CalWorks, short for California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids, is California's primary program to provide financial assistance to low-income families with children. The program is designed for families with dependent children under 18 years, as well as for pregnant women in low-income situations, who meet the eligibility criteria.

Similar to TANF in other states, CalWorks benefits are time-limited. Families on the program can receive assistance for a maximum period, typically 48 months. However, certain exceptions can extend this period, depending on individual circumstances. When a family's benefit period is nearing completion, they will receive a renewal application to continue receiving assistance, if eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

Under CalWorks, there are specific requirements for parents or caretaker relatives receiving assistance. These include:

Adult Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or meet residency requirements.
• Must live in California.
• Cannot be a fleeing felon or a convicted drug felon.
• Must be taking care of at least one child under 18 (or 19 if they will graduate from high school before their 19th birthday).

Child Requirements:

• Must be "deprived" due to a parent who is unemployed, disabled, absent, in jail, or deceased.
• Children under 6 must have all standard immunizations.
• School-age children under 16 must attend school regularly.

Financial Eligibility:

• Families must have $10,888 or less in resources ($16,333 if the family includes someone with a disability or someone aged 60 or over).
• Non-countable resources include the family home, household goods, some types of trusts, and a car (if worth $32,045 or less).

Income Limits:

• Family's income must be below a certain limit based on family size and location.
• Earned income is considered after subtracting $450 for each working family member.
• Certain types of income are excluded (e.g., SSI, EITC, federal relocation/disaster benefits).

Maintaining Eligibility

Residency and Citizenship: Participants must continue to live in California and either be U.S. citizens or immigrants with permission to live in the U.S.

Childcare and Support Compliance: Families must ensure that all children under the age of six receive necessary immunizations. Additionally, participants are required to follow child support rules set by the Child Support Services Department (CSSD).

Welfare-to-Work Participation: Adults are required to engage in Welfare-to-Work activities. The specific hourly requirements vary based on family circumstances:

Single parents with at least one child under six years old must participate for 20 hours per week.

Single parents with children over six years old must participate for 30 hours per week.\

Two-parent families are generally required to participate for 35 hours per week, with some variations depending on the situation.

Income and Resource Limits: Families must ensure their income and resources remain within the program limits. The resource limit is $10,888 or $16,333 for households with a disabled member or someone aged 60 or over. Certain resources like the primary home, household goods, and a vehicle (if valued at $32,045 or less) are not counted towards this limit.

Reporting Changes: Recipients must report any significant changes to their circumstances, such as changes in income or household composition. This includes reporting if a household member becomes a fleeing felon, is convicted of a drug-related felony, or violates parole or probation.

Semi-Annual Reporting: Households are required to complete a SAR 7 form every six months, reporting household income and any changes that might increase benefits, such as job loss or increase in certain expenses.

10-Day Reporting Requirement: Certain changes, such as changes in household income that exceed the Income Reporting Threshold for the household size, must be reported within 10 days of occurrence.

One-Time TANF Assistance

CalWorks also offers one-time assistance benefits, particularly for families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Key programs available:

CalWorks Homeless Assistance (HA) Program: This program is designed to help eligible families with temporary shelter, payments to secure or maintain housing, such as a security deposit, last month’s rent, or covering up to two months of rent arrearages.

Golden State Grant Program: This program provided a one-time payment of $600 to all eligible CalWorks Assistance Units. It was designed to offer relief to families experiencing hardship, particularly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

These one-time assistance benefits are part of California's broader efforts to support low-income families, helping them overcome immediate financial crises and supporting their journey toward stability.

Using the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

In California, CalWorks benefits are accessed through the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. This card functions like a debit card, allowing beneficiaries to purchase items or withdraw cash. Upon receiving the EBT card, recipients must activate it and create a secure Personal Identification Number (PIN). Users are responsible for the secure use of their card and PIN.

TANF Application Instructions

Prospective recipients have two main options to apply for CalWorks:

Apply Online: Applicants can visit the BenefitsCal.com website and complete the application process online.

Apply In Person: Applications can also be submitted in person at any Department of Public Social Services department throughout California.

CalWorks stands as a vital support system for California's low-income families, aiming to provide not just financial assistance but also pathways to self-sufficiency through employment and training opportunities.

California TANF Office

Department of Social Services
744 P St. MS 17-11
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 651-8848