Homeless Assistance Exceptions

HA Exception

Verification

Domestic abuse (DA) by a spouse, partner, or roommate (including a parent or child with whom the family is living)

Sworn statement by a victim of past or present DA, including a completed CW 42 certifying that the AU is experiencing homelessness due to DA.

Example Example A CalWORKs recipient received HA in January 2017. In November 2017, the client requests HA and declares, in a sworn affidavit, that they are currently a victim of DA. If otherwise eligible, HA is granted to the client. The client may request HA and be eligible again in January 2018 based on the once every 12 months rule.

If the Social Services Benefits Specialist (SSBS) documents in the case file an independent and reasonable basis to find the client's sworn statement not credible, the SSBS shall obtain third-party verification of DA, such as:

• Copies of records or reports from police departments, medical facilities, Adult and Child Protective Services, Family Service Bureau, or Crisis Counseling Service Agencies.
• Statements or records from domestic violence shelters, signed by an administrator, counselor, or designated staff member.

Refer to Chapter 55 Domestic Abuse for more information on DA, such as DA informing requirements and the DA referral process.

A medically verified physical or mental illness, excluding alcoholism, drug addiction, or psychological stress

Medical verification from the appropriate treating physician, state-certified nurse, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, therapist, psychologist, licensed counselor, or medical or clinical personnel with access to the patient’s records who can verify the diagnosis.

Example  Example  An AU applies for HA under the exception of mental illness. The AU had been homeless for some time and had no interim contact with any governmental or private health or human services agency that could verify that homelessness was caused by the mental condition. The AU was able to provide proof of the mental condition from a psychologist and a written statement from the former landlord stating that the AU was evicted because of disruptive behavior towards the other tenants. Based upon the verification provided by the AU, the SSBS determines that the AU is eligible for HA due to the mental illness exception. 

Uninhabitability of the former residence caused by sudden or unusual circumstances beyond the client's control, including but not limited to, fire, natural catastrophe, or condemnation

Written statements or copies of reports from police departments, fire departments, the Red Cross, health department, or any other agencies authorized to verify the uninhabitability of the former residence.

Example Example On March 1, 2017, an AU begins receiving THA. The AU locates permanent housing in the same month and receives a benefit for PHA in 3/2017. On September 1, 2017, the AU becomes homeless again because their residence is condemned and determined to be uninhabitable. Upon the receipt of verification, additional HA benefits are issued to the AU based on the exception. The AU’s 12-month period continues to be 3/1/17 through 2/28/18. The AU would be potentially eligible for HA again starting on 3/1/18.

ExampleExample In January 2024, an AU became homeless and was issued all 16 days of THA by the end of January 2024. The AU found new permanent housing, and PHA was issued in February 2024. In May 2024, the AU completed a new CW 42 to request THA again, explaining that they are homeless due to uninhabitability of their residence. The family also provided the SSBS with a report from the health department stating that the house was deemed unsafe to live in due to hazardous conditions. The AU has provided valid verification that their homelessness was due to the uninhabitability of their home. They met the exception criteria for uninhabitability of their residence and were issued additional THA within the same 12-month period.

State or federally declared disaster (refer to Homelessness Due to State or Federally Declared Disaster)

Written documentation of the state or federally declared disaster and the areas affected by the disaster.