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All County Letter No. 23-47 Page Two
VEHICLE’S VALUE INCREASE
Effective July 1, 2023, the maximum value allowed for non-exempt vehicles will increase by both the 2022 and the 2023 increases to the CPI-U since the CDSS did not release guidance in 2022 to increase the vehicle asset limit. Therefore, the vehicle asset limit will be increased by 25.75 percent, reflecting compounded rate increases to the CPI-U of 21.09 percent in 2022 and an additional 3.85 percent in 2023.
The new maximum non-exempt vehicle value limit is $32,045, effective July 1, 2023. The equity value for each motor vehicle in excess of $32,045 will be counted towards the maximum asset limit for CalWORKs, for applicant and recipient cases. Furthermore, CWDs must not apply the increase to the vehicle asset limit retroactively.
Future increase to the maximum CalWORKs non-exempt vehicle value limit will occur annually on July 1, if there is an increase to the CPI-U.
REFUGEE CASH ASSISTANCE/ ENTRANT CASH ASSISTANCE AND TRAFFICKING AND CRIME VICTIMS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The RCA, ECA, and TCVAP cash assistance programs follow the CalWORKs administrative rules with certain exceptions. Pursuant to MPP Section 69-201.4, CalWORKs program regulations apply to financial eligibility and payments for the RCA program, unless specifically superseded by RCA regulations. Unless otherwise provided, ECA and TCVAP recipients must be provided cash assistance under the same conditions and to the same extent as the RCA program per MPP Sections 69-301 and 70-105, respectively. These implementation instructions for the vehicle maximum allowed non-exempt value increase shall also apply to RCA/ECA and TCVAP applicants and recipients.
AUTOMATION
The Statewide Automated Welfare System (SAWS) will perform the necessary automation to increase the vehicle value limit based on the CPI-U increase effective July 1, 2023.
CONTACTS
If you have any questions or need additional guidance regarding the information in this letter, contact the Early Engagement and Eligibility Bureau at CWEligibilityPolicy@dss.ca.gov.
For RCA, ECA, and TCVAP programs, contact the Refugee Programs Bureau at RefugeePolicy@dss.ca.gov.