Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/431369
29 The People's Guide 2015 General Relief 2. If You Think You Are Unable to Work If you are disabled you may want to apply for SSI first. (see page 24 SSI). You may apply for GR while you wait on SSI. Ask for an SSI Advocate at the GR office. Most people who apply on their own get denied, so you want to ask the county to help you apply for SSI. If you are disabled, tell the worker when you apply for GR. You will be given an appointment for an "employability screen- ing". Be sure to tell the medical provider everything about your disability. Bring any medications, prescriptions, or other proof about your disability. If the medical pro- vider determines that you are not able to work due to a disability, you will be deemed "unemployable." If the medical provider believes that you have a disability, but may be able to work with some accommoda- tions, the medical provider may classify you as "unemployable with accommodations" or "employable with accommodations." If you are determined "unemployable with accommodations," you may volunteer to be in GROW, but are not required to do so. If you are deemed "employable with accommodations," you will be required to participate in GROW as long as DPSS can provide the accommodations. If the medical provider decides that you are able to work, you can appeal to the medi- cal provider at the time of the screening that you disagree with your employability screening. You will then be considered "temporarily unemployable" for 15 days until you receive the results of your appeal. Make sure you go to your employability screening because you may be denied GR if you don't. County or VA doctors can verify your dis- ability. Ask the doctor to fill out an "ABP 1676P" form to verify the disability. A statement from a private doctor does not replace the employability screening. 3. If You Need Special Assistance DPSS must help you apply if you need it. If you cannot read or write, they must help you with their forms. If you have a mental disability, they must refer you to a mental health worker for evaluation. The evalu- ation can establish you as a Needs Spe- cial Assistance ("NSA") recipient. NSA recipients are approved for GR promptly. "NSA" participants are protected from some sanctions, work and other program requirements, and denials of aid. If you request an evaluation by a mental health worker, but do not get one, you may demand that you be classified as "medically unemployable" for 30 days. You will be exempt from GROW and other requirements until you get a mental health evaluation. NOTE: If you are designated NSA status and wish to volunteer without any penal- ties in the GROW Program contact your Eligibility Worker. What Are The Requirements? 1. If You Are Able to Work If you are employable, you will be required to: • Complete 6 job searches at application • Register with the Employment Devel- opment Department ("EDD"). You will have to apply for unemployment benefits if you appear eligible for these benefits. • Participate in the GROW program • Spend 20 hours per week in activities leading to a job The County will send you a notice to come to a GROW Orientation or give you a notice at application. If you do not attend the GROW orientation, your application for GR will be denied. But, if you have "Good Cause" or a good reason for not attending the GROW Orientation, your application will not be denied and you will be schedule for another date and time. Make sure to contact your GROW worker. GROW provides a range of services including job search activity, job-related training, counseling, and work experience. In GROW, if needed, you may also get assistance with transportation, books, sup- plies, uniforms and tools related to your trade. GROW can also provide referrals to domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health supportive services. If you are 60 years old or older, you will not have to participate in GROW, and you will not have a time limit. NOTE: If you are terminated from GR for not meeting GROW requirements, your CalFresh/Food Stamps benefits should still continue. There currently are no work requirements for the CalFresh/Food Stamps program in LA County. (See page 32 "CalFresh/Food Stamps.") 2. If You Are "Unemployable" If the medical provider says you are disabled, you are exempt from many GR requirements. You do not have to par- ticipate in GROW, complete job searches, or register with the EDD, and cannot be penalized for not working. You will only be classified as "unemploy- able" for a certain amount of time. When your disability period expires, you will be sent a notice to comply with GROW requirements. If you still cannot work, call your worker right away and have them schedule an appointment for you with the medical provider. NOTE: If you are Unemployable and wish to volunteer without any penalties in the GROW Program contact your Eligibility Worker. 3. Drug and Alcohol Program When you apply for GR your DPSS worker will screen you for drug or alcohol depen- dency. If you tell your DPSS worker that you have a drug or alcohol problem, or if your worker believes you have such a problem, you must have a professional assessment from Department of Health Services. If you are assessed to be chemically de- pendent you must enroll in a treatment program (Mandatory Substance Abuse Recovery Program) in order to receive GR. If all the programs are filled you can get GR while you wait to enter a program. If you fail to comply with the Manda- tory Substance Abuse Recovery Program requirements, your application will be denied. You are entitled to a "good cause evaluation" when you reapply and the penalty will be removed if you had "good cause" for missing the appointment. If you are in the Mandatory Substance Abuse Recovery Program but is consid- ered "employable" and in a residential treatment program,you are not required to register for work or complete a job search. However, still have to meet GROW requirements and you can meet this by participating in substance abuse treatment 20 hours per week. You will still be subject to the 9 month time limit, unless you are judged "unable to work" for reasons other than substance abuse.