(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that, upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act, maximum aid payments in the CalWORKs program are sufficient to ensure that no child lives in deep poverty. As stated in Section 11450.022, it is the intent of the Legislature to increase CalWORKs maximum aid payments until the maximum aid payment levels reach 50 percent of the federal poverty level for the family size that is one greater than the assistance unit, accounting for families with an unaided family member and when children in these families receive a proportionally reduced grant. It is further the intent of the Legislature that, upon an appropriation in the annual Budget Act, maximum aid payments increase in accordance with the growth of the federal poverty level to continue to ensure that no child lives in deep poverty. For purposes of this subdivision, “deep poverty” means at or below 50 percent of the federal poverty level.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law, effective October 1, 2022, the maximum aid payments described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 11450, in effect on July 1, 2022, as specified in Section 11450.025, shall be increased by 10 percent in addition to the 11-percent increase specified in paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) of Section 11450.025.

(c) Commencing on January 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, on or before January 10, the State Department of Social Services shall provide a display in writing to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature, and on the department’s internet website, showing the CalWORKs maximum aid payment amounts compared to 50 percent of the federal poverty level for the family size that is one greater than the assistance unit.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 43, Sec. 51. (AB 120) Effective July 10, 2023.)