Courtesy Applications

A courtesy application is defined as one where the applicant:

  • Resides in another county and is applying for him/herself, or
  • Is applying for aid on behalf of a relative or friend that resides in another county within the state of California, and it would be an inconvenience for the applicant to apply in the county of the individual’s residence.

Example Example Mr. Lopez, a resident of Los Angeles County, is visiting Santa Clara County. He becomes ill and must be hospitalized at the Valley Medical Center (VMC). Mr. Lopez applies for Medi-Cal in Santa Clara County. 

Example Example Mrs. Garcia’s sister, who resides in San Diego County, is ill and is in need of public assistance. Mrs. Garcia would like to apply for aid for her sister, but cannot travel to San Diego County to do so. 

 

Note: The number of courtesy applications received should be minimal, since many programs have waived the requirement for a face-to-face interview.

Reminder: Courtesy applications DO NOT apply for individuals residing outside the state of California.

Courtesy Application Process

The following is a high level view of what must occur when a courtesy application is received:

Who Action
Applicant 
  • Applies for aid for an individual residing in a county outside of Santa Clara County, but within the state of California.
Clerical
  • Provides and obtains standard paperwork, as if the client were applying for aid within Santa Clara County.
  • Does not enter any of the information into CalSAWS.
  • Schedules a regular appointment for the client with an Eligibility Worker.
EW
  • Interviews the client.
  • Gathers all verifications from the client necessary to determine eligibility.
  • Makes no entries into CalSAWS and makes no eligibility determination.
  • Forwards the complete set of paperwork to the county in which the client for whom aid is being requested resides.
Receiving County
  • Receives paperwork.
  • Makes eligibility determination and approves or denies aid.

Exception: If the client applies for Medi-Cal only, the initial county must determine Medi-Cal eligibility, issue benefits, then initiate an ICT to the client’s county of residence.

Medi-Cal Courtesy Applications

If an applicant requesting a courtesy application is applying for Medi-Cal, the following must occur:

  • The Application/Registration process must be initiated by Clerical in CalSAWS.
  • The Medi-Cal application must be assigned with an EW who will follow normal eligibility procedures. Medi-Cal eligibility must be determined, benefits issued and an ICT initiated to the county where the client/applicant resides.

Refer to Courtesy Application Process in the Medi-Cal Handbook Chapter 4.

Related Topics

Regular Intake Interview Business Process