Item 00-01-02D

California Department of Social Services - State Hearings Division
Notes from the Training Bureau - January 26, 2000

Item 00-01-02D
CDSS ACL 99-76 -- September 30, 1999 (Synopsis):CalWORKs Use of Maximum Aid Payment (MAP) in Penalized Assistance Units and the Readjustment Period

Use of MAP in AUs with A Penalized Person

Persons who have failed to comply with school attendance or immunization requirements, as well as those who have been penalized for Intentional Program Violations (IPVs) remain in the AU, but they do not have their needs considered when determining the MAP for the AU.

The following examples are used to demonstrate how to calculate the CalWORKs grant when there is a penalized person in the AU. For each example, the AU lives in a region 1 county and consists of a mother and two children with the mother being penalized for not complying with immunization requirements. The applicable MAP is $505 for two persons, as the mother's needs are not considered due to her penalized status.

Homeless Assistance: When evaluating whether the AU is eligible for permanent housing, the housing payment may not exceed $404, which is 80% of the MAP for two.
In-kind Income: If the family of three receives free housing, the county must use the in-kind income value for two which is $235. Since the mother's needs are not included in the aid payment, the county may not reduce the grant based on in-kind income attributable to her.
Reduced Income Supplemental Payment (RISP): If the AU applies for a RISP, the RISP amount may not exceed $404, which is 80% of the MAP for two persons.
Special Needs: The penalized person is not entitled to a special needs payment.

Readjustment Period

The readjustment period referred to in MPP §41-405 is still in effect. If the basis for deprivation due to incapacity or absence ceases and the family remains in need, aid can continue for the AU for up to three months following the cessation of deprivation.