Homeless Assistance Exceptions

HA Exception

Verification

Domestic abuse (DA) by a spouse, partner, or roommate (including a parent or child with whom the family is living)

Sworn statement by a victim of past or present DA.

If the county documents in the case file an independent and reasonable basis to find the client not credible, the county shall obtain third-party verification of DA, such as:

• Copies of records or reports from police departments, medical facilities, Adult and Child Protective Services, Family Service Bureau, or Crisis Counseling Service Agencies.
• Statements from battered women shelters, signed by an administrator, counselor, or designated staff member.

Refer to Chapter 55 Domestic Abuse for more information on DA, such as DA informing requirements and the DA referral process.

Example Example A CalWORKs recipient received HA in January 2017. In November 2017, the client requests HA and declares, in a sworn affidavit, that they are currently a victim of DA. If otherwise eligible, HA is granted to the client. The client may request HA and be eligible again in January 2018 based on the once every 12 months rule.

A medically verified physical or mental illness, excluding alcoholism, drug addiction, or psychological stress

Medical verification from the appropriate treating physician, state-certified nurse, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, therapist, psychologist, licensed counselor, or medical or clinical personnel with access to the patient’s records who can verify the diagnosis.

Example  Example  An AU applies for HA under the exception of mental illness. The AU had been homeless for some time and had no interim contact with any governmental or private health or human services agency that could verify that homelessness was caused by the mental condition. The AU was able to provide proof of the mental condition from a psychologist and a written statement from the former landlord stating that the AU was evicted because of disruptive behavior towards the other tenants. Based upon the verification provided by the AU, the Social Services Benefits Specialist (SSBS) determines that the AU is eligible for HA due to the mental illness exception. 

Uninhabitability of the former residence caused by sudden or unusual circumstances beyond the client's control, including but not limited to, fire, natural catastrophe, or condemnation

Written statements or copies of reports from police departments, fire departments, the Red Cross, health department, or any other agencies authorized to verify the uninhabitability of the former residence.

Example Example On March 1, 2017, an AU begins receiving temporary HA. The AU locates permanent housing in the same month and receives a benefit for PH in 3/2017. On September 1, 2017, the AU becomes homeless again because their residence is condemned and determined to be uninhabitable. Upon the receipt of verification, additional HA benefits are issued to AU based on the exception. The AU’s 12-month period continues to be 3/1/17 through 2/28/18. The AU would be potentially eligible for HA again starting on 3/1/18.

State or federally declared disaster (refer to Homelessness Due to State or Federally Declared Disaster)

Written documentation of the state or federally declared disaster and the areas affected by the disaster.