Director's Exception Overview
Policy
Director’s Exception GA Policy [113]
The Director of the Department may grant exceptions to the GA policies to alleviate extreme hardship in emergency and unusual situations. A record of such exceptions shall be maintained by the Department. A decision by the Director on a request shall be final and not subject to appeal.
Evaluation of Extreme Hardship
An EW or a SW must evaluate the individual or family circumstances to determine if an extreme hardship exists. An extreme hardship exists when an individual or family does not qualify for any state or federal program and has no other income, resources or means of support. The Director’s Exception must be re-evaluated at least every six months. BUT most Categories have different re-evaluation periods, therefore, it is important to review the re-evaluation for the category the client falls under.
In addition to evaluating the circumstances to determine if hardship exists, the EW must evaluate each family case to determine if a VS exemption is appropriate for either parent.
Categories
The Director of the Agency (or designee) may approve a Director's Exception request if one of the following conditions exists:
- A sponsored noncitizen family is denied or discontinued from CalWORKs and the sponsor is not able to provide support
- An undocumented individual(s) is gravely physically, mentally handicapped (such as paraplegic, quadriplegic, or comatose), or faces other exigent circumstances.
- An individual receiving GA Interim Assistance who requires psychiatric, psychological, and/or medical testing in order to establish disability for SSI.
- A person who is PRUCOL
- A CalWORKs individual or family who is a participant in the Family Reunification Program (AB 429).
- A sponsored noncitizen who is abused or abandoned by his or her sponsor.
- A homeless individual requesting to be excused from the homeless shelter placement requirements.
If none of the categories listed above are met there is NO GA eligibility under Director’s Exception.
[Refer to "Director's Exceptions" in the DEBS BP].
Related Topics
Undocumented Individual(s) Gravely Disabled or Facing Exigent Circumstances
Family Reunification Cases in Child Welfare
Abused/Abandoned Sponsored Noncitizens
Homeless Shelter Placement Requirements
Public Administrator/Guardian/Conservator (PAGC) Cases