CalWORKs Policy - Department of Public Social Services

What if the Rent Arrearages Payment does not
prevent eviction?
The Rent Arrearages payment is not to be issued if it
will not prevent the eviction.
NOTE:
Based on the new State policy of the HA
Program, if a family is otherwise eligible for
the Rent Arrearages Payment, a Permanent
HA payment may be issued to the family to
secure new housing even though they do
not meet the homeless definition at the time
of the Permanent HA application. The EW
must ensure that the new rental unit meets
all eligibility requirements of the Permanent
HA Program.
Example
A participant applies for the Rent Arrearages
Payment. The participant meets all eligibility
requirements of the program; however, the
EW determines that the Rent Arrearages
Payment will not prevent the eviction. The
EW is to deny the Rent Arrearages
application, and inform the participant about
the Permanent HA payment to secure new
housing.
Can the Rent Arrearages be used to pay for
delinquent utilities?
No. Rent Arrearages can only be used to pay for back
rent for up to two months in arrears.
NOTE:
Back utilities can be covered by the
Emergency Assistance to Prevent Eviction
(EAPE) program, provided the family is
otherwise eligible. If the family already
used permanent HA and does not meet an
exception to the Once-in-a-Lifetime, an
evaluation of EAPE must be conducted.