Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order on CalWORKs

SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order today that temporarily broadens the capability of counties to enroll persons into the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program using various eligibility verification methods due to social distancing requirements.

The provisions allow for temporary self-attestation of pregnancy and conditions of eligibility, and waive in-person identification requirements

The executive order also expands the opportunity for individuals to qualify for a limited amount of lump-sum financial assistance instead of receiving CalWORKs, as long as their income is below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, and supports families by suspending the requirement for county welfare departments to consider Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation as income when determining CalWORKs grant amounts.

The text of the Governor’s executive order can be found here and a copy can be found here.