Title
Receive and accept the semi-annual report of expenditures and caseload data for the Department of Social Services.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Budget Committee:
Receive and accept the semi-annual report of expenditures and caseload data for the Department of Social Services.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The attached report represents actual caseload and expenditure data through December 2020. The report compares data month-to-month and year-to-year for three years. In addition to administrative costs, the programs highlighted are:
General Assistance CalWORKs
Medi-Cal CalFresh (Food Stamps)
In-Home Support Services (IHSS) Out-of-Home Care (Foster Care and Adoptions)
ü General Assistance (GA) program caseload reflects a decrease from 442 in July 2020 to 300 individuals in December 2020. From a year-to-year perspective, there is an overall 39.64% decrease; and, from a 6-month perspective, it is 32% reduction. However, expenditures appear to be more appropriately reflecting the amount of aid granted per household after the January 2020 conversion adjustment presented as part of the September 30, 2020 report. Compared to caseloads from the first 6 months of 2020/21, however, the average caseload is 2.45% greater than prior year. Assistance costs to date utilize approximately 51% of budgeted appropriations, however with an experience of caseload decline which began in July 2020 it is anticipated that current appropriations are sufficient.
ü CalWORKs caseload reflects a 7.5% decrease from 2,947 in July 2020 to 2,726 in December 2020. This current caseload is 9.1% lower than the same time last year, over the last 6 months it appears to be steady with only a 5.33% decrease from a year-to-date average. Assistance costs to date utilize approximately 47% of budgeted appropriations, it is anticipated that current appropriations are sufficient.
ü Medi-Cal caseload increased from 76,183 in July 2020 to 78,673 in December 2020. This reflects an increase of 8.57% when compared to December 2020. Overall, there are approximately 170,307 individuals receiving Medi-Cal health insurance through the Department of Social Services public assistance eligibility systems.
ü CalFresh caseload decreased from 18,233 in July 2020 to 15,656 in December 2020, which is an increase of 0.11% from this this time last year. There was a peak in caseloads of 19,287 in June 2020. Declines beginning in this fiscal year could be related to the Court of Appeals decision allowing implementation of changes to what constitutes a “Public Charge” along with improving economic conditions from the partial reopening.
ü IHSS paid hours have been stable across the first six months of the year with a slight decrease from 531,868 in July 2020 to 530,151 in December 2020. However, from a year-to-year perspective IHSS paid hours are 9.45% greater than December 2019. The overall year-to-date average of paid hours reflect a 3.56% increase. Overall, IHSS wages and benefits have increased by an average of 6.28% from FY 20/21, this is due to the increase of hours paid and the County’s authorized $0.04 per hour increase for health benefits which began July 2020.
ü Out of Home Care includes cases in Foster Care (including youth opting to stay in Foster Care to age 21), Probation, and Adoption Assistance. The caseload has been stable through the first six months of the year. The average caseload for the first six months of the year is 2.51% less than the average caseload for FY 19/20. Average monthly expenditures are averaging 9.07% than prior fiscal year. Assistance costs to date utilize approximately 41.4% of budgeted appropriations, it is anticipated that current appropriations are sufficient.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Probation placement costs are included in Foster Care.
FINANCING:
Caseload trends are mostly consistent with the trends built into the FY 2020-21 Budget. Sufficient appropriations and County General Fund contributions are currently available.
Prepared by: Becky Cromer, Interim Finance Director, x4404
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Dept. of Social Services Director, x4430
Attachments: 2020_12 Caseload and Expenditure Report