The 2020-21 May Revision: CalWORKs Caseload-Driven Costs in the 2020-21 May Revision

Jun 2, 2020 - Specifically, the administration projects CalWORKs added 125,514 cases in March and April, but reports having received 78,837 applications. So far in May, applications have come in not only below the administration ’s projections but also below the number of applications received during May 2019.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4249

Estimating the CalWORKs Take-Up Rate

Feb 2, 2021 - These overestimates were built on observations from previous recessions (for example, the relationship between the unemployment rate and CalWORKs cases added), but such relationships do not always hold in new economic climates.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4340

The 2026-27 Budget: Child Welfare

Mar 3, 2026 - In addition to restructuring foster care maintenance payments, the 2024-25 statutory changes also added two new foster care programs and corresponding rate components: (1)  Strengths Building and Child and Family Determination Program, and (2)  Immediate Needs Program.
https://lao.ca.gov/publications/report/5147

Managing California’s Insolvency: The Impact of Federal Proposals on Unemployment Insurance - Managing California’s Insolvency: The Impact of Federal Proposals on Unemployment Insurance [Video]

All three would improve the solvency of California ’s UI fund and two would likely eliminate California ’s UI fund deficit by 2016. Regardless of whether Congress acts, we recommend that the Legislature ensure implementation of a long –term solvency plan by 2014.
https://lao.ca.gov/Videos/Player?playlistId=73

The 2021-22 Budget: CalWORKs Fiscal Outlook

Dec 8, 2020 - One important reason for this lag is that recently unemployed CalWORKs applicants generally are required to apply for unemployment insurance (UI) before they can qualify for cash assistance. The typical weekly benefit for a Californian on UI is about equal to the maximum income allowed for a CalWORKs family of three.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4306

The 2025-26 California Spending Plan: Human Services

Nov 21, 2025 - As part of a special legislative session held in January 2025, the Legislature added Control Section 5.26 to the 2024-25 Budget Act, providing an additional one-time allocation of $10  million to support immigration related services, including removal defense.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5086/8

The 2026-27 Budget: County Administration and H.R. 1 Implementation

Mar 5, 2026 - Additionally, in taking this task on, the administration will be adding to the many competing priorities that are underway. This means that temporary funding may need to be in place until ongoing methodologies can be  established.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5149

The 2026-27 Budget: In-Home Supportive Services

Mar 18, 2026 - Added to the MOE were any county costs associated with local IHSS wage increases. The state General Fund assumed the remaining nonfederal IHSS costs. Over the five years in which the 2012 IHSS MOE was in effect (2012 ‑13 to 2016 ‑17), growth in the county IHSS MOE was  less than  the growth in total IHSS costs, resulting in counties paying for a smaller share of the nonfederal
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5166

Implementing California’s Child Welfare Prevention Services Program

Jan 28, 2026 - Namely, for any new services added to the plan that are rated as supported or promising, DSS would need to ensure that at least 50  percent of Title IV ‑E dollars are claimed for well ‑supported services.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5106

The 2025-26 California Spending Plan: Other Provisions

Oct 16, 2025 - Control Sections 90.00 and 90.01 During the special session called by the Governor, the Legislature added Control Sections 90.00 and 90.01 to the 2024-25 Budget Act providing up to $2.5  billion one-time from the General Fund for response and recovery costs related to the January 2025 Southern California wildfires.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5081/