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CAPS Policy – Parent Rights and Responsibilities No.: CAPS/00-3 Effective Date: 10/01/2016 Revised: 03/02/2026 Revision Effective: 03/02/2026

CAPS Policy Manual

Page 20 of 109 doing so, parents consent to receive automated text messages from CAPS, including reminders, updates, and other relevant information. Parents may learn more about CAPS privacy policy by going to https://caps.decal.ga.gov/en/privacypolicy.

3.3.12 The parent has the right to see their case file unless this is prohibited by state or federal laws or regulations. 3.3.13 The parent has the right to file a grievance or appeal when the Agency imposes an adverse action that is appealable, such as a denial or case closure if the parent does not agree with the action taken by the agency. 3.3.13.1 Changes where adverse actions are a direct result of implementation of federal and state regulations/policies and the change affects entire populations are not appealable.

3.3.14 The parent has the right to request a grievance mediation and/or the right to an administrative hearing. 3.3.15 Parents who speak Spanish have the right to request and receive forms and notices in Spanish and request CAPS to provide an interpreter when contacting the CAPS program. Other non-English speaking individuals or persons with limited English proficiency shall have the right to request an interpreter provided by the agency. 3.3.16 Parents with vision or hearing impairments have the right to request auxiliary aids or other accommodations. 3.3.17 The parent has the right to be treated fairly without regard to race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, political beliefs, or disability. Note: An applicant or recipient who feels their rights have been violated may contact the CAPS program at 1-833- 4GACAPS (1-833-442-2277) or CAPS.Complaints@decal.ga.gov. 3.3.18 The parent has the right to appeal to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (HHS OCR) if they feel DECAL or CAPS staff has violated their civil rights. 3.3.19 The parent has the right to request suspension or closure of their CAPS case.

Parent Responsibilities 3.4.1 The parent is responsible for providing accurate, current, and complete information to the program. Failure to provide true and accurate information may result in sanctions as prescribed in CAPS Program Integrity Policy (CAPS/00-16). 3.4.2 The parent is responsible for providing current, accurate, and complete contact information, including email address, if applicable. The parent must permit DECAL to use any contact information provided to send communications. Communication will be by email unless otherwise stated. Failure to provide current, accurate, and complete information may not be a reason for a claim of inadequate notification. 3.4.3 The parent is responsible for supplying all requested forms, information, and verification needed to determine eligibility and amount of benefits. If all information is not submitted within the specified time frame, this may result in the inability to determine eligibility and a disposition of unable to process will be issued as prescribed in CAPS Application Process Policy (CAPS/00-04). 3.4.4 By signing the application, the parent is authorizing DECAL to verify all information on the application, reported by the parent, and during the interview. 3.4.5 The parent must cooperate in taking any actions necessary to establish eligibility. The parent must cooperate with any CAPS investigation and eligibility review by completing any required forms, responding to scheduled interview appointments, and by making requested records or information available. Parents who do not cooperate may be determined to be ineligible for CAPS until they cooperate. 3.4.6 The parent is responsible for reporting changes in their circumstances to the CAPS program within 10 calendar days of becoming aware of the change. Some changes, while not required to be reported, will result in an increased benefit for the family by reporting them. Changes should be reported online through the state’s integrated eligibility system or by phone, mail, or in person. 3.4.6.1 The following is a list of changes that the parent is required to report within 10 calendar days of becoming aware of the change: • Change in family income where the gross applicable income exceeds 85% State Median Income (SMI) for a minimum of four consecutive weeks