Bill > AB1746

This bill modifies the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, which provides cash assistance and other benefits to low-income families, by changing how childcare information and requests are handled. Instead of receiving a general written notice about available paid childcare, applicants and recipients of CalWORKs benefits will now be provided with a specific "CalWORKs childcare request form" at key times, including when they apply, are approved for benefits, and receive annual eligibility certificates or other important program documents. This form will detail the availability of paid childcare for work or program activities, provide contact information for childcare resources, explain how to get help finding a provider, and outline requirements for informing the county of childcare needs and requesting subsidies, including rules for retroactive payments. Counties will be required to approve or deny these childcare request forms within 10 working days, and participants will sign to acknowledge receipt of the form, which will then be kept in their file. The bill also mandates that the State Department of Social Services implement these changes through official instructions by June 1, 2027, until formal regulations are established, and acknowledges that these new duties may impose costs on local governments that could be reimbursed by the state.

Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1746