DPSS ePolicy

To convert existing policy to new writing style only – No concept changes

Effective April 1, 2015, any person who was convicted of a drug-related felony after December 31, 1997 and who is an unaided member of a CalWORKs Assistance Unit (AU), is eligible to receive General Relief (GR). The drug felony questions are no longer required to be answered by the applicants/participants. The drug-related felony has no impact on GR eligibility. The drug felony questions/statements have been removed from the following revised forms:

• ABP 392, General Relief Information Sheet;
• ABP 898-1, Application for Cash Supplement;
• QR2-LA Reporting Changes for General Relief;
• QR3-LA General Relief Mid-Quarter Status Report;
• QR7-LA General Relief Quarterly Report.
   

On June 20, 2014, Assembly Bill (AB)1468 was passed, making individuals convicted in State or federal court after December 31,1997, of any offense classified as a felony that has an element of use or distribution of a controlled substance, eligible for CalWORKs and/or CalFresh benefits, if otherwise eligible, effective April 1, 2015. Individuals with a drug-related felony are now eligible for CalWORKs and/or CalFresh benefits, so long as the individual is compliant with the terms of his or her probation or parole, including approved drug treatment plans, if that is part of the person’s parole or probation.

Drug Felon

An individual convicted in State or federal court of a felony that has an element of possession, use or distribution of a controlled substance. The conviction must be after December 31, 1997. The term “convicted” includes a plea of “guilty” or “nolo contendere” (no contest).

Government Recognized Drug Treatment Program

A program licensed, certified or funded by a government entity, or a program in which a government or court entity has directed the applicant/participant to participate. Sober Living Environment group living facilities emphasizing “Clean and Sober” living shall also be considered government recognized programs or proof the drug use has ceased.

N/A

Verification of the Drug-Related Felony is not required. The individual’s verbal declaration, statement on the application, or information from any reliable source will be considered acceptable verification.