MFG

Overview

Effective January 1, 2017, due to the enactment of Assembly Bill (AB) 1603, no child will be denied aid because he/she was born into a family that received cash aid continuously for ten months immediately prior to their birth. This rule applies to children currently designated as MFG and future children born to the AU.

This change will not be applied retroactively. The number of needy persons in a family shall not include the needs of a child subject to the MFG rule until January 1,2017.

Rule

As of September 1, 1997, for purposes of determining the MAP, the number of persons in the AU will not include any child born into a family that has received CalWORKs continuously for ten months immediately prior to the child's birth.

The MFG rule:

Applies when the AU has received written notification of the MFG rule at least ten months prior to the birth of the child.
Applies whenever aid is requested for a child born on or after September 1, 1997, and the child is living in the home with either parent.
Continues to apply until the family has not received CalWORKs for at least 24 consecutive months.

The MFG child is considered eligible for, and a recipient, of CalWORKs. However, the family’s MAP is not increased. The child is included in the MBSAC for determining applicant financial eligibility. The MFG child is also considered eligible for special needs, including temporary shelter payments for homeless assistance. In addition, the MFG child is considered eligible for Public Assistance CalFresh, child care and cash-based Medi-Cal. However, benefits that are derived from the MAP will not include the MFG child.

Note: If the mother has a multiple birth, the MFG rule must be determined and applied to each child.

Although the MAP level is not increased for a child born to a family that has received CalWORKs continuously for ten months immediately prior to their baby’s birth, the MBSAC level may be increased to include the newborn, once eligibility is cleared.

Reminder: Once it is determined that the MFG Rule applies to a child, the EW must send the family the appropriate NOA. The Regulation cite on the NOA must include EAS Section 44-314, as well as any other applicable regulations for the specific action taken.

Definitions

Continuously

“Continuously” means that aid was received without a break-in-aid of at least two consecutive months.

Law Enforcement Agency

"Law enforcement agency" includes the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, such as police, sheriff, etc.

Mental Health Professional

A "Mental Health Professional" is a person who is licensed by the State of California to provide counseling services.

MFG Child

MFG child means the child, or children in the case of a multiple birth, that is not included in the AU size for the purpose of determining the MAP.

Nested Teen

A "nested teen" is a minor parent aided as a dependent child, rather than as a parent. "Nested teens" are:

Minor parents who are dependents (eligible children) in their senior parent’s case; or
Minor parents who reside with an appropriate caretaker relative as required, whether or not the caretaker relative is needy.

Receiving Aid

“Receiving aid” means that the parent received CalWORKs for himself or herself or on behalf of his or her child(ren). This includes, but is not limited to:

A minor who receives aid as a child and then becomes a minor parent.
An ineligible non-citizen parent or SSI parent who is receiving CalWORKs for his or her other eligible children.
A sanctioned parent who has a protective payee.
A month in which the AU only receives a special needs payment or homeless assistance.

MFG