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Update 25-03: Minimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC) and Income In Kind (IIK) Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Increase
Chart Book
| Date | References | Clerical | Implementation |
| 06/24/25 | ACL 25-36 | N/A | 07/01/25 |
Background
The CalWORKs Minimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC) and Income In Kind (IIK) levels are adjusted annually to reflect any increases or decreases in the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
Changes
MBSAC and IIK levels have been increased by 3.42% for the Fiscal Year 25-26. The following topics in Chart Book Chapter 1 CalWORKs and RCA/ECA Charts have been revised:
- Non-Exempt (Employable) AU Standards Chart Region 1
- Exempt (Unemployable) AU Standards Chart Region 1
- Standards Chart Region 2
- Income in Kind Chart Region 1
Implementation
The new MBSAC and IIK levels are to be used in determining applicant financial eligibility for those families that apply for CalWORKs on or after July 1, 2025.
For existing recipients, the MBSAC and IIK COLA increases are a county-initiated mid-period action, so the new IIK amounts should be used prospectively as soon as a timely and adequate notice can be provided.
Data Systems
CalSAWS will be updated to reflect the new levels.
Forms
The following will be updated and available on July 1, 2025:
- CW-CF-MC Limits Chart (SCD 2338)
- Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (SCD 2559)
- CalWORKs Scratch Budget (SCD 1212)
Other Programs
This update also applies to Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Entrant Cash Assistance (ECA), and the Trafficking and Crime Victim Assistance Program (TCVAP).
Department of Employment & Benefits Services
Contact Person(s): Vivien Phan, SSA BPIS, (408) 755-7540