Form Wtw 26 - Good Cause Determination Guidelines
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1STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
GOOD CAUSE DETERMINATION GUIDELINES
The good cause determination is an important part of the noncompliance process. It provides an opportunity for you and
the recipient to present information relevant to the issue of nonparticipation and can often lead to resumed participation
and the avoidance of losing cash aid.
During the interview: 1) Explain the good cause and compliance processes; 2) Ask why the recipient did not comply with
program requirements; 3) Refer to the examples of good cause below and determine if the participation problem was due
to one of these examples or any other good reason. If yes, and that reason is verified, good cause exists; 4) Determine if
the recipient is repeatedly experiencing barriers to participation. If yes, the recipient has an ongoing problem and should
be evaluated to determine if he or she should be exempt or a referral to mental health, substance abuse, domestic abuse,
or learning disability services is necessary.
EXAMPLES OF GOOD CAUSE:
Substance Abuse Indicators:
Temporary illness (review for exemption if more than
(Review for exemption if substantially interferes with ability to
30 days)
participate in Welfare-to-Work)
Temporary illness of child or family member (review for
exemption if more than 30 days)
Recurring health issues
Breakdown of transportation arrangements
Failing an employer drug test
Lack of child care
History of family/child substance abuse
Lack of appropriate special needs child care
Irregular sobriety
Breakdown in child care arrangement
Lack of access to shelter, counseling, or other services
Mental Health Indicators:
Homelessness
Chronic homelessness
Death in the family
Irregular or sporadic work history
Severe family crisis
Chronic family or relationship problems
Physical access barriers for the disabled
Anxiety
Earthquake or severe weather condition prevented
Severe depression
travel/attendance
Learning disabilities that are a factor in the failure to
Domestic Abuse Indicators:
participate
Current or past violence or harassment (sexual, physical,
Legal difficulties
or emotional)
Court appearances
Fear of abuse or abuser
Temporary incarceration
Sabotage from abuser when the victim attempts to become
Remoteness from Welfare-to-Work activities
independent
Language barriers
Abuser interferes with work or Welfare-to-Work activity
Discrimination based on age, sex, race, religion, national
Concern for children’s safety
origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability
Lack of appropriate services
Employment or offer of employment exceeds the daily or
Physical/Mental health/Substance abuse issues
Severe depression and/or anxiety
weekly hours of work customary to the occupation
Issues related to living in temporary housing or a sheltered
Violation of health and safety standards
environment
No workers’ compensation insurance
Legal problems such as restraining orders, divorce, court
Accepting employment or participating in a work activity
appearances, etc.
would cause an interruption to an approved education
Victim of a stalker
activity or job training (except work experience or
Homelessness
community service)
Lack of support system (isolation)
Violation of union membership
Stockholm Syndrome (bonding with the captor)
Economic control (abuser hides or controls money,
checkbooks, savings, etc.)
Other Good Reasons: On a case-by-case basis, as
determined by the county, any other reason that temporarily
prevents or significantly impairs a recipient’s ability to work
regularly or go to Welfare-to-Work activities.
WTW 26 (8/15) RECOMMENDED FORM
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