DCFS Regional Kinship Support Meetings

Generally, a Relative Caregiver is an Informal Caregiver who is directly related to the child receiving care. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) offers monthly support group meetings for relatives to share their caregiving experiences and exchange information about community resources. Call 1-888-MY-GRAND (694-7263) for information.

RESOURCES FOR RELATIVE CAREGIVERS THROUGH FOSTER CARE

DCFS Kinship Resource Center

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has two office locations that provide support services to kinship families. Contact a Kinship Resource Center for additional information.

CASH ASSISTANCE-CALWORKS

Relative caregivers can receive financial assistance for children, regardless of the caregiver’s income, and regardless of whether they have obtained formal custody of the child through the court system. The children need to be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or other qualified immigrants. This financial assistance is called “Non-Needy Caregiver” Cal-WORKs. However, Cal-WORKs is a much broader program of financial assistance to families, as explained below. Relative caregivers who receive CalWORKs benefits for themselves and their own children will receive an increase in their cash aid benefits (a child supplement) instead of Non-Needy Caregiver assistance. The general CalWORKs program is a program for individuals that care for children younger than 19 years of age. CalWORKs provides money for children and the adult relatives caring for them. The cash aid can be used for housing, food, utilities, and other living expenses. Most adults can only get CalWORKs cash aid for 60 months in a lifetime. If an individual qualifies for cash aid, he or she is also entitled to Medi-Cal for healthcare and food stamps. To be eligible for CalWORKs, a family must have a child who is 1) under age18 or under age 19 if the child is currently attending high school vocational school and 2) deprived because the parent is dead, unemployed, disabled, incarcerated, or continually absent. In addition, CalWORKs applicants must also meet the income, residency, and resource requirements of the program. CalWORKs applicants are required to participate in the Welfare-to-Work Program, unless they are exempt.

Child Care Assistance Through Cal-WORKs

CalWORKs also offers a child care subsidy program that helps families access immediate, quality and affordable child care as they move towards employment and self-sufficiency. The child care subsidy is available for families that

1) currently receive CalWORKs cash assistance;
2) received CalWORKs cash assistance in the past; or
3) received a lump-sum diversion payment to stay off CalWORKs cash assistance.

In order to be eligible for CalWORKs child care the family must be low-income and either be working or participating in welfare-to-work activities. Even children who are not receiving CalWORKs cash assistance (e.g., children that receive SSI or are undocumented) may be eligible for CalWORKs child care. In Los Angeles County, CalWORKs subsidized child care is available for children through age 12, and exceptional needs and severely disabled children through age 18. For children ages 11 and 12, use of an after-school program for child care is preferred. Families are eligible for subsidized child care until their income exceeds 75% of the State Median Income for their family size or their children exceed the age limits of the program. In addition to CalWORKs, there are numerous other child care subsidy programs. For more information about subsidized child care programs, contact your local Resource & Referral Agency. A list of these agencies can be found at the California Child Care Resource and Referral Network (Toll Free Number 800- 543-7793, http://www.rrnetwork.org/). Tip! For more information on CalWORKs visit www.ladpss.org/dpss/calworks or call the public help line at (562) 908-6603. For more information on child care options, call 1-800-543-7793 or visit www.rrnetwork.org.

CHILD SUPPORT

Parents are obliged to support their children even if they do not live in the same home. Therefore, a legal guardian is eligible to receive child support from either parent through the local child support agency. If the child receives CalWORKs or foster care benefits, the legal guardian may only be entitled to child support after the state is reimbursed. The County Child Support Services Department (CSSD) administers the child support program in Los Angeles County. CSSD’s free services include locating parents, establishing paternity, obtaining court orders for child support and collecting and distributing collected support. 

FOOD PROGRAMS

Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC)

The WIC program is a health and nutrition program that helps low-income children under age five, pregnant women and mothers with new babies eat well and stay healthy. Relative caregivers and legal guardians caring for children under the age of five also qualify for assistance. While in the WIC program, you will receive special checks, called vouchers, to buy healthy foods at a grocery store you choose. Call 888-WICWORKS to find your local office to make an appointment. They will tell you what documents to bring to your appointment.

National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs

Children from households whose income is at or below certain economic levels are eligible for free or reduced-price meals every school day. Children who receive food stamps, CalWORKs/ TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) or Kinship Guardian Assistance Payment (Kin-GAP) benefits are automatically eligible for free meals, regardless of the income of the household in which they reside. Foster children are generally eligible because the income criterion is based on the child’s personal income. To apply, contact the child’s school and request a “Free and Reduced- Price Meals” application. Contact information for all schools is on the district web site.

Summer Food Program The Summer Food Program serves free nutritious meals to children age 18 and under during the summer or any time school is out for more than 15 days. Meals and snacks are served at schools, parks and recreation centers in areas where at least half the children qualify for free or reduced price meals at home. However, any child 18 or younger can eat there regardless of where they live or their family’s income. School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs United States Department of Agriculture www.fns.usda.gov/cnd.

Food Stamp Program Households with income at or below certain levels are eligible for additional money to purchase food under the Food Stamp Program. Food Stamps are issued in dollar denominations and are used instead of money to purchase certain items at most grocery stores. Children who are undocumented or receiving SSI are ineligible for Food Stamps. Children who are in foster care can receive Food Stamps. However, it is usually not a good idea to include foster children in your Food benefits. You must apply for Food Stamps at your local Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). Food Stamp Program Toll-Free Number 877-597-4777

HEALTH CARE BENEFITS

California Children’s Services (CCS)

CCS is a state program that helps children with certain diseases, physical limitations, or chronic health problems, such as congenital heart disease, cancer, tumors, problems caused by premature birth, hearing loss, cerebral palsy, and cataracts. The child must be under 21 years of age, and the family must meet certain financial eligibility criteria. CCS can pay for things like hospital stays, lab tests, x-rays, orthopedic appliances, and surgeries. For more information, or to apply online, go to www.dhcs.ca.gov.

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program helps pay for services provided to eligible persons who are 65 years of age or over, or legally blind, or disabled adults and children, so they can remain safely in their own homes. IHSS is considered an alternative to out-of home care, such as nursing homes or residential care facilities. Services authorized through IHSS can include household chores and personal care services such as non-medical assistance with respiration, bowel and bladder care, feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing, assistance with ambulation, help in and out of bed, assistance with medications and prosthesis care. In order to qualify, you must be a United States citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, or other qualified immigrant, and meet all Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility criteria. All applications for IHSS are made by telephone. You or someone acting for you can make a telephone application by calling 888-944-4477.

Medi-Cal and Healthy Families Medi-Cal

Children who are receiving any of the following benefits are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal: CalWORKs, Federal or State foster care, Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) payments, Kin-GAP, and SSI. You usually apply for Medi-Cal at the same time that you apply for CalWORKs or other benefits. However, you don’t have to apply for CalWORKs or any other cash aid benefits to get Medi-Cal; you can just apply for Medi-Cal if you want. You can obtain Medi-Cal benefits for a child quickly. To apply for Medi-Cal for a child,   submit the “Joint Medi-Cal and Healthy Families” mail-in application, which you can get from a DPSS office or by calling (877) 597-4777 or (800) 880-5305. If, after an initial screening, the child appears to qualify, the child will get Medi-Cal temporarily while the office processes the application. If it appears that the child qualifies for Healthy Families instead, you will get a letter telling you so.

Restricted (Emergency) Medi-Cal

California residents, regardless of their immigration status, can obtain Medi-Cal coverage to cover emergency services, pregnancy-related care, and long-term care services. You can get an application from a DPSS office or by calling (877) 597-4777.

Healthy Families Healthy Families is a program that provides low cost insurance for health, dental, and vision coverage to children who do not have insurance and do not qualify for no-cost Medi-Cal. The insurance pays most of a child’s costs for visits to doctors, dentists, eye doctors, and specialists, including hospital care when necessary. Children are eligible for Healthy Families up to their 19th birthday. Families must meet the income guidelines for children to qualify for the program. In addition, children must be U.S. citizens, U.S. non-citizen nationals, or eligible qualified immigrants. Papers providing proof of citizenship or qualified immigrant status must be provided within two months of enrollment in Healthy Families. For a list of necessary documentation visit: http://healthyfamilies.ca.gov/HFProgram/Immigration_Rules.aspx.Participants pay a small share of cost for these services depending on their income. Request an application at a DPSS office, by calling 800-880-5305 or go to www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov.

Healthy Kids

The Healthy Kids Program is designed to provide low-or no-cost health insurance to children ages 0 to 5 who are not eligible for Medi-Cal or Healthy Families because their family income is too high. Participants are required to show proof of income, address, and a copy of their birth certificate. Undocumented children are also eligible for the program as long as they are under the age of 5 ½ years old. The program’s services include: doctor visits, immunizations, hospitalizations and surgeries, prescription drugs, dental care, vision care and eye glasses, and mental health services. The cost of the program ranges from $0 to $12 a month depending on a family’s income and the number of children in the family.

Youth Development Services or Independent Living Program (ILP)

Youth are eligible for the Independent Living Program (ILP) up to their 21st birthday if one of the following criteria is met:

1) The youth is/ was in foster care (through dependency court) or in suitable placement (through delinquency court) at any time from his or her 16th birthday to 19th birthday or

2) The youth is/was 16 to 18 years of age and in receipt of assistance from the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payment Program. Youth younger than 16 years of age may participate in an ILP for younger youth if the county of jurisdiction has a county plan that includes such a program. Youth 14-16 may receive an educational assessment and 50 hours of individual tutoring. A summary of other services offered through ILP include:

• Education-related costs and high school graduation expenses
• Chafee Education and Training Vouchers (up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college). Go to www.chafee.csac.ca.gov/default.aspx for additional assistance.
• Referrals for work-related costs and transportation
• Career assistance and technology
• Referrals for mentoring resources
• Life skills training classes
• Housing programs; rental assistance; dorm assistance; start-up costs; homeless assistance funds

Participants in the ILP program can contact the Youth Ombudsman Office with any concerns or complaints regarding ILP service delivery and the availability of services.

REGIONAL CENTERS

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides services and support to children and adults with developmental disabilities. These disabilities include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and related conditions. The services are offered through Developmental Centers and Regional Centers. There is no charge for diagnosis and assessment for eligibility. Once eligibility is determined, most services are free regardless of age or income. Infants and toddlers (age 0 to 36 months) who were prenatally exposed to drugs may also qualify for services. If you have additional questions, see Public Counsel’s brochure on Regional Center Benefits. For further information contact a local Regional Center. California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) (916) 654-1690 TTY: (916) 654-2054 www.dds.ca.gov

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (SSA) BENEFITS AND CAPI

Caregivers can request that they be appointed payee for benefits from the Social Security Administration. Note that informal caregivers can request to become representative payees– there is no requirement that a caregiver become a foster parent, legal guardian, or adoptive parent to become the payee of these benefits. However, the Social Security Administration has an order of preference for appointing representative payees. If the child is in foster care, DCFS is required to evaluate for possible eligibility for Social Security benefits. In addition, DCFS is required to inform youth who are approaching their 18th birthday regarding ongoing requirements for SSI/SSP program and information on how they could become their own representative payee or designate someone to be their payee. For youth who may not have been receiving SSI due to SSI not being the most appropriate source of funding or the youth being ineligible while in foster care, DCFS is required to ensure that the youth are referred for SSI and that they have these benefits in place when they transition out of foster care. Tip! If you are a relative receiving only CalWORKs funding for a child, and the child has a disability, apply for SSI benefits for the child. The SSI benefit amount is higher than CalWORKs. If you have questions regarding CalWORKs, foster care, and benefits from social security, and which benefits you qualify for, contact one of the Legal Service Providers in the Services Directory portion of this booklet.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits for Disabled Children

If the child that you are caring for has either physical or mental disabilities, he or she may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which is a cash assistance program available through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The amount of money varies from year to year. For children not living with their parents, the amount of money does not depend on household income. However, the process can be lengthy, taking as many as eight or more months before the application is approved.

Social Security Family/Dependent’s Benefits

If the child’s parents or caregivers are receiving retirement or disability benefits, the child may be eligible for Dependent’s Benefits.

Social Security Dependent’s Benefits for Adults Disabled Since Childhood

If a child was receiving disability benefits prior to his or her 18th birthday, the child may be eligible to continue to receive Dependent’s Benefits as an adult.

Social Security Survivor’s Benefits

If the child’s parent(s) is now deceased and has a work history, the child may be eligible for Social Security Survivor’s Benefits. The amount of money available to the child will depend on the parent’s earnings during his or her life.

An application for any of these benefits may be made at your local security office The caregiver should go to the SSA office, explain that the child is now living with them, and ask for the SSA-11 form, which is the application to become the rep payee. The caregiver should bring documents to prove their identity and their relationship to the child (if they have them). SSA will then make a decision on whether they should be the rep payee. If denied, the caregiver can appeal. Social Security Administration: 800-772-1213 www.ssa.gov.

Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)

CAPI is cash assistance for certain low-income immigrants who have a disability, are blind, 65 or older, and ineligible for SSI because of your immigration status. To get CAPI, you must be a Qualified Immigrant (includes immigrants who became citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and persons granted withholding of deportation or removal), a victim of trafficking or an applicant for U visa/interim relief, or you must be PRUCOL (Permanently Residing Under Color of Law- meaning that immigration officials know that you are residing here but do not plan to deport you). CAPI benefits are similar to SSI. To apply for CAPI, go to any DPSS office that handles GR or call (877) 481-1044.

Veteran’s Benefits

If a parent of a child is deceased or disabled because of a service-related illness or injury, the child may be eligible for dependent’s benefits. Contact a regional Veterans’ Administration office to request an application: Veteran’s Administration Compensation & Pension Service Toll-Free Number 800-827-1000 www.va.gov.