CW Update 23-02: Eligibility of Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan Parolees for Federal and State Benefits
CalWORKs Handbook
| Date | References | Clerical | Handbook(s) Revised |
| 5/22/2023 | ACIN I-14-23 | No | Yes |
Background
On October 12, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a parole process for Venezuelans outside the U.S. who lack U.S. entry documents to enter the U.S. safely through U.S. based supporter. On January 5, 2023, DHS announced a new online application process for individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to request advance travel authorization to come to the U.S. and be considered parole for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
To be considered under this process, an individual from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua or Venezuela must:
- Have a supporter in the U.S.,
- Undergo and clear security vetting,
- Meet other eligibility criteria and
- Warrant a favorable exercise of discretion.
Changes
CalWORKs
As a reminder, humanitarian parolees qualify as having Permanent Residence Under Color of Law (PRUCOL) for purposes of CalWORKs and can receive state-funded CalWORKs benefits. Since CalWORKs rules allow immigrants granted temporary parole status to be eligible for benefits, humanitarian parolees are eligible immediately if they meet other eligibility criteria. [Refer to State-Only CalWORKs Program]
CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work (WTW) services should be made available to eligible families and families should be made aware of other services that may help further support the family, such as Family Stabilization, Housing Support Program, Homeless Assistance, domestic abuse survivor services and any other services that benefit the family.
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
Venezuelan and Nicaraguan humanitarian parolees do not qualify for RCA. Cuban and Haitian humanitarian parolees are eligible for RCA under this new process.
[Refer to Individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua or Venezuela]
Implementation
The information in this Update are effective immediately.
Documentation
Journal entries must include the immigration document presented with the class of admission.
Supervisors
Supervisors must review this Update at the next unit meeting.
Angela Shing, Director
Department of Employment and Benefit Services
Contact Person: Romelia Cuellar, SSA BPIS, 408-755-7540