County of Los Angeles v. Workers' Compensation Appeals Board

Opinion

BIRD, C. J.

Is an indigent person who is required to work in order to receive general assistance benefits entitled to workers’ compensation for an injury sustained on the job?

I

In 1971, petitioner, the County of Los Angeles (County), provided two types of general assistance benefits, commonly known as “welfare” and “workfare,” to qualified indigent applicants. The County assigned applicants who were able to work to the workfare program. Those who were unable to work were assigned to the welfare program. Applicants of comparable need received the same level of benefits in each program.…