Effective July 1, 2019, the Minimum Basic Standard of Care (MBSAC) that used to determine CalWORKs grants will increase by 4.15 percent. This increase is annual cost of living increase. The Income In Kind level will also increase by 4.15 percent.
If county computer systems are unable to implement the new MBSAC level by July 1, counties must take immediate steps to review and correct any applications denied on or after July 1 if the only reason for the denial was failure to pass the financial eligibility income test because of the MBSAC or Income In Kind amounts used.
This change is a county initiated mid-period change and should be used prospectively as soon as timely and adequate notice can be provided.
This change also applies to Refugee Cash Assistance, Entrant Cash Assistance and Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program benefits. (ACL 19-47, May 15, 2019.)