Despite California’s bubbly outlook, many families live within and below the federal poverty level (FPL). In response, the state government has implemented various support initiatives to help alleviate the impact of ongoing economic hardships on its residents. One key program is the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs). This welfare initiative provides financial aid and other benefits to eligible families and their children. Let’s explore how low-income earners can benefit from this program.
What Is CalWORKs?
The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) is a state-sponsored cash assistance program available across all 58 counties in California. Administered by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and coordinated by local welfare departments in each county, the program aims to provide crucial support to those in need.
CalWORKs is designed to help low-income families access services, opportunities, and resources comparable to those available to more privileged groups. Its overarching goal is to promote economic mobility and work towards eradicating poverty throughout California.
What Types of Assistance are Available?
CalWORKs primarily offers limited cash assistance to help cover essential needs such as food, prescription medications, and groceries. Additionally, the program provides support for childcare and health insurance. For those seeking employment, CalWORKs also offers various job training and support services, including training programs, resume preparation, and help with job applications.
The amount of aid you receive depends on several factors, including your family size, income level, and the county in which you reside. Your county social services agency will assess these variables to determine the monthly aid amount, which can be referenced using their CalWORKs cash aid chart below.
In summary, the types of assistance available through CalWORKs can be categorized into three main areas: CalWORKs homeless assistance, CalWORKs housing support, and CalWORKs cash benefits.
Beneficiaries can receive financial aid to cover utilities, medical care, rent, and other routine expenses for up to 60 months.
Who Is Eligible for CalWORKs?
To enjoy CalWORKs benefits, you must meet the eligibility requirements below:
- Live in California
- Be a US citizen or a documented immigrant
- Be unemployed
- Be a very low to low-income earner
You must also fit into one of the additional requirements below:
- Have a child of 18 years or younger
- Be 18 years old or younger with a family you head
- Be pregnant
- Have a parent or both who are no longer alive or are disabled
Income and Resource Limits
In terms of resources, the current limit is $11,634 or less. However, if your household includes someone aged 60 or older, or a family member with a disability, your resource limit increases to $17,452.
Your family’s income must fall within the Minimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC) levels for your region:
You can find out how counties are divided into regions here.
Responsibilities of CalWORKs Participants
There are certain responsibilities expected of you if you’re to keep your CalWORKs benefits going. These include:
- Keeping your job and working if you have one
- Accepting a new job unless you have a good reason not to do so
- Sign your activity assignments
- Take part in any Welfare-to-Work plan, if applicable
- Sign up for subsidized CalWORKs childcare offers within your county if you need one
- Inform your assigned social worker about the changes that may affect your CalWORKs benefits within 10 days
- Call or report to the county office whenever required
How To Apply for CalWORKs
If your local social services agency says you’re eligible for CalWORKs, the easiest route to applying is using the CalWORKs Online Application portal provided by BenefitsCal. Alternatively, you can visit a regional CalWORKs office near you to apply in person.
If applying online, complete the application form, and a County Eligibility Worker will contact you for an interview. After the interview, you’ll be required to provide additional documents, including:
- Your Social Security Number (SNN)
- Paystubs or other proof of your monthly take-home
- Your birth certificate or other proof of identity
- Evidence of US citizenship or immigration status
- Proof of residency
- Evidence of relationship with dependents
- Proof of other income, such as benefit checks
- Receipts of utility, housing, and medical costs
- Immunization records (for children under 6 years)
Typically, you’ll get feedback (or a Notice of Action) on your application within 45 days. If your application is approved, you’ll get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to receive and spend your cash. However, if your application is rejected, you’ll be informed of the possible reasons. Correct the errors and reapply.
Do you think they have made the wrong decision? You can appeal by contacting your county office or working with a benefits lawyer to guide you.
How CalWORKs Connects With Other State and Federal Assistance Programs
The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program is a state variant of the Federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. Both initiatives offer low-income households with children temporary cash assistance to afford basic living conditions. You can combine CalWORKs with other federal and state-level assistance programs.
At the state level, CalWORKs beneficiaries automatically qualify for Medi-Cal and may qualify for food stamp benefits like CalFresh from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Since adult beneficiaries are also required to work, you can access the Welfare-to-Work program to help you get a job or learn how to navigate the job market.
Cash and Employment Support for You and Your Family
CalWORKs is California’s support program for families with children who need help to afford necessities like food, prescription drugs, clothing, and utilities. If you qualify, you can get cash in hand monthly to support your family for up to 60 months.
You can also get employment support to help you secure a new job, retain the one you have, or access educational resources to improve your job search.
For more information or enquiries on CalWORKs, visit the California CalWORKs information page for frequently asked questions (FAQs) or call the CDSS Engagement Bureau at (916) 654-2137.
