CW Update 25-05: Photo Identification Requirements (Revised)
CalWORKs Handbook
| Date | References | Clerical | Implementation |
| 05/21/25 (Revised 06/20/25) | ACL 21-134, ACIN I-06-25, EAS Letter 25-01 | Yes | Immediately |
Background
Prior to Assembly Bill (AB) 135, the identity of all adult CalWORKs applicants must be verified in person to complete the application and eligibility determination process with limited exceptions.
AB 135 allows applicants to present photo identification (ID) virtually if the virtual method used allows the county eligibility staff to view and identify the applicant presenting the photo ID.
Changes
The Verification Needed to Establish Eligibility topic of CalWORKs Handbook Chapter 2: Applicant/Agency Responsibility has been revised.
Resources
The county currently has one standard platform for videoconferencing, Microsoft (MS) Teams. Other platforms cannot be used for the purposes of verifying an applicant's photo ID virtually. For instructions on how to schedule a virtual meeting on MS Teams, refer to the following resources:
- sccLearn Web-Based Training: Managing Microsoft Teams: Meetings & Events > Scheduling Meetings in Microsoft Teams
- Workflow: How to Create a New MS Teams Meeting.
Documentation
Journal entries must describe how photo ID was verified for all adult CalWORKs applicants. The Case Narration Tool (CNT) has been updated to include photo ID methods.
Other Programs
This update also applies to Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Entrant Cash Assistance (ECA), and the Trafficking and Crime Victim Assistance Program (TCVAP).
Department of Employment & Benefits Services
Contact Person(s): Vivien Phan, SSA Business Policy Implementation Specialist, 408-755-7540