ERTA Tracking Application

The County departments involved in providing social services are coordinating their efforts for the Hurricane Katrina evacuees, with DPSS taking the lead. As shelters for evacuees are opened, DPSS sends teams of eligibility staff to the shelter to do onsite interviews with evacuees seeking DPSS' services (cash aid, Food Stamps, Medi-Cal). The staff also assesses the needs of the evacuees in other areas and makes referrals to the appropriate County department(s), such as Community and Senior Services for employment and adult protective services, Mental Health for crisis intervention and Health Services for health screenings. Those evacuees found eligible for one of DPSS' services will have their applications expedited to ensure they receive benefits within one to two days. In addition, in order not to delay receipt of benefits, many of the verification requirements are waived (such as birth certifications, income, resources) for evacuees and requirements such as fingerprinting or child support enforcement interviews are done at the shelter. Evacuees who walk into DPSS district offices have their applications expedited in a like manner.