Daniels

This appeal challenges a policy utilized by the Alameda County Department of Social Services in determining eligibility for benefits under a state funded program providing supplemental benefits in certain circumstances to recipients of the federal-state Aid to Families with Dependent Children program. Winfred Daniels appeals the superior court decision dismissing the action by which he sought to invalidate the policy.

Statement of the Case and Facts

The Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program is a federal-state program which provides cash grants to needy children and their families. ( 42 U.S.C. § 601 et seq.) The costs of the program are divided between the federal government and state. ( 42 U.S.C. § 603 .) To be eligible for federal funding, states must formulate plans which fulfill the requirements of section 602(a) of title 42 of the United States Code. (Darces v. Woods (1984) 35 Cal.3d 871, 880 [ 201 Cal.Rptr. 807 [ 679 P.2d 458 ].) Although states’ participation in the AFDC program is voluntary, once a state elects to participate, it must maintain a welfare system which complies with the mandates of federal law. (Id., at p. 880; Edwards v. McMahon…