ga pro per packet

8/14/2019 GA Pro Per Packet

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How Do I StopHow Do I StopHow Do I StopHow Do I StopHow Do I StopHow Do I StopHow Do I StopHow Do I StopHow Do I StopHow Do I StopHow Do I StopHow Do I Stop

Cuts to My GACuts to My GACuts to My GACuts to My GACuts to My GACuts to My GACuts to My GACuts to My GACuts to My GACuts to My GACuts to My GACuts to My GAGrant?Grant?Grant?Grant?Grant?Grant?Grant?Grant?Grant?Grant?Grant?Grant?


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How do I fight a bad GA decision?How do I fight a bad GA decision?How do I fight a bad GA decision?How do I fight a bad GA decision?

The General Assistance (or GA) program in Alameda County is run by the Alameda County Social ServicesAgency. Sometimes the County makes mistakes in trying to run the GA program. You can fight any bad

decision that the County makes! This brochure gives you more information about how to do this.

What is GA?What is GA?What is GA?What is GA?

GA pays up to $296 per month to qualified people without minor children living in Alameda County. GA istechnically a loan, and it must be paid back if you later go back to work or qualify for SSI. If you arehomeless or living somewhere without paying rent, GA will only pay a basic needs grantbasic needs grantbasic needs grantbasic needs grant of $105 permonth, or less if you share housing with other people. To get the full amount you need to submit alandlord statement showing where you live and your share of the rent. Your share of the rent must be$296 or less in order to get the full amount. In order to receive GA, you need to do many things that theCounty asks, including turning in monthly or quarterly reporting forms and, sometimes, going to workfareprograms.

What do I do if GA makes a mistake in my case?What do I do if GA makes a mistake in my case?What do I do if GA makes a mistake in my case?What do I do if GA makes a mistake in my case?

Alameda County sometimes makes mistakes with GA cases. For example, it may lose your paperwork.Other times, it may mistakenly believe that you are lying or will require you to provide more paperwork thanyou are legally required to provide. Or, the County may declare that you are employableemployableemployableemployable when you reallyare not and tell you that you can only get GA for three (3) months out of the year.

Unfortunately, the consequences of the Countys mistakes are sometimes really severe. You should let thecounty know if their decision to stop or reduce your GA will cause you to become homeless. Fortunately,when the County makes a mistake, you can file an appeal to challenge its decision.

How can I file an appeal?How can I file an appeal?How can I file an appeal?How can I file an appeal?

If the County denies your application for GA or wants to cut you off of GA orwants to reduce your GA, it is required to give you a written Notice of ActionNotice of ActionNotice of ActionNotice of Action(NOA)(NOA)(NOA)(NOA).

On the back of the NOA is an appeal form that you can fill out to start theappeal process. For more information on how to fill out the appeal, checkout the last page of this brochure.

After you fill out the appeal, take it to your local welfare office. See the box

on the right for the addresses. Make a copy of it and turn it in. Be sure to geta receipt showing that you filed the appeal because the county often losesthem. You could also fax your appeal to 510-777-2699 or mail it to AppealsUnit, 7751 Edgewater Drive, Oakland, CA 94621.

You have up to 90 days from the date of the notice to give the County yourappeal, but you should appeal right away if you want to continue to receiveyour GA while you are waiting for the decision (this is called aid paidpending).

How do I fight a bad GA decision?How do I fight a bad GA decision?How do I fight a bad GA decision?How do I fight a bad GA decision?

County Welfare OfficesCounty Welfare OfficesCounty Welfare OfficesCounty Welfare Offices

Eastmont TownCenter, 6955 FoothillBlvd., 1st FloorOakland;(510) 383-5300

2000 San Pablo Ave.Oakland;(510) 891-0700

24100 Amador Street

Hayward;(510-670-6000)

39155 Liberty Street,Suite C330Fremont;(510-795-2428)

3311 Pacific AvenueLivermore;(925-455-0747)


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What do I do if the County does notWhat do I do if the County does notWhat do I do if the County does notWhat do I do if the County does not

give me a written notice?give me a written notice?give me a written notice?give me a written notice?

Sometimes, the County will deny someonesapplication for GA or cut someone off withoutsending a notice. If this happens to you, you canstill appeal. Just write your name and informationon a piece of paper as shown in the box to the

right. You can then turn this is to the welfareoffice or fax it to the appeals office at 510or fax it to the appeals office at 510or fax it to the appeals office at 510or fax it to the appeals office at 510----777777777777----2699269926992699.

Remember: if you turn it in to the welfare office,be sure to save a copy of it and get a receipt.

What is Aid Paid Pending?What is Aid Paid Pending?What is Aid Paid Pending?What is Aid Paid Pending?

This is really important. If the County wants to cutyou off of GA or reduce your GA money, it isrequired to mail you notice 10 days before it cuts

or reduces your check. If you file your appealbefore the action is supposed to take place, theCounty has to continue paying you GA until afteryour appeal is resolved. This is calledAid Paid PendingAid Paid PendingAid Paid PendingAid Paid Pending. For example, if you get a notice dated October20th that the County wants to cut your GA effective October 31st, you will get Aid Paid Pending if you file theappeal by the 31st. If you mail an appeal on the 30th or 31st it likely wont be received or processed untilits too late.

If you file before the date that the change is supposed to happen and the County still cuts your GA, call theCounty Appeals Unit (also known as the Program Integrity Division) at (510)-383-8777 to ask for aid paidpending and/or call us for an appointment.

NOTE: Aid Paid Pending only applies if you are already receiving GA and the County wants to cut it. It doesnot apply if the County denies your application for GA.

Should I file a new application, too?Should I file a new application, too?Should I file a new application, too?Should I file a new application, too?

If you are not getting Aid Paid Pending, it is a good idea to file a new application in addition to filing anappeal. The appeals process can take up to 90 days, but the County is required to give you a decision onyour new GA application within 30 days. So, for example, if the County has denied your first applicationbecause it lost some paperwork that you turned in, you should file a new application in order to get yourGA faster. You should also file a new application if there is a change in the situation that caused your GAto be denied or cut off (for example: you sold your vehicle or became unemployable).

If your second GA application is approved, you should not withdraw your appeal. The County may still oweyou money and, if you win your appeal, you will receive this back money.

What happens after I file an appeal?What happens after I file an appeal?What happens after I file an appeal?What happens after I file an appeal?

After you file an appeal, your GA case gets sent to a special division in the welfare office called the AppealsUnit. There are usually one or two Appeals Officers who handle all of the GA appeals. You should get aletter in the mail with this persons name and phone number. If you do not get a letter in the mail,you canyou canyou canyou cancall the Appeals Unit at (510) 383call the Appeals Unit at (510) 383call the Appeals Unit at (510) 383call the Appeals Unit at (510) 383----8777877787778777.

HandHandHandHand----written appeal if you do not receivewritten appeal if you do not receivewritten appeal if you do not receivewritten appeal if you do not receivewritten notice from the Countywritten notice from the Countywritten notice from the Countywritten notice from the County


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By law, the County has 90 days (that is, three months) to resolve your GA appeal. Within 3-6 weeks offiling your appeal, you will receive a letter that looks like the letter below. The letter has information aboutwhen your hearing will be held. Although the law only requires that the County send this letter to you 5days before the hearing, it usually sends the letters at least a week before the hearing.

What do I do when I receive my appeals letter?What do I do when I receive my appeals letter?What do I do when I receive my appeals letter?What do I do when I receive my appeals letter?

When you receive your appeals letter, you should call the Appeals Officer or the Appeals Unit and ask herfor more information about why the County made the decision it did.

Sometimes the Appeals Officer will not receive your GAfile from the County worker who made the decision. Ifthe GA file is not received by the time of your hearing,the County will not be able to prove its case and youshould win your appeal.

Remember: the County has the burden of proof in yourappeal. You do not need to prove that it made amistake. So if the County does not have your GA file,you should win because the County will often not be

able to prove why it made its decision.

How do I prepare for the hearing?How do I prepare for the hearing?How do I prepare for the hearing?How do I prepare for the hearing?

First, you should make sure that you understand whythe County has made the decision that it has. Thisinformation should be on the written Notice of Actionthat you originally received from the County (if youreceived one). The NOA usually doesnt explain theirdecision very well, so you should ask for a morecomplete explanation, and ask for the regulations on

which they based their decision.

Note: the County is not allowed to give you a differentreason at the hearing than it did in your written notice.

For example, if your written notice indicates that your GA is being cut only because you did not go to aworkfare appointment, the Appeals Officer cannot argue at the hearing that your GA was cut because youforgot to turn in a monthly reporting form.

You should ask the Appeals Officer to give you a copy of the Countys Position Statement. A PositionStatement is a written document that the Appeals Officer should have prepared that explains, in writing,why the County did what it did. Although the law does not necessarily require the County to do this in GAcases, the Appeals Officer often prepares them for GA hearings.

Second, you should get any evidence that you have to support your argument. For example, if you did notgo to your workfare appointment because you were sick, you should get proof from a doctor or a letterfrom a friend or neighbor who knew you were sick at the time.

If you think you have a disability that limits your ability to work or to participate in employment training, youshould bring medical records or have an Employability Statement (90-2) filled out by a medical provider. Ifyou are unable to work due to a disability, then you should be exempt from the GA work program and fromthe proposed 3 month time limit. If you do not have a form 90-2, ask your worker or the Appeals Officer to

Example of an Appeals LetterExample of an Appeals LetterExample of an Appeals LetterExample of an Appeals Letter


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send you one to bring to a doctor, or contact a legal services organization.

Third, consider whether you want someone to help you with the hearing. This could be a friend, familymember, or other advocate.

You can call one of these legal services organizations for help:

Bay Area Legal Aid Homeless Action Center

1735 Telegraph Ave. 3126 Shattuck Ave.Oakland, CA 94612 Berkeley, CA 94704(510) 663-4744 (510) 540-0878(800) 551-5554

East Bay Community Law Center Homeless Action Center2921 Adeline St. 1432 Franklin St.Berkeley, CA 94705 Oakland, CA 94612(510) 548-4040 (510) 836-3260 ext. 301

What is a conditional withdrawal?What is a conditional withdrawal?What is a conditional withdrawal?What is a conditional withdrawal?Often, the County will offer to settle your case ifyou provide additional information. Thissettlement agreement is called a conditionalconditionalconditionalconditionalwithdrawalwithdrawalwithdrawalwithdrawal because you agree to withdrawyour appeal on the condition that the Countydoes certain specific things, like consider yourrequest to be exempt from the work programrequirements, and issue a new Notice ofAction.

The County has 30 days to comply with theconditional withdrawal from the date that yousign it. Unfortunately, the County regularly failsto comply with their agreement within 30 days.

When you sign the conditional withdrawal, askthe Appeals Officer who will be responsible forcomplying with the conditional withdrawal.Then, after two weeks, start calling this personto make sure that they comply with theconditional withdrawal.

If the County does not comply with theconditional withdrawal within 30 days or youdisagree with how it is implemented, you canalways appeal this new action and request another hearing. If you have not already done so, you shouldalso reapply.

Example of a GA Conditional WithdrawalExample of a GA Conditional WithdrawalExample of a GA Conditional WithdrawalExample of a GA Conditional Withdrawal


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What should I do if I do not have a way to get to theWhat should I do if I do not have a way to get to theWhat should I do if I do not have a way to get to theWhat should I do if I do not have a way to get to the

hearing location?hearing location?hearing location?hearing location?GA hearings are held at the Appeals Unit at 7751 Edgewater Drive7751 Edgewater Drive7751 Edgewater Drive7751 Edgewater DriveOakland, CA 94621Oakland, CA 94621Oakland, CA 94621Oakland, CA 94621. Parts of this street have no sidewalk, and it isdifficult to get to on public transportation.

If you do not have a way to get to that location, request a hearing by

telephone or call Bay Area Legal Aid, East Bay Community Law Centeror Homeless Action Center for help.

What happens at the hearing?What happens at the hearing?What happens at the hearing?What happens at the hearing?

Unlike state hearings, GA hearings are held at the Appeals Unit at7751 Edgewater Drive. See box to the left for directions andinformation on how to get to the hearing. The entrance is on the sideof the building nearest the street. You should arrive at least 10-15minutes early to sign in. If you have not seen the County positionstatement, you should ask for it when you arrive.

Sometimes, you will get to the hearing and the Appeals Officer willoffer you a conditional withdrawalconditional withdrawalconditional withdrawalconditional withdrawal right away instead of going throughwith a hearing. Remember: it is your right to go to a hearing so if youdisagree with anything in the conditional withdrawal, you can goforward with the hearing. Sometimes it may be better to accept theconditional withdrawal since it is generally quicker than a hearing,but at other times, it makes sense to go to a hearing.

The hearing is very informal. In the room will be you, the AppealsOfficer, and a Hearing Officer, who also works for the County, inaddition to anyone that you have asked to represent you. The

hearing should be tape-recorded.

The hearing should proceed in this order:

1. You will be asked to raise your right hand and promise to tell the truth.2. The Appeals Officer will present the Countys position.3. You will be able to ask the Appeals Officer questions.4. You will be able to present your position and give the Hearing Officer any documents that support

your position.5. The Hearing Officer will have the chance to ask you questions.

What happens after the hearing?What happens after the hearing?What happens after the hearing?What happens after the hearing?After the hearing, the Hearing Officer will write a decision about the case. She will then send it to theDirector of the Social Services Agency to review and sign. A copy of the decision will then be mailed to youand to your original worker. Make sure that the County has your current address. If you win, your worker isthen required to comply with the decision and pay you any back money that you are owed.

Remember: the County has 90 days to decide your case from the date you filed your appealnot the dateyou had your hearing.

Directions to the AppealsDirections to the AppealsDirections to the AppealsDirections to the AppealsUnitUnitUnitUnit

The Appeals Unit is located at7751 Edgewater Drive.

By BusBy BusBy BusBy BusFrom the Coliseum BART station,

take the 98 bus. The sign on thefront of the bus will read 90thAve.

By CarBy CarBy CarBy Car7751 Edgewater is locatedapproximately a half mile fromHegenberger Road. If you arecoming from Oakland onHegenberger, make a right ontoEdgewater Drive. The AppealsUnit will be on your left. Becauseof the median on EdgewaterDrive, you will need to drive ablock past the Appeals Unit andmake a U-turn at Pardee Lane.

What if I cannot get there?

If you do not have transportationto the hearing location, call BayArea Legal Aid, East BayCommunity Law Center, orHomeless Action Center for help.


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If you have not received your decision within 90 days, first, call theHearing Officer who was at your hearing, or the Appeals Officer. If they donot respond, then call Bay Area Legal Aid, East Bay Community LawCenter or Homeless Action Center for help.

What happens if I disagree with the hearing decision?What happens if I disagree with the hearing decision?What happens if I disagree with the hearing decision?What happens if I disagree with the hearing decision?

Legally, you have the right to appeal a hearing decision by going toSuperior Court. For most people, however, if you lose at the hearing, yourcase is over. Although you do not need to have a lawyer represent you atSuperior Court, it is typically much easier to present your case if you haveone. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to obtain free legal help to take yourcase to Superior Court. In some very rare cases, however, legal aid mayhelp you. If you would like to talk with a lawyer about your case, contactone of the legal aid offices listed at the end of this brochure.

If I file an appeal of my GA case, will this affect my foodIf I file an appeal of my GA case, will this affect my foodIf I file an appeal of my GA case, will this affect my foodIf I file an appeal of my GA case, will this affect my food

stamps?stamps?stamps?stamps?

Many people receive both GA and Food Stamps. Often a County decision

or mistake will affect both your GA and your Food Stamps. If the Countyhas proposed to cut your Food Stamps or has denied your Food Stampapplication, you should also file an appeal of your Food Stamps, too!There is a separate appeals system for Food Stamps since the FoodStamp program is run by the State (the GA program is run by the County.)For more information on appealing a food stamp decision, please see BayArea Legal Aids guide on how to represent yourself at a state hearing. You can request a state hearingabout your Food Stamps by calling 1-(800)-952-5253. You can also request aid paid pending.

What common mistakes does the County make in GA cases and what should IWhat common mistakes does the County make in GA cases and what should IWhat common mistakes does the County make in GA cases and what should IWhat common mistakes does the County make in GA cases and what should I

do about it?do about it?do about it?do about it? FINDING THAT YOU ARE EMPLOYABLE AND ALLOWING ONLY THREE (3) MONTHS OF GA.FINDING THAT YOU ARE EMPLOYABLE AND ALLOWING ONLY THREE (3) MONTHS OF GA.FINDING THAT YOU ARE EMPLOYABLE AND ALLOWING ONLY THREE (3) MONTHS OF GA.FINDING THAT YOU ARE EMPLOYABLE AND ALLOWING ONLY THREE (3) MONTHS OF GA.

File an appeal and provide evidence that you are unable to work, ideally a form 90-2 completed by amedical provider.

Losing paperwork (including monthly reporting forms!)Losing paperwork (including monthly reporting forms!)Losing paperwork (including monthly reporting forms!)Losing paperwork (including monthly reporting forms!)

Always keep copies of everything you turn in to the County. If you hand in a paper in person, always get areceipt. Then, if the County says it did not get a paper, show it your copy and receipt. If you do not have acopy or receipt, try to get another copy and explain to the County when and where you turned in the firstone.

Requiring too much unnecessary paperwork.Requiring too much unnecessary paperwork.Requiring too much unnecessary paperwork.Requiring too much unnecessary paperwork.

Sometimes, the County will ask you for paperwork that you cannot provide. For example, it might ask youto verify that a bank account that you used to have is closed but you cannot get the bank to verify this. Ifthis happens, explain what you tried to do to get the information. Ask what alternative information you canprovide.

Not believing you when you give the County information about your landlord and rent.Not believing you when you give the County information about your landlord and rent.Not believing you when you give the County information about your landlord and rent.Not believing you when you give the County information about your landlord and rent.

Ask the County exactly why it does not believe your landlord statement. Provide a copy of your lease

Important People andImportant People andImportant People andImportant People andTheir ContactTheir ContactTheir ContactTheir ContactInformationInformationInformationInformation

Alameda County Appeals Unit(also known as the ProgramIntegrity Division)(510) 383-8777

Mr. Tano GallegosSupervising Appeals Officer(510) 383-8762

Ms. Delia Duran-ZertucheSupervising Appeals Officer(510) 383-8763

Supervisor Gail SteeleAlameda County Board ofSupervisors, Social Services

Committee, (510) 272-6692

Supervisor Alice Lai-BitkerAlameda County Board ofSupervisors, Social ServicesCommittee, (510) 272-6693


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agreement, a letter from your landlord, or a copy of a rent receipt.

Cutting off your GA when you miss a workfare requirement even if you have a good excuse.Cutting off your GA when you miss a workfare requirement even if you have a good excuse.Cutting off your GA when you miss a workfare requirement even if you have a good excuse.Cutting off your GA when you miss a workfare requirement even if you have a good excuse.

Explain why you missed the workfare requirement. Try to get letters from people who know about yoursituation that could back you up. Remember: if the County finds that you missed the workfare requirementwithout a good reason, it could prevent you from getting GA for up to nine months! (NOTE: GA workfare issometimes called ABAWD requirements or GA/FSET requirements.)

Assuming that you are getting free rent or have other income when your rent exceeds the amountAssuming that you are getting free rent or have other income when your rent exceeds the amountAssuming that you are getting free rent or have other income when your rent exceeds the amountAssuming that you are getting free rent or have other income when your rent exceeds the amountof the GA grantof the GA grantof the GA grantof the GA grant....

Request a hearing and provide information about the amount of your rent, then amount of your income,and how you have been paying your rent. Many people have recently had their grant reduced from $336/moth to $296 or less.

If you need to borrow money to pay your rent, or are behind on your rent, or are afraid that the grantreduction is going to cause you to become homeless, you should notify your worker and the appeals officerto let them know. The County should offer you shelter. If they dont, then you can ask for shelter. Ifshelter is not available, then you should be able to get your full grant amount from the County.

How do the Countys recent changes in GA affect my aid and what should I doHow do the Countys recent changes in GA affect my aid and what should I doHow do the Countys recent changes in GA affect my aid and what should I doHow do the Countys recent changes in GA affect my aid and what should I do

about it?about it?about it?about it?

The County has made a lot of changes to their GA regulations that are effective between October 1, 2009,and January 1, 2010. You may have received notices regarding changes in your GA and the notices maynot have made clear how these changes will affect your grant amount.

Many of these changes will cause some peoples GA grants to be reduced. Some of these changes arefacing legal challenges in court and may be found to contradict state regulations, so you should request ahearing and reinstatement of your GA benefits if your grant amount is reduced as a result of the Countys

new regulations.

Below are some of the changes GA has made to their regulations that may cause a reduction in your grantamount and what you can do if any of these changes reduces your grant.

REDUCED GA ALLOWANCE TIME LIMIT FOR EMPLOYABLE PEOPLE TO ONLY THREE (3) MONTHSREDUCED GA ALLOWANCE TIME LIMIT FOR EMPLOYABLE PEOPLE TO ONLY THREE (3) MONTHSREDUCED GA ALLOWANCE TIME LIMIT FOR EMPLOYABLE PEOPLE TO ONLY THREE (3) MONTHSREDUCED GA ALLOWANCE TIME LIMIT FOR EMPLOYABLE PEOPLE TO ONLY THREE (3) MONTHSOF GA WILL MEAN THAT YOU MAY LOSE YOUR GA FOR NINE MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR IF THEOF GA WILL MEAN THAT YOU MAY LOSE YOUR GA FOR NINE MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR IF THEOF GA WILL MEAN THAT YOU MAY LOSE YOUR GA FOR NINE MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR IF THEOF GA WILL MEAN THAT YOU MAY LOSE YOUR GA FOR NINE MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR IF THECOUNTY DECIDES YOU ARE EMPLOYABLE.COUNTY DECIDES YOU ARE EMPLOYABLE.COUNTY DECIDES YOU ARE EMPLOYABLE.COUNTY DECIDES YOU ARE EMPLOYABLE.

The County has reduced the time allowance for employable people from six (6) months to only three (3)months of GA a year. If you believe you have a mental or physical condition that makes you unemployable,contact the County. You will need to have your doctor fill out a 90-2 form and you will need to turn in the

completed form to the County.

The County has reduced the time allowance for employable people to only three (3) months of GA a year.If you believe you have a mental or physical condition that makes you unemployable, contact the County.You will need to have your doctor fill out a 90-2 form and you will need to turn in the completed form tothe County.

If you believe you are unemployable, but cannot find a doctor to complete the form 90-2, you may want tocontact Yolanda Baldovinos, the Social Services Agency Director, or Gail Steele, Alice Lai Bitker, or ScottHaggerty, the three Alameda County Supervisors who voted for this time limit, and ask them what you


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should do. They are the only people who can decide to change this policy:

Yolanda Baldovinos: (510) 271-9100 Alice Lai-Bitker: (510) 272-6693

Gail Steele: (510) 272-6692 Scott Haggerty: (510) 272-6691

You can also call 2-1-1 to ask for a referral for food or shelter.

If you believe you have a physical or mental condition making you unemployable, requestIf you believe you have a physical or mental condition making you unemployable, requestIf you believe you have a physical or mental condition making you unemployable, requestIf you believe you have a physical or mental condition making you unemployable, requesta 90a 90a 90a 90----2 form from the County and have your doctor fill out the form and return it to the2 form from the County and have your doctor fill out the form and return it to the2 form from the County and have your doctor fill out the form and return it to the2 form from the County and have your doctor fill out the form and return it to theCounty.County.County.County.

The County requires your doctor toverify that your condition makes youunemployable and prefers you to turn ina 90-2 form to document a physical ormental condition making youunemployable. This form must be filled

out by your doctor and you can requestthis form from the County.

Often this form can be confusing andyour doctor may be unsure what theform is asking, so you should explainthe purpose of this form to your doctor .Tell your doctor that it is evaluatingwhether your condition makes youunemployable.

Request a hearing.Request a hearing.Request a hearing.Request a hearing.If you disagree with the Countys decision that you are employable or any other reason that they have cutyou off of GA, request a hearing to challenge the decision.

COUNTY CAN NO LONGER CUT YOUR RENT ALLOWANCE BASED UPON YOUR NOT TURNING IN YOURCOUNTY CAN NO LONGER CUT YOUR RENT ALLOWANCE BASED UPON YOUR NOT TURNING IN YOURCOUNTY CAN NO LONGER CUT YOUR RENT ALLOWANCE BASED UPON YOUR NOT TURNING IN YOURCOUNTY CAN NO LONGER CUT YOUR RENT ALLOWANCE BASED UPON YOUR NOT TURNING IN YOURLANDLORDS WLANDLORDS WLANDLORDS WLANDLORDS W----9 FORM.9 FORM.9 FORM.9 FORM.

The Alameda County Superior Court ruled on December 14, 2009 that the County may NOT require GArecipients to turn in their landlords W-9s. This means the County may NOT reduce your grant amountbecause you did not turn in your landlords W-9.

You may have received notices from the County telling you that you are required to turn in an IRS form W-9

completed by your landlord or risk having your rental allowance cut out of your GA grant. Now that thecourt has prohibited this practice, your grant should not be affected because of a failure to turn in a W-9.Please contact one of the legal services organizations in the box above if you think your grant was cut dueto your landlords failure to provide a W-9.

If the County continues to send you notices that your grant will be cut for failure to turn inIf the County continues to send you notices that your grant will be cut for failure to turn inIf the County continues to send you notices that your grant will be cut for failure to turn inIf the County continues to send you notices that your grant will be cut for failure to turn ina Wa Wa Wa W----9 or that you must accept shelter housing or lose part of your grant, call the County9 or that you must accept shelter housing or lose part of your grant, call the County9 or that you must accept shelter housing or lose part of your grant, call the County9 or that you must accept shelter housing or lose part of your grant, call the Countyand verify that the County is no longer cutting your grant.and verify that the County is no longer cutting your grant.and verify that the County is no longer cutting your grant.and verify that the County is no longer cutting your grant.

The County may mistakenly continue to send notices that your landlords W-9 is required despite the

Help if you cannot find a doctor to fill out theHelp if you cannot find a doctor to fill out theHelp if you cannot find a doctor to fill out theHelp if you cannot find a doctor to fill out theunemployability form:unemployability form:unemployability form:unemployability form:

If you believe your have a condition that makes you unemployable but youcannot get a doctor to fill out the form or the County still finds you to beemployable, you can contact the following organizations for help:

Bay Area Legal AidBay Area Legal AidBay Area Legal AidBay Area Legal Aid Homeless Action CenterHomeless Action CenterHomeless Action CenterHomeless Action Center1735 Telegraph Ave.1735 Telegraph Ave.1735 Telegraph Ave.1735 Telegraph Ave. 3126 Shattuck Ave3126 Shattuck Ave3126 Shattuck Ave3126 Shattuck AveOakland, CA 94612Oakland, CA 94612Oakland, CA 94612Oakland, CA 94612 Berkeley, CA 94704Berkeley, CA 94704Berkeley, CA 94704Berkeley, CA 94704(510) 663(510) 663(510) 663(510) 663----4744474447444744 (510) 540(510) 540(510) 540(510) 540----0878087808780878(800) 551(800) 551(800) 551(800) 551----5554555455545554

East Bay Community Law CenterEast Bay Community Law CenterEast Bay Community Law CenterEast Bay Community Law Center Homeless Action CenterHomeless Action CenterHomeless Action CenterHomeless Action Center2921 Adeline St.2921 Adeline St.2921 Adeline St.2921 Adeline St. 1432 Franklin St.1432 Franklin St.1432 Franklin St.1432 Franklin St.Berkeley, CA 94705Berkeley, CA 94705Berkeley, CA 94705Berkeley, CA 94705 Oakland, CA 94612Oakland, CA 94612Oakland, CA 94612Oakland, CA 94612(510) 548(510) 548(510) 548(510) 548----4040404040404040 (510) 836(510) 836(510) 836(510) 836----3260 ext. 3013260 ext. 3013260 ext. 3013260 ext. 301


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courts decision prohibiting this requirement.

If the County continues to tell you they need your landlords W-9 or are cutting your aid because you didnot turn in a W-9, you should call the County. Verify that you are no longer required to turn in the W-9 andthat your grant will not be affected for failure to turn in a W-9. If your worker continues to think that youmust turn in your W-9 or your grant will be cut, refer to the December 14, 2009 ruling and ask to speak toyour workers supervisor.

If the County continues to request a WIf the County continues to request a WIf the County continues to request a WIf the County continues to request a W----9 or reduces your grant for failing to provide your9 or reduces your grant for failing to provide your9 or reduces your grant for failing to provide your9 or reduces your grant for failing to provide yourlandlords Wlandlords Wlandlords Wlandlords W----9, request a hearing.9, request a hearing.9, request a hearing.9, request a hearing.

If the County continues to tell you that you must turn in a W-9 or notifies you that your grant is beingreduced for failure to turn in a W-9, request a hearing.

The County may not legally reduce your grant for failing to turn in a W-9, so you should request a hearing ifyour grant is cut for this reason.

REDUCING GRANT BY $40 FOR MEDICAL CARE DEDUCTION WILL REDUCE YOUR GRANT IF YOUREDUCING GRANT BY $40 FOR MEDICAL CARE DEDUCTION WILL REDUCE YOUR GRANT IF YOUREDUCING GRANT BY $40 FOR MEDICAL CARE DEDUCTION WILL REDUCE YOUR GRANT IF YOUREDUCING GRANT BY $40 FOR MEDICAL CARE DEDUCTION WILL REDUCE YOUR GRANT IF YOUDO NOT RECEIVE MEDIDO NOT RECEIVE MEDIDO NOT RECEIVE MEDIDO NOT RECEIVE MEDI----CAL BENEFITS.CAL BENEFITS.CAL BENEFITS.CAL BENEFITS.

Your grant will be reduced by $40 if you do not receive Medi-Cal benefits. Apply for MediApply for MediApply for MediApply for Medi----Cal.Cal.Cal.Cal.

If your grant is going to be reduced by $40 for not having Medi-Cal, you should apply for Medi-Cal. You canapply for Medi-Cal at one of the Alameda County Social Services Agency offices. If your Medi-Calapplication is approved, your grant will not be subject to this $40 reduction. You may also want to applyfor Social Security or SSI. You can start an application for SSI by calling 1-800 772-1213. REDUCING GRANT FOR INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN SHARED HOUSING MAY CUT YOUR GRANT IF YOUREDUCING GRANT FOR INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN SHARED HOUSING MAY CUT YOUR GRANT IF YOUREDUCING GRANT FOR INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN SHARED HOUSING MAY CUT YOUR GRANT IF YOUREDUCING GRANT FOR INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN SHARED HOUSING MAY CUT YOUR GRANT IF YOU

LIVE WITH ONE OR MORE PERSONS.LIVE WITH ONE OR MORE PERSONS.LIVE WITH ONE OR MORE PERSONS.LIVE WITH ONE OR MORE PERSONS.

The County may decrease your GA grant up to $84 if you live with a roommate. The new rule requires thatif you live with someone other than your eligible spouse or registered domestic partner, your GA grant willbe reduced by: 15% if you share with one person, 20% if you share with two persons, or 25% if you sharewith three or more persons.

Homeless Shelters are exempt from the shared housing grant reduction.Homeless Shelters are exempt from the shared housing grant reduction.Homeless Shelters are exempt from the shared housing grant reduction.Homeless Shelters are exempt from the shared housing grant reduction.

If the County reduces your grant because you live in shared housing and you live in a homeless shelter, theCounty is mistaken and you should be exempt from this reduction. If the County tries to reduce your grantfor this reason and you do live in a Homeless Shelter, tell them you live in a Homeless Shelter and areexempt from the shared housing reduction. If your grant is still reduced, request a hearing to challenge thedecision. Certain transitional housing does not qualify and is not exempt from this reduction. IF YOUR GRANT IS REDUCED BELOW THE AMOUNT OF YOUR RENT, YOUR GRANT MAY BE CUT.IF YOUR GRANT IS REDUCED BELOW THE AMOUNT OF YOUR RENT, YOUR GRANT MAY BE CUT.IF YOUR GRANT IS REDUCED BELOW THE AMOUNT OF YOUR RENT, YOUR GRANT MAY BE CUT.IF YOUR GRANT IS REDUCED BELOW THE AMOUNT OF YOUR RENT, YOUR GRANT MAY BE CUT.Many of these changes may result in grant reductions that could put your GA grant below your cost of rent.If this happens, the County may cut the entire rent allowance from your grant, leaving you with only $105per month.

Request a hearing to stop the cut to your aid.Request a hearing to stop the cut to your aid.Request a hearing to stop the cut to your aid.Request a hearing to stop the cut to your aid.

The County might have made a mistake in cutting your rent allowance absent evidence of fraud, so youshould request a hearing to challenge the cut.


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If your grant is reduced below your rent, discuss lowering your rent with your landlord.If your grant is reduced below your rent, discuss lowering your rent with your landlord.If your grant is reduced below your rent, discuss lowering your rent with your landlord.If your grant is reduced below your rent, discuss lowering your rent with your landlord.

You should also discuss lowering your rent with your landlord if your GA grant is cut below your cost of rent.If your landlord is willing to lower your rent below your rent allowance amount, the County may continue togive you the rent allowance portion of your grant for your new cost of rent.

Which County employees do I contact if I want to talk to people who approvedWhich County employees do I contact if I want to talk to people who approvedWhich County employees do I contact if I want to talk to people who approvedWhich County employees do I contact if I want to talk to people who approved

these cuts to GA?these cuts to GA?these cuts to GA?these cuts to GA?

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved these cuts to GA. You can contact the Alameda CountyBoard of Supervisors to discuss the GA policies with people who approve GA changes.You can contact Supervisor Gail Steele at (510) 272-6692, Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker at (510) 272-6693,and Supervisor Scott Haggerty at (510) 272-6691.

What legal aid offices help with GA cases?What legal aid offices help with GA cases?What legal aid offices help with GA cases?What legal aid offices help with GA cases?

If you would like to talk with a lawyer or legal advocate about your case, please contact one of the legal aidoffices below. Although legal aid cannot help everyone who asks, they may be able to provide you withmore information or assistance....

Bay Area Legal AidBay Area Legal AidBay Area Legal AidBay Area Legal Aid1735 Telegraph Ave.,1735 Telegraph Ave.,1735 Telegraph Ave.,1735 Telegraph Ave.,Oakland, CA 94612Oakland, CA 94612Oakland, CA 94612Oakland, CA 94612(510) 663(510) 663(510) 663(510) 663----4744474447444744(800) 551(800) 551(800) 551(800) 551----5554555455545554

Homeless Action CenterHomeless Action CenterHomeless Action CenterHomeless Action Center3126 Shattuck Ave.3126 Shattuck Ave.3126 Shattuck Ave.3126 Shattuck Ave.Berkeley, CA 94704Berkeley, CA 94704Berkeley, CA 94704Berkeley, CA 94704(510) 540(510) 540(510) 540(510) 540----0878087808780878

East Bay Community Law CenterEast Bay Community Law CenterEast Bay Community Law CenterEast Bay Community Law Center2921 Adeline St.2921 Adeline St.2921 Adeline St.2921 Adeline St.Berkeley, CA 94705Berkeley, CA 94705Berkeley, CA 94705Berkeley, CA 94705(510) 548(510) 548(510) 548(510) 548----4040404040404040

Homeless Action CenterHomeless Action CenterHomeless Action CenterHomeless Action Center1432 Franklin St.1432 Franklin St.1432 Franklin St.1432 Franklin St.Oakland, CA 94612Oakland, CA 94612Oakland, CA 94612Oakland, CA 94612(510) 836(510) 836(510) 836(510) 836----3260 ext. 301.3260 ext. 301.3260 ext. 301.3260 ext. 301.


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How do I fill out the GA appeal form?How do I fill out the GA appeal form?How do I fill out the GA appeal form?How do I fill out the GA appeal form?Alameda County uses two different appeal forms.

Below are examples of each:


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This information is current as of December 2009. This brochure provides general legal information aboutthe subject matter as of the date stated and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a legal advocate todetermine how this information may apply to your situation or to see if the law has changed.

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