CalWORKs Policy - Department of Public Social Services

Exceptions to the Once-in-a-Lifetime policy are:
1) Whenever a State or Federal declared natural
disaster is the direct and primary cause of need,
there is no limit to the number of times MA may
be received;
2) Whenever the need is due to domestic violence
by a spouse, partner, or roommate, MA is limited
to once in 12 consecutive months;
3) Whenever the former residence becomes
uninhabitable due to sudden and unusual
circumstances beyond the participant’s control,
MA is limited to once in 12 consecutive months;
or
4) Whenever need is caused by a family member
with a medically verified physical or mental illness
(excluding alcoholism, drug addiction or
psychological stress), MA is limited to once in 12
consecutive months.
NOTE:
When an exception is applied, the new
incident begins in the month in which
the MA payment is issued, and ends 12
consecutive months later.
What verification is required for the Once-in-a-
Lifetime exception?
Examples of verification for the exception include the
following:
Domestic violence – copies of records or reports from
police departments, medical facilities, battered
women’s shelters signed by an administrator,
counselor or designated staff member and Adult and
Child Protective Services, Family Service Bureau,
Crisis Counseling Service agencies, DPSS and Legal
Aid Services who can verify that they are working with
the participant on a DV case/issue.
NOTE: Although the above information may be
used if available, the individual may
self-declare under AB 335 (California
W&I Code Section 11495.25, Statutes
2007).
.
Physical or mental illness (excluding drug addiction or
psychological stress) – medical verification from the
appropriate treating physician, state certified nurse,
nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, therapist,
psychologist, licensed counselor, medical or clinical
personnel with access to the patient’s records who
can verify the diagnosis.