Exemptions - Sanctions

A sanction is not applicable if the county determines that the individual met a qualifying verified exemption during the time that he or she was sanctioned for non-cooperation with 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 CalWORKs Employment Services Chapter 2; Exemptions.

Exemption Prior to Sanction

When the worker receives verification that a client became exempt prior to the implementation of a sanction, the sanction is rescinded, the client’s cash aid is restored and the exemption effective date is changed to reflect the effective date of the sanction.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 EW of the exemption.
  2. EW  
    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 CWES Worker an e-mail indicating client has provided verification of exemption.
    5. Upon notification from CWES, makes entries in CalSAWS to rescind the sanction.
    6. Runs exemptions.

Reminder: Request for a retroactive exemption shall be reviewed by the CWES EC. Refer to “Exemptions,” page 36-17 for more information.

Exemption While Serving a Sanction

A client who becomes exempt while serving a sanction MUST provide the EW with a 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 EW must notify the CWES Worker so that the CWES Worker 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 EW.
  2. EW  
    1. Reviews documentation and CW 61.
    2. Documents the date the client will be exempt on the Journal Detail page in CalSAWS.
    3. Notifies CWES Worker 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 EW that she became disabled on 5/6. Since the client is now exempt from WTW requirements, the EW must restore the client’s cash aid effective 6/1.

Related Topics

CalWORKs Employment Services (CWES) Sanctions