CA SB498

Increases income eligibility threshold for "indigent person" definition from 125% to 200% of the federal poverty threshold established by the United States Office of Management and Budget.

Requires that income of disabled persons be calculated after deducting disability compensation from the United States Veterans Administration paid to veterans with service-related disabilities.

Adds disabled veterans as a special client group eligible for legal services funding, alongside existing groups including the elderly, disabled persons, juveniles, and non-English-speaking groups.

Directs that grantees may use the new definition of "indigent person" beginning January 1, 2022, while the State Bar of California shall use the prior definition for funds distributed before January 1, 2024.

Approved by the Governor on October 8, 2021.