|
|
Domestic Abuse Good Cause
Assembly Bill (AB) 2277 requires counties to waive appropriate program requirement(s) for survivors of domestic abuse (DA) 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 DA.
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 Welfare-to-Work (WTW) activities.
Adults who are ineligible for CalWORKs benefits are not eligible for a good cause waiver. The following adults are not required to comply with WTW requirements and cannot be granted good cause waivers:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients
- Non-needy caregiver relatives
- Ineligible non-citizens.
Exception: Timed-out adults who may be granted a time limit extender.
Waiver Re-Evaluation
Good cause waiver determinations must be reviewed every three months, or sooner if the survivor’s needs change. Waivers must continue to be granted to survivors when the effects of DA are still impacting the family.
During this re-evaluation, the survivor should be asked whether their WTW plan continues to fit their needs or if they want their plan amended to better fit their current situation.
Retroactive Requests
Good cause waivers may be granted retroactively. Refer to the Retroactive Requests section of CWES Handbook Domestic Abuse (DA) - Referral Process for more information.
Related Topics
Domestic Abuse Forms and Supporting Documentation
Domestic Abuse Referral Process
Program Requirements that Can be Waived
Domestic Abuse Exemption/Extender