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HomeWelfare and Institutions CodeDiv. 9Pt. 5Ch. 5§ 17409 Public Assistance Exempt Property

§ 17409 Public Assistance Exempt Property

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

§ 17409 Public Assistance Exempt Property

Key Takeaways

  • •If you get help from the government, some of your stuff can't be taken away to pay back debts.
  • •You can keep up to $100 in cash and up to $1,000 worth of your personal things and furniture.
  • •Money set aside for your funeral (up to $1,000) and your burial spot are safe.
  • •If the government buys your home for public use, the money you get from that sale is protected for 6 months.

Example

You owe money to someone, but you also get help from the government to pay for food and housing.

If you have $500 in your bank account and a $800 couch, those things can't be taken away to pay your debt because they are protected by this law.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 17409 Public Assistance Exempt Property

There shall be exempt from the transfers and grants authorized by Section 17109 and from execution on claims under Section 17403 against property acquired by persons for the support of whom public moneys have been expended all of the following property: (a) Cash not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100). (b) Personal effects and household furniture not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) in value. (c) An interment space, crypt, or niche intended for the interment of the applicant or recipient of aid. (d) Funds placed in trust for funeral or burial expenses not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000). (e) Insurance policies having an actual cash surrender value not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000). (f) Real or personal property of a recipient of public assistance, with respect to aid or county hospital care. (g) For a period of six months from the date of receipt, the compensation received from a public entity which acquires for a public use a dwelling actually owned and occupied by the recipient. Such compensation shall be exempt in the amount, over and above all liens and encumbrances, provided by Section 704.730 of the Code of Civil Procedure. (h) Relocation benefits shall be exempt as provided by Section 704.180 of the Code of Civil Procedure. No county shall withhold emergency medical or hospital care from any person pending the person giving security for reimbursement to the county for the care or hospitalization to be provided to the person. (Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 379, Sec. 12. Effective January 1, 2004.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

insurancemedicalhospitalbenefitspropertylienclaimemergency

Related Statutes

  • § 17400 County Lien Subordination Notice
  • § 4629.7 Regional Center Administrative Cost Limits
  • § 4643 Client Assessment Timelines
  • § 17108 County Hospital Care Protection
  • § 16956 Physician Reimbursement Claims

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 17409.
View Official Source