Implementation of Housing Plans and Complaint Resolution Processes for CDSS Housing and Homelessness Programs

Background

Senate Bill (SB) 146 (Chapter 107, Statutes of 2025), signed on September 17, 2025, added new requirements regarding individualized written housing plans for program participants and county complaint resolution processes as well as state-level appeals processes to Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 10618.9.  These requirements apply to counties operating the CalWORKs Housing Support Program, Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP), Bringing Families Home (BFH) program, and the Home Safe program.

CDSS is developing written guidance in collaboration with CWDA, counties, advocates for clients, labor organizations and legislative staff to implement WIC Section 10618.9. Once all final guidance is released, which is expected by March 2027, counties operating these housing and homelessness programs will be required to implement the guidance within 6 months (i.e. September 2027).

CDSS is committed to collaborating with CWDA, counties, and advocates for clients to develop the written guidance as well as to supporting counties via technical assistance to operationalize these requirements.

Major Components

1. Individualized Written Housing Plans 
   • Developed in coordination with families and individuals served through the programs. 
   • Provided in advance of certain changes taking effect. 
   • To include a description of the housing-related services and financial assistance being provided by the program to support families and individuals achieve their housing goals. 
   • Written notice in advance of program discontinuance is required.
2. County Complaint Resolution Process and State Level Appeal 
   • Written policies to be made available on the county’s website. 
   • Written notice informing families and individuals of the county complaint resolution process as well as the state level appeals process to be shared at the time of enrollment and discontinuance.  
   • Assistance pending the outcome of the county complaint resolution process and state level appeal. 
   • Collection of overpayments (only in specified circumstances). 

Upcoming Steps

CDSS anticipates being able to share draft materials for review and feedback according to the following schedule and is seeking input on other methods of engagement: 

• High level outline of policy issues that require initial discussion – January 2026 
• First draft of program guidance – June 2026 
• Second draft of program guidance – November 2026  

The anticipated timeline and process of collecting feedback may be subject to change as CDSS engages with counties and advocates for clients.