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Domestic Abuse Good Cause
Assembly Bill (AB) 2277 requires counties to waive appropriate program requirement(s) for survivors of domestic abuse when good cause exists. This is intended to help ensure safety, family stability, and remove barriers unique to those experiencing the effects of past or present domestic abuse.
Good Cause
Good cause exists when CalWORKs Social Worker (SW)/Domestic Violence (DV) Advocates determine there is a condition or other circumstance that temporarily prevents or significantly impairs the survivor's ability to be regularly employed or to participate in WTW activities.
Every three months, CalWORKs SW/DV Advocates must review good cause waiver determinations as the survivor's needs change. Waivers must continue to be granted to survivors when the effects of domestic abuse are still impacting the family.
Reminder: Adults who are ineligible for CalWORKs benefits are not eligible for a good cause waiver (examples: adults who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), non-needy caregiver relatives, and ineligible non-citizens).
Retroactive Requests
Domestic abuse waivers may be granted retroactively. Refer to the Domestic Abuse (DA) - Referral Process topic in CWES Handbook Chapter 17 for more information.
Program Eligibility Requirements that Cannot be Waived
The following program eligibility requirements CANNOT be waived due to domestic abuse:
- Deprivation
- Property (real and personal)
- Income
- Homeless Assistance eligibility criteria.
Program Eligibility Requirements that Can be Waived
Eligibility Workers (EWs) can waive all other program eligibility requirements for survivors, including:
- Time limit on aid
- Paternity establishment
- Child support cooperation
- Proof of age-appropriate immunizations for all children in the Assistance Unit (AU) under the age of six.
EWs must determine which program eligibility requirement(s) to waive in discussion with the survivor. Waived requirements must be based on the needs of the survivor and adjusted as necessary to provide support.
Related Topics
Mandated Reporting & Requesting Waivers
Domestic Abuse Referral Process
Domestic Abuse Exemption/Extender