CalWORKs Policy - Department of Public Social Services

How can an EW recognize an emergency situation?
An applicant may have an emergent need in any or all of
the areas cited below:
Food
The amount of food on hand is not relevant.
The written/verbal statement of the applicant is sufficient.
Housing
When an applicant/participant is ineligible to HA, but is
homeless (e.g., notified to vacate the premises, staying in
temporary housing [community shelter, living with a
friend/relative on a temporary basis]).
Receipt of written notice of an overdue house/rent
payment or inability to pay rent does not qualify as an
emergency for IN purposes.
The application must be processed immediately to
avoid/prevent the situation from becoming an emergency.
Utility
The applicant has no utilities or has received a shut off
notice.
Receipt of an overdue payment notice is not an
emergency for IN purposes.
The application must be processed immediately to
avoid/prevent the situation from becoming an emergency.
Other
The applicant specifies a need critical to health and safety
(i.e., diapers, soap, sanitary supplies, etc.).
The application must be processed immediately to
avoid/prevent the situation from becoming an emergency.
Medical
A medical problem alone is not an IN. A determination
should be made to ascertain if an IN exists as references
above.