Noncompliance - Implementing a Welfare-to-Work (WTW) Sanction

The following steps describe implementing a WTW sanction when the client fails or refuses to comply with WTW program requirements.

A. The EC:

• Submits the sanction request review to the Supervisor/Lead at the end of the 20-day period or when the client fails to comply with the agreed to WTW compliance plan.

B. The CWES Supervisor/Lead:

• Reviews the case in CalSAWS, Imaging and Distributed Documents.
• If any of the following applies, then grants good cause by manually adding a WTW program status of Active with a Status Reason of Enrolled on the WTW Status Detail page and documents on the Journal Detail page in CalSAWS:
  • CalWORKs Program is discontinued, other than failure to submit "Eligibility Status Report" (SAR 7)
  • Exemption eligible
  • 60-Month Clock Timed Out
  • Currently has FTE and employment is verified
  • Supportive Services not assigned and/or issued
  • Noncompliance NOAs/forms were not issued or are not correct (including 2nd parent notices)
  • Noncompliance process not processed correctly
  • Sanction request was not submitted timely.
• If the sanction is appropriate, follows the "Noncompliance Process Guidance/Sanction Process - Implement Sanction":
  • Implements the WTW sanction by adding a WTW program status of Sanction with the appropriate Status Reason on the WTW Status Detail page in CalSAWS.
  • Enters a Journal Entry.
  • Sends a Task to the EW on the same day the entries are made, but no later than one (1) working day informing them of a sanction and to request that the EW run EDBC and authorize, as appropriate. The EC must be copied on the email. Refer to task templates in the DEBS Forms Library: "Failed Compliance Plan Sanction Request" (SCD 2236) or  "Sanction Request" (SCD 2237).

 ExampleExample

C. The EW:

• Reviews for CalFresh eligibility.
• Runs EDBC and authorizes the case.
• Notifies CWES Supervisor/Lead via email that the case is authorized.

D. The EC:

• Takes the following steps:

Aid Paid Pending

If a client appeals his or her sanction by filing a State Hearing, the sanction may NOT be imposed until a hearing decision sustaining the county’s decision is issued. While the hearing decision is pending, the county must continue to pay cash aid and child care, as long as the individual is otherwise eligible.

Note: Individuals who are discontinued from aid due to a sanction are considered to be former CalWORKs recipients. Under the child care policies, former recipients who are eligible for, and need, child care to work or participate in other activities may receive subsidized child care for up to 24 months after they leave cash aid.

Verifying Implementation of Sanction

Once the sanction entries are entered into CalSAWS by the CWES Supervisor/Lead for a sanction to take effect, the EW is notified. It is important that EWs review the CalSAWS entries made by the CWES Supervisors/Leads to verify that the results are correct, and take appropriate CalSAWS action if necessary.