Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements for applicants/recipients of GA who are conserved by PAGC are the same as non-conserved applicants/recipients unless otherwise stated below:

Identification

A copy of the Court Order establishing conservatorship is acceptable evidence of an applicant's identity. If there is a picture I.D. available, the DPG/I will make a photocopy and include it in the application packet. A copy of the applicant's Social Security card or completed “Social Security Administration Referral Notice” (MC 194) is required and must be included in the application packet.

Residence

An applicant/recipient who is a ward of the Santa Clara County Public Administrator Guardian/Conservator’s office is considered to be a resident of this county for General Assistance purposes, even if that person is placed in a facility outside the county.

A “Housing Statement Verification” (CSF 47) or “Housing Assistance Verification” (GA 31) or “ Client’s Housing Assistance Statement (GA 11) is required (or possibly “Housing Verification - Specialized Programs” (GA 2 A)).

If the applicant has been a resident of Santa Clara County for 15 days or less, the GA payment will be effective no earlier than the 16th day of residence.

Property

All monies paid to the PAGC on behalf of a client are placed in an individual trust account.

Verification of the balance in this trust account must be provided with the application and submitted each quarter thereafter, with the “Semi-Annual Eligibility Status Report” (SAR 7).

Note: If the monies in the individual account are SOLELY GA funds and the account exceeds the $500 personal property limit, the client will not be rendered ineligible.

All property must be verified at point of intake. If there is a conflict between information provided by the PAGC’s office and information available to the EW via the case record or other sources, the EW must notify the PAGC via e-mail the “Eligibility Worker/Public Guardian Communication Form” (SCD 1294) form via e-mail or a phone call. All verifications and discrepancies must be obtained and cleared PRIOR to granting aid.

The “Eligibility Worker/Public Guardian Communication Form” (SCD 1294) may be used by both the EW and the DPG/I regarding the client’s GA eligibility. This may include, but is not limited to:

Requesting information or verifications
Reporting changes, (e.g., change of address, dismissal of conservatorship, death of client).

Income

All income must be verified. Any money paid to the PAGC on behalf of a client is considered income in the month received.

All income must be verified at the point of intake. If there is a conflict between information provided by the PAGC’s office and information available to the EW via the case record or other sources, the EW must notify the DPG/I via e-mail, the SCD 1294 form or a phone call. Document in a CalSAWS Journal Entry. All verifications and discrepancies must be obtained and cleared PRIOR to granting aid.

“Semi-Annual Eligibility/Status Report” SAR 7

The DPG/I will be responsible for completing the SAR 7 each quarter in accordance with “SAR 7 Processing Procedures.” [Refer to SAR 7 ch. ]All SAR 7 verification requirements listed in “SAR 7 Processing” will apply with the following exceptions.

The DPG/I must send verification of the trust account each quarter withthe SAR 7.
If the applicant/recipient moves, then a new “Housing Statement Verification” (CSF 47) or “Housing Assistance Verification” (GA 31), or “Client’s Housing Assistance Statement” (GA 11) is required (or possibly “Housing Verification - Specialized Programs” (GA 2 A).

Employability Status

The following must be considered when processing an application for PAGC:

All conserved applicants/recipients will be considered unemployable. A “Request for Medical Information” (SCD 1400) is NOT required. A copy of the conservatorship papers will be considered acceptable verification of a client's unemployability.
Conserved applicants/recipients will NOT be referred to Vocational Services.
A good cause determination is NOT required if a conserved applicant/ recipient quit a job within 30 days of application. It will be presumed that the quit was due to medical, mental or emotional problems. Good cause will therefore exist. Written verification is not required.

Need Standards

Need standards for conserved applicants/recipients are the SAME as for all other GA applicants/recipients and are based on the individual's living situation.

For applicants/recipients residing in a licensed residential care home, the SCD 1400 is NOT required. The DPG/I's oral statement that such care and supervision is necessary will suffice and must be documented in a CalSAWS Journal Entry.