Governor Newsom provides more flexibilities for schools, increases access to benefits for fire survivors

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What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to provide schools that were damaged or destroyed with additional flexibility to meet statutory and regulatory requirements following the LA wildfires. The executive order also ensures that survivors who received in-kind, charitable, or other donations and contributions are not limited from receiving state benefits.

SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order easing legal requirements for public schools and students displaced due to the Los Angeles wildfires. The executive order also ensures that survivors who received in-kind, charitable, or other contributions, such as food, clothes, shelter, or donations, are not disqualified from receiving support from CalWORKS. CalWORKs is a program run through the California Department of Social Services that gives cash aid and services to low-income eligible California families in need.

“Survivors of the LA wildfires should be focused on recovering and rebuilding, not caught up by red tape while trying to attend school or fighting to retain state assistance because they received a donation of clothes from a neighbor. My administration is dedicated to making the process of getting life back on track as smooth and simple as possible.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

Read the full executive order HERE.

Actions to support kids and families after the fires

  • Issued an executive order ordering the state to ensure that childcare providers impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles are aware of their potential eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance and have the support needed to apply.

  • Expanded eligibility to individuals and families directly impacted by the fires to receive Disaster CalFresh food benefits.

  • Provided access to critical supports including the reopening of child care and senior living centers, expanded mental health resources, and access to food and drinking water.

  • Issued an executive order to accelerate getting California children back in a classroom and assist schools.

Get help today

For those Californians impacted by the firestorms in Los Angeles, there are resources available. Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov

  • By calling 800-621-3362

  • By using the FEMA smart phone application

  • Assistance is available in over 40 languages

  • If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service