Countable Resources

[EAS 63-501.1]

Liquid Resources

  • Cash, checking/savings/credit union accounts, savings certificates, trust deeds, notes receivable, revocable trusts
  • Digital accounts (e.g., Cash App, PayPal)

    • Note: Currently, "Digital Account" is not available as a Liquid Property Type on the CalSAWS Liquid Property Detail page. As a workaround, EWs must select "Other Liquid Property."

  • Stocks and bonds
  • Nonrecurring lump sum payments:
    • CalWORKs homeless payments for temporary shelter or permanent housing
    • Cal-Learn bonuses for a good report card or high school graduation
    • Insurance settlements
    • Tax refunds
    • Rebates or credits
    • Retroactive Social Security or Railroad retirement
    • Keogh plans established solely between AU members (Count the total cash value minus any penalty for early withdrawal.)
    • Lottery winnings received in a single payment
    • Vacation pay received in a single payment after employment ceases
    • Rental or security deposit refunds
    • Any unused portion of the VA educational program retained subsequent to the month of receipt will be counted as property.
  • Motor vehicles.

Value Determination

Count the equity value of a non-exempt property, except for motor vehicles which are treated differently. Refer to Vehicles to determine the equity value of a vehicle. 

To determine the equity value, subtract encumbrances (amount owed on the property) from its Fair Market Value (FMV).

  • FMV - Encumbrance = Equity Value

Encumbrances of Record

Encumbrances of record are obligations for which the property is security. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Loans which actually encumber the property. If the borrower should default on payment of the loan, the loaner expects to take over ownership of the property item.
  • Attachments for debts or taxes.
  • Chattel or secured transaction, mortgages, and liens.
  • The unpaid balance on the purchase price of property under a conditional sales contract.
  • The amount paid on the principal for property sold under a conditional sales contract.
  • Property liens established to repay CalWORKs grants.

Related Topics

Exempt Personal Property

Income-Producing Property

Vehicles