CA AB987

Expands CalWORKs recurring special needs allowance to include food preparation costs, with a maximum of $10 per month per eligible recipient.

Eliminates physician recommendation requirement for special diet allowance when there is verified lack of access to potable water or when a child has elevated blood lead levels, and allows counties to waive the requirement if they have reason to believe lack of potable water exists.

Requires special diet allowance to be provided as a supplemental food benefit rather than cash starting December 31, 2023 (or when the Statewide Automated Welfare System can perform necessary automation, whichever is later), and prohibits this benefit from being counted as income for other means-tested public benefit programs.

Mandates State Department of Social Services implement changes through all-county letters by October 1, 2020, with formal regulations adopted by October 1, 2022.

Specifies that no appropriation from the General Fund shall be made for implementation purposes, and provides for state mandate reimbursement to local agencies if the Commission on State Mandates determines costs are imposed.