(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a minor dependent at least 16 years of age who is otherwise eligible for AFDC-FC benefits, as described in Section 11401, may be eligible to receive his or her AFDC-FC payment directly, if all of the following conditions apply:

(1) The minor is enrolled in a postsecondary educational institution.

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(2) The minor is living independently in a dormitory or other designated housing of the postsecondary educational institution.

(3) The placement is made pursuant to a supervised placement agreement and transitional independent living plan, as described in paragraph (16) of subdivision (g) of Section 16501.1.

(b) A minor receiving court-ordered reunification services shall not be eligible to live independently in postsecondary educational institutional housing pursuant to this section if the court finds that the placement would impede reunification efforts.

(c) Unless otherwise authorized by federal law, federal financial participation shall not be available for placements described in this section.

(d) (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that payments received by a minor pursuant to subdivision (a) shall not be counted as income by any public or private postsecondary educational institution in the state for the purposes of the minor’s financial aid determination.

(2) The California State University and the California Community Colleges shall not consider the payments described in subdivision (a) when determining eligibility for financial aid, as provided in § 66021.5 of the Education Code.

(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 710, Sec. 3. (AB 766) Effective January 1, 2018.)