Foster Care Related Income

Foster Care Payments

[EAS 44-133.3]

The total payment received on behalf of a foster child by a CalWORKs recipient who is a Foster Care provider is exempt as income. This exemption also includes the specialized care increment for a child requiring special care.

The income received by or on behalf of a child in foster care is considered income to that child and not to the Foster Care provider.

Kinship Guardian Assistance Payment (Kin-GAP)

[WIC Section 11364, 11369]

The total payment received on behalf of a Kin-GAP child by a needy relative caregiver who is the court appointed guardian, is exempt as income for CalWORKs. This exemption also includes the infant supplement for a child of a Kin-GAP minor parent.

The income received by or on behalf of a Kin-GAP child is considered income to that child and not to the relative legal guardian. [Refer to Foster Care Handbook, “Income [EAS 44-133],” page 36-14.]

Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP+)

[MPP 44-101(g)]

The THP+ is a transitional housing program for former, emancipated foster youth who are now young adults between the ages of 18-25. These individuals are no longer considered children for CalWORKs purposes and the THP+ stipend is not excluded or exempt from consideration as income. A THP+ payment is considered unearned income.

Example 1

A CalWORKs applicant is receiving a THP+ stipend when he moves into the home with his girlfriend and their common child. The mother and child are in receipt of CalWORKs and the father must now be added to the AU as he is a mandatory member. The father receives a THP+ stipend of $2,400 per month. The total income, which is included as part of an individualized plan through the DFCS is given to the client and is allocated in the following manner:

$1400 for rent, $300 for utilities, $300 for personal needs, $250 for savings, and $150 for baby expenses.

The entire THP+ stipend received ($2,400) is considered unearned income to the CalWORKs AU.

When the THP+ stipend is issued as a vendor payment directly to the provider and the entire item of need is met, that portion is considered income in kind and the value counted is the lesser of the amount provided or the chart value, whichever is less.

When the THP+ remaining balance is issued to the young adult in the form of gift cards and the entire item of need the gift card(s) is intended for is met, that portion is considered income in kind and the value counted is the lesser of the amount provided or the chart value, whichever is less.

Example 2

Parent and child are receiving THP+ in the amount of $1,300 per month. They apply for CalWORKs and CalFresh. The entire THP+ amount is issued as a vendor payment to the Bill Wilson Center. $1,000 is for housing and the remaining amount of $300 is issued to the parent in gift cards for food and transportation. The entire item of need is not met for food, therefore, the gift cards are not considered income in kind.