CalWORKs: CalFresh: eligibility: income and resource exclusions.

Assembly Member Bryan's proposal to modify California's public assistance programs would exempt educational grants, scholarships, loans and fellowships from income calculations when determining eligibility for CalWORKs and CalFresh benefits. The exemption applies to educational funds not administered by the U.S. Department of Education and extends for 12 months after receipt.

The measure directs the California Department of Social Services to utilize existing federal options that allow states to exclude from CalFresh calculations any income types that are already excluded from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) determinations. Counties would implement these changes through departmental instructions by March 2026, prior to formal regulations being adopted.

While the bill creates no new state appropriations, it provides for reimbursement to local agencies and school districts if the Commission on State Mandates determines the changes impose state-mandated costs. The provisions aim to align California's treatment of educational assistance across its major public benefit programs while maintaining consistency with federal regulations governing TANF and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.