California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 12550

(a) For the purposes of this article, “special circumstances” means those which are not common to all recipients and which arise out of need for certain goods or services, and physical infirmities or other conditions peculiar, on a nonrecurring basis, to the individual's situation. Special circumstances shall include purchase, repair, and replacement of essential household furniture, equipment, or clothing, necessary moving expenses, required housing repairs, and unmet shelter needs, subject to limits set by the department.

(b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 1998.