(a) In order that recipients of public assistance may become self-supporting and productive members of their communities, it is essential that they be permitted to earn money without a proportionate deduction in their aid grants. It is the intention of the Legislature to promote this objective and the department, in implementing public assistance laws, is directed to do so in the light of this objective.

(b) To the extent required by federal law, earned income of a recipient of aid under any public assistance program for which federal funds are available shall not be considered income or resources of the recipient, and shall not be deducted from the amount of aid to which the recipient would otherwise be entitled. In computing the amount of income determined to be available to support a recipient, the value of currently used resources shall be included, except as provided in Section 11018.

(c) This section does not apply to recipients under Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 12000) of this part.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 193, Sec. 229. Effective January 1, 2005.)