Title
Consider adopting a resolution to implement a six-month time limit in any 12-month period for non-disabled, employable recipients of General Assistance in Monterey County.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Consider adopting a resolution to reduce the length of benefits for applicants/recipients who are deemed employable, under the General Assistance Program, from twelve (12) months to six (6) months in any 12-month period, pursuant to legal authority granted under Welfare & Institutions Code 17001.5, with the change in benefits commencing September 1, 2018.
SUMMARY:
California Welfare and Institutions Codes (WIC) 17000 mandates each California county to have a General Assistance Program to aid its indigent population not eligible to receive other forms of cash assistance. Under WIC 17001.5 (a) (4) counties may adopt time limits in the General Assistance Program that prohibit employable recipients from receiving aid for more than six months in any rolling 12-month period, whether or not those months are consecutive. These time limits can only be applied to recipients who are not disabled and who have been offered an opportunity to attend job skills or job training sessions. If this resolution is adopted, the benefit change shall commence on September 1, 2018.
DISCUSSION:
In adoption of the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Budget, funding for the General Assistance Program was $200,000 below forecasted needs. On July 24, 2018, the Department of Social Services brought forward a recommendation to implement 3-month time limits for non-disabled, employable recipients of General Assistance in order to keep program expenses within budgeted appropriations. Instead, the Board of Supervisor's authorized a six-month time limit policy change and the revised General Assistance resolution for the policy change is being brought back to the Board for approval.
Six-month time limits are authorized under WIC 17001.5 (a) (4). Under this sectio...
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