CalWORKs Policy - Department of Public Social Services

What is the beginning date of aid (BDA) for a
child who has been denied or is pending Foster
Care?
The BDA is:
EXAMPLE
The placement date in the caretaker
relative’s home. This is used when the
caretaker does not receive CalWORKs. The
placement date is found in the SAWS 1
application completed with DCFS. Do not
use the CalWORKs application date; or
The first of the month following the caretaker
relative’s report of the child in the home. This
is used when the caretaker currently receives
CalWORKs.
The child was placed in the grandmother’s home on
July 9. On August 7, DCFS denied the July 9
Foster Care application. The grandmother applied
for CalWORKs on August 8. CalWORKs benefits
are issued for the child beginning July 9, the
placement date (provided all other eligibility
requirements are met).
EXAMPLE
The QR cycle is cycle 1 May/June/July. The child
was placed with the aunt on June 3. The aunt is
currently receiving CalWORKs with her son and
reports on her June QR 7 due in July that the child
was placed in her home. The child is approved for
aid on the aunt’s case effective July 1.
Is there a time limit for applying for CalWORKs
when Foster Care benefits are denied?
Yes, the caretaker relative must apply within a
“reasonable” period of time; usually within three to
six months from the date of placement in order to be
eligible effective the date of placement. However,
the caretaker relative may take longer to apply. In
these instances the EW must explore the reasons
why he/she had not applied earlier.