A: Weekly release notes will include which functionality is being released and any workarounds that are being retired. To access the release notes, log into the System Updates & Release Notes page of the Production Simulation Hub.
 

A: Final workaround processes were released to counties on September 4, 2026. For full details, log into the System Updates & Release Notes page of the Production Simulation Hub and access the CWS-CARES Interim Workaround Guidance document.

The CWS‑CARES Knowledge Base has been updated to reflect these finalized workarounds, and all refresher training materials will be aligned with and based on these final processes.
 

A: The Project shared the Hotline Quick Start Guide & Intake demonstration, which was released to counties on September 14, 2026.

The one-pager identifies the mandatory fields required during the Hotline screening process and is intended to help streamline information gathering and documentation during a Hotline call. It also includes a recorded demonstration showing completion of the Hotline call and associated documentation, which took an average of approximately 23 minutes.
 

A: A list identifying all workaround scenarios was provided at the in-person CWDA/County Leadership/Project meeting on August 14, 2026. Screenshots and step‑by‑step instructions for each of the 82 workarounds was released to counties on September 4.

For full details, log into the System Updates & Release Notes page of the Production Simulation Hub and access the CWS-CARES Interim Workaround Guidance document.
 

A: A list identifying all workaround scenarios was provided at the in-person CWDA/County Leadership/Project meeting on August 14, 2026. Screenshots and step‑by‑step instructions for each of the 82 workarounds was released to counties on September 4.

For full details, log into the System Updates & Release Notes page of the Production Simulation Hub and access the CWS-CARES Interim Workaround Guidance document.
 

A: Yes, all documents that have been scanned, imported and made available for cases in CWS/CMS will be available in CWS-CARES. Documents with valid file extensions that successfully pass the malware scan are migrated to CWS-CARES Version 1.

Any documents that are infected, corrupted, or have non‑supported/invalid file extensions will be excluded and not brought over to CWS-CARES. Legacy documents will continue to be available in the read‑only system and users will still be able to view, download, and print these documents. The limitation applies only to creating or editing documents in the legacy system. Additionally, all legacy generated documents up to April 17th, 2026, have been moved to Production Simulation otherwise known as CARES 100.
 

A: To modify or remove any form within CWS-CARES, a GEN 158 form must be filled and filed from the program that owns the form and sent to the Forms Management Unit (FMU) using the FMU Mailbox. Please view the Forms Edits and Design webpage for more information.

A: Yes, P-CIS access will be permission/role-based and controlled by counties.

A: Yes, CWS-CARES does have an upload feature to submit forms the Eligibility Record even if that form was not generated in CWS-CARES. The CWS-CARES Worker should make sure the File Name of the document explains what it is when uploading (e.g. Rate Approval Document).

A: CWS-CARES and CalSAWS notify the appropriate assigned worker when an Request for Information (RFI) is sent. Which worker receives the notification depends on the assignment and county business process. It should be noted that the Primary Worker can select a Secondary Worker to whom Eligibility communications are sent.