Remove the Sponsor Deeming requirement for Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) and add of a period of ineligibility for GA assistance for 3 years after date of entry for LPRs.
* Property Lien: Remove the Property Lien requirement for real property.
* Reporting Requirement: Remove the monthly reporti...
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