.Purpose

Policy

Background

Release Date:

June 26, 2017

Definitions

Requirements

Verification Docs

GENERAL RELIEF

40-109 Implementation of Your Benefits Now Online Application For General Relief

Purpose

(X) To release a new policy

(   ) To release a new form

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

(   ) Revision of existing policy and/or form(s).

 

This administrative release announces the implementation of remote application for General Relief (GR) via the Your Benefits Now (YBN) application system and to provide policy and procedures for the submission and processing of applications received. 

 

Policy

Effective 05/21/17, applicants for GR benefits may apply online using the YBN online application system. Applications submitted online Monday through Friday during the business day will be received for processing on the same day.  Applications submitted on holidays or weekends, will be received on the next business day.  Applications will be assigned to the district of residence based on the address or zip code provided by the applicant or by the GR office selected by the applicant.

 

Applicants will be prompted to answer GR-related questions and will be able to submit proof (verification) with their online application.  The application will be reviewed by eligibility   y staff and the applicant will be provided an intake interview appointment.  The application will be processed and eligibility determined per existing policy and procedures. The submission of applications via YBN does not change any GR eligibility requirement.  Applicants who submit a GR application online are still subject to existing GR eligibility criteria and must complete existing GR requirements. Additional forms and information notices required as part of the intake process must be provided to the applicant, completed and returned as part of the initial eligibility determination process.  

 

GR applicants in need of same day services, such as emergency housing, are encouraged to apply in person at any of the 14 GR District Offices. 

 

The DPSS YBN homepage can be accessed at:  https://dpssbenefits.lacounty.gov

 

For a list of the 14 GR District Offices, customers can access https://dpss.lacounty.gov, select the General Relief Program page, and click on “GR District Office” link under “How to Apply for GR”.

Background

This administrative release: (1) announces the implementation of remote application for GR via the YBN application system; and (2) provides policy and procedures for the submission and processing of applications received.  YBN applications are accepted for General Relief, CalFresh, Medi-Cal and CalWORKs. 

 

The addition of the GR application to the YBN application system is in line with the Department’s goals to improve customer experience as they apply for various programs.  The Department is committed to identify and implement enhancements to improve customer experience.

 

The YBN application system is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Cambodian, Chinese, Armenian, Tagalog, Korean, Russian, and Vietnamese.

 

Definitions

 

Term

Description

Your Benefits Now (YBN) Application System

A web-based application process available through the DPSS benefits webpage:  www.dpssbenefits.lacounty.gov to apply for General Relief, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and/or CalFresh benefits.  In addition to submitting an application, YBN can be used to:

·         View existing case status information;

·         View or submit a Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7) or Quarterly Report (QR 7);

·         Schedule an appointment;

·         View existing benefits;

·         View case worker information;

·         View existing notices; and

·         Upload verification

Complete GR Application

To begin the GR application process, an applicant must provide the following information at the time the application is submitted:

·         Full Name (First and Last)

·         Address (or indicate if homeless)

·         Date of Birth

·         E-Signature

e-Application

An application that is available to be completed and turned in or submitted online.

Electronic Document Management System (EDMS)

A system that manages the creation, storage and control of documents electronically.  Documents scanned by DPSS or by a DPSS customer via the point of service scanning are routed to the EDMS repository.

Requirements

Applicants should fill out as much of the GR application as possible, including providing: 

 

·         Full Name (First and Last)

·         Address (or indicate if homeless)

·         Social Security Number

·         Date of Birth

·         E-Signature

 

If the application is missing key information, the processing of the application may be delayed. 

 

The information below is needed to determine initial GR eligibility.  The Eligibility Worker (EW) must be able to verify each of the following requirements before approving a GR application.  Verification that is not submitted along with the application will be requested via telephone, by U.S. Mail, or in-person.    

 

Requirement

Limit/Condition

Identification

Individuals applying for GR must present a valid form of government issued identification.    DPSS may assist GR applicants to obtain a valid form of identification when necessary.  If proof of identity is already on file, it does not need to be provided again, unless the ID is expired.

Citizenship Status

Applicants must declare their citizenship status and provide verification or have verification on file.  If verification of citizenship status is already on file, the applicant does not need to provide it again, unless there has been a change to citizenship status, or the verification has expired.

Social Security Number

Applicants must provide a Social Security Number at the time of application or during the GR application process. 

Income

Applicants must answer questions regarding income and provide proof of any and all income received.

Property

Applicants must answer questions regarding types of personal and real property owned. 

Residency

Applicants must be residents of Los Angeles County and must meet residency criteria.  Applicants who have been in Los Angeles County for less than 15 days and do not want to stay in Los Angeles County may be provided assistance to return home.

Employability

Applicants who are able to work must participate in the General Relief Opportunities for Work (GROW) Program. Applicants who are not able to work must provide proof they are unable to work.   

Verification Documents

The following is a list of forms and acceptable verification document types to submit with a GR application, when necessary.  The documents may be uploaded and submitted with the GR application via YBN or provided to the EW, at the intake appointment.  The forms are available on the DPSS website for printing and completing:  https://dpssbenefits.lacounty.gov/ybn/GRDownloads.html   Additionally, the eligibility staff are available to assist applicants complete any required forms.

    

 

Category

Acceptable Documents

Form

PA 1815, Important Notice Regarding Mailing Address form

Form

SSP 14, Authorization for Reimbursement of Interim Assistance Initial Claim or Posteligibility

Applicant and Household Identification Verification

·         Government issued Identification Card or Driver’s License or Birth Certificate

·         Social Security Card, Social Security number or print out from Social Security Administration

·         Citizenship/Naturalization documentation

 

Income Verification

·         Pay Stubs

·         Employers Statement(s)

·         Unemployment Insurance Benefit/Disability Insurance Benefit Award Letters

·         Social Security and/or Veteran Income Award Letters

·         Statement of Support Contribution(s) Received

Personal Property and/or Resource Verification (if applicable)

·         Automobile(s) Registration(s)

·         Checking and/or Savings Account statement(s)

·         Stock/Bond value Statement(s)

·         Real Property Deed(s)

·         Student Financial Aid Award Letter(s)