AB 492: CalWORKs: welfare-to-work: supportive services.

Existing law provides for the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, under which each county provides cash assistance and other benefits to qualified low-income families and individuals. Existing law generally requires a recipient of CalWORKs benefits to participate in welfare-to-work activities as a condition of eligibility for aid. Existing law requires that necessary supportive services be available to participants in welfare-to-work activities, including child care.

This bill would provide that, commencing October 1, 2020, necessary supportive services also include a diaper benefit in the amount of $50 per month for diapers for every child 2 years of age or younger enrolled in child care pursuant to the above-mentioned provisions. The bill would require that the diaper benefit be issued to participants through an electronic benefits transfer system. The bill would specify that the diaper benefit is not income for purposes of determining CalWORKs eligibility or benefits, and that it may be used by a participant only to purchase diapers. By increasing the duties of counties administering these services, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

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 these statutory provisions.