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HomeWelfare and Institutions CodeDiv. 9Pt. 1Ch. 1§ 10000 Social Welfare Assistance Program

§ 10000 Social Welfare Assistance Program

Welfare and Institutions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 10000 Social Welfare Assistance Program

This law says the state must give help and services to people who need it, treating everyone fairly and with respect.

Key Takeaways

  • •The state must help people who are needy or distressed.
  • •Help must be given promptly, humanely, and without discrimination.
  • •The aid should encourage self‑respect and responsibility.

Example

A single mother who lost her job and can't pay rent can apply for state assistance to cover housing and food.

The state provides aid to her because she is needy, and the help must be given quickly and without discrimination.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 10000 Social Welfare Assistance Program

The purpose of this division is to provide for protection, care, and assistance to the people of the state in need thereof, and to promote the welfare and happiness of all of the people of the state by providing appropriate aid and services to all of its needy and distressed. It is the legislative intent that aid shall be administered and services provided promptly and humanely, with due regard for the preservation of family life, and without discrimination on account of ancestry, marital status, political affiliation, or any characteristic listed or defined in Section 11135 of the Government Code. That aid shall be so administered and services so provided, to the extent not in conflict with federal law, as to encourage self-respect, self-reliance, and the desire to be a good citizen, useful to society. (Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 568, Sec. 51. Effective January 1, 2008.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

protectioncareassistancewelfarehappinessaidservicesneedydistresseddiscriminationancestrymarital statuspolitical affiliationSection 11135 of the Government Codeself-respectself-reliancegood citizenfamily lifefederal law

Related Statutes

  • § 15000 Public Assistance Warrant Labels
  • § 4903 Disability Agency Record Access
  • § 10207 Child Care Development Services
  • § 11005.5 Recipient Aid Use Restrictions
  • § 11006 Public Assistance Allowance Criteria

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 10000.
View Official Source