Effective July 1, 2017, the CalWORKs Minimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC) increased by 3.84%. The MBSAC is the maximum amount of income an assistance unit can have, after income deductions, and be eligible for CalWORKs. The increase is the cost of living increase required by Welfare and Institutions Code Section 11453. This cost of living increase also increased the Income-In-Kind (IIK) level by 3.84%. The IIK level is the value assigned to free housing, utilities, clothes or food
These increases also apply to Refugee Cash Assistance, Entrant Cash Assistance and Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program benefits. The California Department of Social Services issued a chart showing the new MBSAC and IIK amount.
If computer systems are not updated to implement the new MBSAC level, county must review and correct any applications denied after July 1, 2017 if the only reason for denial was failure to pass applicant financial eligibility because of the MBSAC or aid in kind amounts used. ACL 17-44 (June 2, 2017).