The California Department of Social Services has made CWDA and county human services agencies aware of false information being circulated on social mediate related to those receiving public benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter states that individuals receiving services are required to be tested for the virus (this is false) or lose their benefits (also false). The letter also states that individuals testing positive through this process will have their children taken into the foster care system (this is false). The letter links to a fake website.

State departments and county human services departments will never ask about your health status in connection to an application for benefits. Similarly, children must be subject to abuse or neglect to enter foster care. Children cannot be put into foster care just because a parent may be ill.

The appropriate authorities have been alerted to investigate the letter.

Read more on the CDSS website.