Background

The WDTIP succeeded the Statewide Automated Welfare System-Technical Architecture (SAWS-TA) project. The original intent of SAWS-TA was to ensure consistent and efficient communication between each of the four SAWS consortia systems and other welfare related systems (i.e., Child Support, Statewide Fingerprint Imaging System [SFIS] and Electronic Benefit Transfer [EBT].

The delay of consortia implementations back in 1996, coupled with the immediate need for statewide data tracking as mandated by Welfare Reform, prompted WDTIP to move forward as a statewide solution. WDTIP provides counties with statewide time-on-aid data which is stored in the Tracking Recipients Across California (TRAC) database (formerly the SAWS Information System (SIS) database). This information enhances the counties' ability to determine one-time and ongoing TANF and CalWORKs eligibility for applicants and recipients. TRAC provides an applicant/recipient's program and county involvement history extending back to December 1996 and out of state aid back to August 1996, as required by Federal Welfare Reform.

The applicable time-on-aid welfare information contained in the SIS database was converted to the TRAC database in June 2000. The first county conversions to WDTIP occurred in October 2000. Modoc County was the last county to convert to WDTIP on June 01, 2010. All of California’s 58 counties have converted to WDTIP.