Exemptions for Care of Child

One-Time Exemption Based on the Care of a Child Under Six Months of Age

[EAS 42-712.47]

Caretaker of Child Under Six Months of Age

The parent or other relative of a child (whether by birth or adoption) under the age of six months as of October 1, 2006, who is personally providing care for the child, is exempt from the registration requirement. This exemption:

• Applies to only one parent in a CalWORKs-U case.
• Is limited to only one-time under CalWORKs.

Time Limit

The exemption to care for a child under the age of six months as of October 1, 2006, can be used only one time under CalWORKs. The exemption ends six months from the youngest child’s date of birth.

ExampleExample On or after October 1, 2006, the mother of a two-month old child applies for CalWORKs and is determined eligible. She is exempt from CWES as she has a child under the age of six months. When that child reaches the age of six months, the mother must be referred to CWES, unless otherwise exempt. She cannot use this exemption again. 

Verification

Any acceptable verification of the age of the child and substantiation that the parent or other relative is personally providing full-time care for the child may be used to verify this exemption.

Cal Learn

This exemption, parent or other relative of a child under the age of six months who is personally providing care for the child, does not apply to a pregnant or custodial teen parent. Refer to Cal Learn [EAS 42-762] for an explanation of the Cal Learn program.

Review

This exemption must be reviewed 30 days before the youngest child reaches six months of age and/or at RD.

Exemption for Care Of Subsequent Child(ren)

[EAS 42-712.472]

Caretaker of Subsequent Child(ren) Under Three (3) Months of Age

An individual who has previously used the one-time only exemption based on the care of a child under the age of six months may be exempt for an additional period of 12 weeks upon the birth or adoption of any subsequent child(ren) up to the child turns three months of age.

Verification

Any acceptable verification of the age of the child and substantiation that the parent or other relative is personally providing full-time care for the child may be used to verify this exemption.

Cal Learn

This exemption, providing care of any subsequent child(ren) under the age of three (3) months whether by birth or adoption, does not apply to a pregnant or custodial teen parent. Refer to Cal Learn [EAS 42-762] for an explanation of the Cal Learn program.

Review

The exemption must be reviewed at RD and 30 days before the child turns three (3) months old. 

Exemption for Care Of One Child from Birth through 23 Months of Age

Care of One Child From Birth through 23 Months

This is a one-time young child exemption for a parent or caretaker relative who has the primary responsibility for personally providing care to one child from birth through 23 months of age. This exemption may be used only once-in-a-lifetime and is at the discretion of the client.

ExampleExampleA client has a child between zero and 23 months of age on January 1, 2013. The client has the option to reserve his or her right to use this exemption for the caregiving of a future child or to exercise it at a later date for the existing child. 

Two Parent Assistance Unit (AU)

For two parent AU’s meeting this exemption, each parent in the AU must be provided the option to receive this exemption. Only one parent at a time may be granted the exemption; however, the parents have the option to alternate which parent is exempt.

Example Example One parent may receive the exemption for 12 months, and then alternate so the other parent receives the exemption for the remaining 12 months. In this example the exemption is fully exhausted after 23 months for both parents and neither parent is eligible to receive it again. 

Verification

Any acceptable verification of the age of the child and substantiation that the parent or other relative is personally providing full-time care for the child may be used to verify this exemption.

Cal Learn

This exemption does not apply to a pregnant or custodial teen parent. Refer to Cal Learn [EAS 42-762] for an explanation of the Cal Learn program.

Review

The exemption must be reviewed at RD and 30 days before the child turns two (2) years old.

Related Topics

CalWORKs Employment Services Program

Exemption Based on Pregnancy