Residence

State Residence

Residence in the state, but not in the county, is a requirement in order to receive CalWORKs. However, it is necessary to determine the county in which the applicant/recipient lives, in order to establish which county is responsible for the aid payment.

No duration period of residence in the state or county is required.

Residency in this state continues until the client leaves the state and establishes residency elsewhere.

Definition of Residence

Residency is established in the state when individuals voluntarily live here and have no present intention of leaving. The reason the individual entered the state is not a factor, except to determine whether the individual may be here temporarily.

Out-of-State Placement

The regulation of the placement of dependent children in California is through the Interstate Compact procedure.

Responsibility

Applicants and recipients have the same freedom of movement and the choice of a place to live as other citizens in California.

Applicants and recipients, including the parent or person responsible for the child receiving aid in CalWORKs, must:

Immediately inform the EW if they are going to another county, state, or country, regardless of the anticipated date of return.
Provide the EW with a monthly written statement explaining:
- The reasons for their absence from California,
- Their intent to return to California, and
- Their anticipated date of return.

Failure to promptly provide such statements will result in immediate discontinuance of aid payments. It is expected that this statement be provided within 30 days.

Verification

The written statement on the appropriate statement of facts of applicants or clients is acceptable to establish their intention and action in establishing residency, unless the statement is inconsistent.

If further substantiation is necessary, examples of additional actions or facts which can support the individual's statement are:

Continued maintenance of a home when rented or owned in California.
Employment or business interest in California.
Family members living in California.

Persons on Parole

Persons on parole from correctional institutions may, by intent, establish residency.

Clients from Other States

Clients of categorical aid from other states who move to California and intend to make their homes here must be granted aid promptly, if otherwise eligible. The EW must contact the other state to avoid any break in aid and to avoid duplication of aid from two states.