CW Update 25-02: Compacts of Free Association (COFA) Citizens

CalWORKs Handbook

Date	References	Clerical	Implementation
01/14/25	ACL 24-95	N/A	03/09/24

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Background

The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) signed on March 9, 2024, includes Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens in the definition of “qualified non-citizens” eligible to receive Federal CalWORKs. COFA citizens are not subject to a waiting period.

Denials

COFA citizens who applied on or after March 9, 2024, and were denied CW as non-qualified immigrants:

• Within 30 days, the application must be reopened and processed according to this new policy.
• Over 30 days but within 90 days, the household may request a fair hearing.
• Over 90 days, the household must reapply.

Changes

The following topics in the CalWORKs Handbook Chapter 12: Citizenship and Non-Citizenship Status have been revised:

• Citizenship Eligibility Requirements
• Non-Citizens
• Federally Funded
• Non-Citizen Verification

Listings

A listing received from the CalSAWS project on November 4, 2024 shows that the CAA did not impact any CW cases in Santa Clara County.

An updated listing will not be provided. For CW cases with application dates after November 4, 2024, refer to the Denials section above.

 

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Department of Employment & Benefits Services

Contact Person(s): Vivien Phan, SSA Business Policy Implementation Specialist, 408-755-7540