|
Dear IHSS Providers,
Spring is here, and as the days grow longer and the weather warms, it's the perfect time to invest in your own growth and development as a caregiver. In this newsletter, you'll find details on our upcoming workshops, new resources available, and important reminders to keep you informed and empowered in your vital role.
| |
Public Authority Training for IHSS Providers
Public Authority also hosts a series of customized training sessions for our IHSS providers. Please call the Public Authority office for more information or to register for training in advance.
| |
|
Online Training (Zoom)
Open Mic
English Session:
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Spanish Session:
Thursday, April 11, 2024
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Register for Zoom link
by calling 805-654-3416
Participants are encouraged to take part in this class by singing or playing an instrument, reading a favorite poem or short story, performing comedy, or telling a joke. If you get stage fright, you’re more than welcome to observe.
| |  |
|
Online Training (Zoom)
Let's De-Stress
English Session:
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Spanish Session:
Thursday, May 9, 2024
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Register for Zoom link
by calling 805-654-3416
Stress is a normal part of life, but how you deal with that stress makes a big difference to your health. Come connect with others and learn tips on way to better manage the stress in your life.
| | |
Special Notice About Live-In Provider Certification and W-2s
Some providers have contacted us with concerns about their W-2s, especially if they had returned a signed Live-In Provider Self-Certification Form (SOC 2298). Please see below for some answers to the commonly asked questions. You can also visit the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Live-In Provider Certification webpage for more information and other helpful questions & answers.
-
Why is there no income, or only part of my income reflected as Federal wages in Box 1 and State wages in Box 16 on my W-2 after filing a SOC 2298?
If you live with the recipient and filed the SOC 2298, any wages paid to you following receipt of the form will not be reported as wages. Any IHSS paychecks that were issued prior to the SOC 2298 form being processed by the Calif Dept of Social Services will show as income. This means in Box 1 and Box 16 on the W-2 form, you will not see the full amount of gross wages earned in the year because any wages issued after the receipt of the SOC 2298 are not considered taxable based on the IRS rule (Notice 2014-7).
-
Why do I show income in Box 3 (FICA) and 5 (Medicare)? The SOC 2298 only applies to Federal and State taxes, so if you were subject to FICA taxes, your full wages for the year will be reported in Box 3 (Social Security Wages) and Box 5 (Medicare Wages) on the W-2 form.
-
What do I do if I have tax questions?
Public Authority staff are not tax consultants and are not able to assist you with the IRS rule (Notice 2014-7) or how to file amended tax returns. Please contact the IRS or your tax preparer for questions on how to file an amended return for past years.
-
When can I expect my Live-In Self Certification form to be processed?
The California Department of Social Services processes all Live-In Self Certification forms for all IHSS providers. Your wages will continue to be included as federal and state taxable wages until a correct and fully completed Live-In Self Certification form is received and processed. If the SOC 2298 was mailed in, it may take up to 30 days from the time you send your completed form to be processed before your wages begin to be excluded from Federal and State tax income. If you complete the SOC 2298 online via the Electronic Services Portal, your form is processed faster.
| |
|
In keeping with its ongoing efforts to serve all members of the public, the County of Ventura is updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) self-evaluation and transition plan. The accessibility plan provides a comprehensive plan for accessibility for persons with disabilities to County facilities, programs, services, activities and events.
The County is seeking input from the community and organizations assisting persons with disabilities. Your feedback will assist in addressing and prioritizing current and future accessibility needs.
Your comments and opinions are important to us and will provide valuable information regarding how the County can better serve persons with disabilities.
Surveys for the public and for organizations are available from the County’s ADA Coordinator and on the County’s website at:
https://www.ventura.org/county-executive-office/oda/.
| |
More people are now eligible for Medi-Cal! Starting January 2024, assets no longer count toward Medi-Cal eligibility. Assets include your car, house, bank accounts, and more. Income will continue to be counted. Learn more at GetMedi-CalCoverage.dhcs.ca.gov. | |
Medi-Cal helps you and your family stay healthy. Even if you've been denied for full Medi-Cal recently, see if you're eligible now. Immigration status does not matter. Applying will not affect your immigration status. Learn more at GetMedi-CalCoverage.dhcs.ca.gov. | |
|
Applying for Food, Health and Cash Support
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are encouraged to apply to the County of Ventura Human Services Agency for the following benefits:
You may apply online at vchsa.org/apply, by phone at 888-472-4463, fax at 805-658-4530, mail or drop-off services, and in person.
Remember to routinely check our Community-Based Resources page with links to basic-needs services and other free or low-cost resources.
| |
Important Reminder: Ventura County has moved from MyBenefitsCalwin to a new system called BenefitsCal.com.
ALL Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief clients who wish to maintain access to check benefits status or renew their benefits online, report changes, and upload documents must:
1. Go to BenefitsCal.com and select “log In.”
2. Create a new account using your email address.
3. Link your account to your case.
| | | | |
|
Attention Medi-Cal Members! If your contact information or household circumstances have changed, please update your information today. This may help you keep your Medi-Cal coverage. For more details and to learn how to update your contact information, visit: vchsa.org/medi-cal.
Have Medi-Cal questions? Call a health navigator for free assistance completing any Medi-Cal forms. There is no fee for renewing your Medi-Cal benefits.
- INTERFACE Children and Family Services: Call 833-607-2650 to speak with a Medi-Cal Navigator or text “medical” to 211211.
- MICOP: For support in Mixteco, Spanish or English, call 805-215-0730 or visit 135 Magnolia Ave., Oxnard.
| |
|
For more Ventura County Human Services Agency updates,
visit the website: vchsa.org
| |
Follow us on social media to stay up to date on important programs and services that may benefit you, your family, and your neighbors. | | | | |
