CalWORKs Homeless Assistance

The following workflows apply to the CalWORKs Homeless Assistance program.

Homeless Assistance Request by Telephone

The following process must be adhered to when a client requests Homeless Assistance by telephone:

Who Action
Eligibility Worker
  • Receives client request for Homeless Assistance
  • Verifies the client is potentially eligible for HA through the MEDS HAPI screen. If the Client is:
    • Known to HAPI:
      • Explores possible exemptions.
      • Provides a list of local shelters if no exemption exists.
    • Not known to HAPI:
      • Schedules appointment time for client to come to District Office and bring appropriate verification.
      • Documents in Maintain Case Comments window in CalWIN.

CalWORKs Homeless Assistance Request - Client in the Lobby

Step Who Action
1 Client
  • Enters the lobby and is welcomed by the Greeter and directed to the appropriate area.
  • Registers at Self-Service Check-In.
    • Selects [Other] button.
    • Receives Self-Service Check-In ticket number.
  • Waits in the lobby until their ticket number is called.
2 Clerical
  • Receives TMT request.
  • Updates TMT Status to Initiated.
  • Enters queue station to prompt display screen for client.
  • Checks client ID and asks reason for visit.
  • Updates TMT Status to Closed.
  • Creates TMT request to Eligibility Worker (EW) under the category of Drop-In.
  • Writes in TMT Note field “Homeless First Visit” and the lobby ticket number.
3 Eligibility Worker
  • Receives TMT request.
  • Updates TMT status to Interview Initiated.
  • Reviews case in CalWIN and MEDS (HAPI screen) for any previous homeless payments.
  • Calls client by lobby ticket number and takes client to interview area.
  • Performs data entries in CalWIN.
  • If the Client is:    
    • Not eligible for Homeless Assistance (HA):   
      • Provides a list of local shelters.
      • Issues HA Denial NOA to client.

        • Note: No further action is needed.    

    • Eligible for HA:   
      • Continue process as described below.    
  • Prints HA application and instructs client to review and sign/date.
  • Provides a Housing Search form for the client, if Temporary HA.
  • Issues a HA NOA.
  • Informs client of return date for subsequent payments, if Temporary HA.
  • Instructs client to take a seat and wait in the lobby for their initial HA payment to be issued.
  • Prints the Search for Office Issuance CalWIN window (records ticket number on print-out) and gives to Supervisor for approval and HA application assignment to office caseload.
  • Submits Search for Office Issuance CalWIN window to designated basket for HA payment issuance.
  • Clearly documents in Maintain Case Comments in CalWIN.
  • Submits HA application to designated clerical area to be scanned into IDM.
  • Updates TMT status to Transaction Completed.
  • Refer to “Temporary Shelter [EAS 44-211.52],” page 36-8 or “Application Case Processing,” page 38-1.
4 Designated Clerical
  • Obtains Search for Office Issuance CalWIN window from designated basket.
  • Processes HA payment and issues to client
  • Faxes a copy of the warrant to Fiscal.

Subsequent Temporary HA Payments

The following process must be adhered to when a client returns for subsequent Temporary HA Payments:

Step Who Action
1 Client
  • Enters the lobby and is welcomed by the Greeter and directed to the appropriate area.
  • Registers at Self-Service Check-In.
    • Selects [Other] button.
    • Receives Self-Service Check-In ticket number.
  • Waits in the lobby until their ticket number is called.
2 Clerical
  • Receives TMT request.
  • Updates TMT status to Initiated.
  • Enters queue station to prompt display screen for client.
  • Checks client ID and asks reason for visit.
  • Updates TMT status to Closed.
  • Creates TMT request to Eligibility Worker (ES) under the category of Drop-In.
  • Writes in TMT Note field “Homeless Subsequent Visit” and the lobby ticket number.
3 Eligibility Worker
  • Receives TMT request.
  • Updates TMT status to Interview Initiated.
  • Calls client by lobby ticket number and takes client to interview area.
  • Reviews Case Comments, Housing Search form and collects motel/hotel receipts.
  • Performs data entries in CalWIN.
  • Provides another Housing Search form for the client.
  • Issues a HA NOA.
  • Informs client of return date for subsequent payments, if applicable.
  • Instructs client to take a seat and wait in the lobby for HA payment issuance.
  • Documents clearly in Maintain Case Comments in CalWIN.
  • Prints the Search for Office Issuance calWIN window (records ticket number on print-out) and gives to Supervisor for review and signature.
  • Submits Search for Office Issuance CalWIN window to designated basket for HA payment issuance.
  • Submits Housing Search form and receipts to clerical to be scanned into IDM.
  • Updates TMT status to Transaction Completed.
4 Designated Clerical
  • Obtains Search for Office Issuance CalWIN window from designated basket.
  • Processes HA payment and issues to client

    • (Note: The AS who issues the warrant is different from the AS who processes the payment).

  • Faxes a copy of the warrant to Fiscal.

Related Topics

Family Reunification Bottom Line Override (BLO)

CalWORKs Vendor Payment