CalWORKs
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Questions and answers regarding Family Stabilization Program
CDSS has issued 15 questions and answers about the Family Stabilization Program (FSP). FSP provides intensive case management services to CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work (WTW) participants who are experiencing an identified situation or crises. The program is described in ACL…
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CalWORKs and CalFresh verification requests
In response to a request submitted by Legal Services of Northern California in 2009, CDSS has reiterated that counties must assist clients in obtaining information, including assistance in obtaining a Social Security Number and card. CDSS stated that…
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Guidance on pregnancy and young child exemptions
CDSS has clarified that temporary illness from pregnancy is good cause for non-participation in Welfare-to-Work. If a pregnant participant is unable to participate in Welfare-to-Work activities for at least half of her participation requirement in a month, that…
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Extension of CalWORKs eligibility to former foster youth
AB 12 (2010) created CalWORKs eligibility for certain people who were previously in foster care. The program is called the non-minor dependents program. In general, people who were previously in foster care are entitled to extended CalWORKs eligibility…
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Policy on fraud investigation requests for school records
CDSS has issued a policy about when a county welfare department or fraud investigator can request school records as part of an investigation. Welf. & Inst. Code Section 11484 requires state and local agencies to cooperate with welfare…
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MBSAC cost of living increase
Effective July 1, 2015, the CalWORKs Minimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC) increased by 2.54%. The MBSAC is the maximum amount of income an assistance unit can have, after income deductions, and be eligible for CalWORKs. The…
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OCAT released
CDSS has released its new Online CalWORKs Appraisal Tool (OCAT). OCAT guides county welfare department workers through the CalWORKs appraisal process and generates recommendations for welfare-to-work and supportive services. The OCAT appraisal includes a section to screen for…
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MBSAC increase
Effective July 1, 2015, the CalWORKs Minimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC) increased by 2.54%. The MBSAC is the maximum amount of income an assistance unit can have, after income deductions, and be eligible for CalWORKs. The…
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School attendance penalty repealed
Effective January 1, 2015, the school attendance penalty for children under age 16 is repealed. Previously, if a child under age 16 was not regularly attending school, the CalWORKs household was penalized by removing all adults in the…
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Sanctioned adults are eligible for stage 1 child care
Following substantial advocacy by the Child Care Law Center, CDSS has clarified that adults in CalWORKs sanction status can be eligible for Stage 1 child care. Under MPP Section 42-721.41, sanctioned adults are eligible for child care when…