Plain English Breakdown
The official text states that a state-mandated local program is imposed only 'to the extent' eligibility expands and imposes higher service levels; it does not guarantee expansion in all cases.
CalWORKS Eligibility Changes
This law changes how California decides if a family qualifies for CalWORKS cash aid by removing the rule that limits parents to working less than 100 hours in four weeks.
What This Bill Does
- Removes the requirement that parents must work fewer than 100 hours in the previous four weeks to qualify for aid based on unemployment.
- Deletes the need to meet specific federal AFDC program rules when determining if a child lacks parental support due to unemployment.
- Allows families with working parents to receive benefits as long as their total income stays below set limits and they are otherwise eligible.
Who It Names or Affects
- Low-income families in California who currently do not qualify for CalWORKS because parents work too many hours under the old rule.
- County agencies that administer the CalWORKs cash assistance and benefits program, which may face higher service levels if eligibility expands.
Terms To Know
- CalWORKS
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids; a state program using state, county, and federal funds to give cash aid and benefits to qualified low-income families with children under 18.
- Deprived of parental support or care due to unemployment
- A legal condition where a child needs help because a parent is unemployed, which currently requires the parent to have worked less than 100 hours in the preceding four weeks.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill does not change the income limits families must meet to qualify for assistance.
- Reimbursement of costs to counties depends on whether the Commission on State Mandates finds that this law creates state-mandated expenses.
- Families still must be otherwise eligible under existing rules besides the work-hour requirement.