CalWORKs: childcare request forms.

Existing law requires an applicant for, or a recipient of, CalWORKs benefits to be provided written notice, both at the time of application and when they sign an original or amended welfare-to-work plan, informing them of, among other things, the availability of paid childcare to allow them to be employed or participate in welfare-to-work activities. Existing law requires an applicant for, or recipient of, CalWORKs benefits to be asked to sign a copy of the written notice acknowledging that they have been informed of and received the notice, as specified.

This bill would instead require an applicant for, or a recipient of, CalWORKs benefits to be provided written notice, and verbally informed, of the availability of paid childcare, as described above, at the time of application, approval, and when they sign an original or amended welfare-to-work plan, annual certificate of eligibility, or a semiannual report form. The bill would specify that a "written notice," for purposes of these provisions, includes a CalWORKs childcare request form. Upon receipt of a CalWORKs childcare request form and eligibility information, the bill would require a county to approve or deny the request for childcare within 10 calendar days. The bill would require the department to implement these provisions through an all-county letter or similar instruction on or before June 1, 2027, until regulations are adopted. By imposing additional duties on counties, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

Existing law, commencing January 1, 2021, or the date that the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform the necessary automation, whichever date is later, requires the written notice described above to additionally be provided to a recipient at the time of orientation, when they are assigned to a program activity, when they report new or increased participation in a program activity, and when they report new earned income or employment.

This bill would extend that commencement date from January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2028.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.