Receipt of SAR 7s
When a SAR 7 is received, clerical scans the SAR 7 to CalSAWS Imaging with any attachments. The SAR 7 is then discarded, and the attached original verifications are returned to the client. An alert is sent to the Social Services Benefits Specialist (SSBS) of record that a SAR 7 for the case has been received.
Note: Since the SAR 7 is signed under penalty of perjury, faxed SAR 7s are acceptable. If questionable, follow-up by requesting the original SAR 7.
SAR 7 Not Received by the 11th of the Month
When the SAR 7 is not scanned or recorded as received by the 11th of the month, benefits will be put on hold.
If the case discontinues due to non-receipt of the SAR 7, the appropriate Notice of Action (NOA) must be sent to the client.
SSBSs must contact the client after sending the NOA, to remind them about completing the SAR 7. SSBSs may either send a text to the client (using Message Media) or call them by phone as a reminder.
- If the SSBS is successful in reaching the client, they must attempt to collect the information needed to complete the report, except for signing the report, on behalf of the client. If necessary, the SSBS must also collect a wet or electronic signature, including telephonic signature, to ensure the SAR 7 is complete.
- If the SSBS is not successful in reaching the client or collecting the information necessary to complete the report, they must document in the CalSAWS Journal that an attempt was made to contact and collect the necessary information to complete the report.
Important: SSBSs must follow the "Message Media Scripts" when sending a text or leaving a voice mail for the client.
When the case has been discontinued for failure to return the SAR 7, and a SAR 7 is later received, the SSBS must restore the case. However, if the SAR 7 includes information that would make the client ineligible for GA, the original discontinuance will remain in effect. In these instances, the SSBS must complete and send the General Assistance Program Notice of Action And/Or Proposed Action (GA 239) to the client. In the because freeform field, the SSBS must include the reason why the reinstatement of GA is being denied.
A client whose GA is discontinued for not submitting their SAR 7 by the due date later submits the SAR 7, which includes income information that exceeds the Needs Standard, resulting in the client to be ineligible for GA. The original discontinuance will remain in effect, and the SSBS sends the GA 239 to the client with the following comment in the because field: “Your reinstatement of GA has been denied due to information included in the SAR 7. Your income exceeds the Needs Standard.”
If the client does not provide an acceptable SAR 7 by the end of the Submit Month, the case will remain in discontinuance status.
Related Topics
Definitions for Semi-Annual Reporting Prospective Budgeting (SAR/PB) Terms
Rights & Responsibilities Explanation to Client