Exemptions - Sanctions

A sanction is not applicable if the county determines that the individual met a qualifying verified exemption during the time that they were sanctioned for non-cooperation with Welfare-to-Work (WTW) requirements, such as:

  • Under age 16,
  • Age 60 or older,
  • 16, 17, or 18 years of age enrolled/attending high school/equivalent full-time,
  • Pregnancy,
  • Disability,
  • Care of another,
  • Care of a child 0-23 months,
  • Care of child under 6 months of age (one-time exemption),
  • Care of subsequent child(ren) under three months of age,
  • Needy non-parent relative caretaker, and
  • Individuals eligible to county specific 60-month time limit extenders.

Refer to Chapter 44 CWES Program.

Exemption Prior to Sanction

When the Social Services Benefits Specialist (SSBS) receives verification that a client became exempt prior to the implementation of a sanction, the sanction is rescinded, the client’s cash aid is restored, and the exemption effective date is changed to reflect the effective date of the sanction.

Below outlines the steps for processing exemption request in this type of situation:

  1. Client  
    1. Brings verification to the SSBS of the exemption.
  2. SSBS  
    1. Reviews the verification.
    2. Documents the date that the client will be exempt on the Journal Detail page in CalSAWS.
    3. Has the verification imaged into case.
    4. Sends the Associate Employment Counselor (AEC)/Employment Counselor (EC) an email indicating the client has provided verification of exemption.
    5. Upon notification from CalWORKs Employment Services (CWES), makes entries in CalSAWS to rescind the sanction.
    6. Runs exemptions.

Note: Requests for a retroactive exemption shall be reviewed by the AEC/EC.

Exemption While Serving a Sanction

A client who becomes exempt while serving a sanction MUST provide the SSBS with an Authorization to Release Medical Information (CW 61) or other doctor’s statement before cash aid is restored. Cash aid will be restored the first of the month following the receipt of the verification. However, before lifting the sanction, the SSBS must notify the AEC/EC so that they can enter the Curing Sanction Status on the [Registration] tab of the Maintain Employment Services Participation window before lifting the sanction.

Below outlines the steps for processing exemption request in this type of situation:

  1. Client  
    1. Brings verification of exemption to the SSBS.
  2. SSBS  
    1. Reviews and images documentation and CW 61.
    2. Documents the date the client will be exempt on the Journal Detail page in CalSAWS.
    3. Notifies the AEC/EC that client is now exempt.
    4. Makes entries in CalSAWS to cure the sanction.
    5. Runs exemptions.

ExampleExampleEffective 3/1, a client is sanctioned. On 5/15, the client provides verification to her SSBS that she became disabled on 5/6. Since the client is now exempt from WTW requirements, the SSBS must restore the client’s cash aid effective 6/1.

Related Topics

CWES Sanctions