CalWORKs Cash Aid

CalWORKs is California's cash aid (welfare) program for needy families. The program helps eligible families become self-supporting through temporary cash aid and employment services. The program is time-limited and for families that are under certain income and property guidelines and have a qualifying child. These families are automatically eligible to receive Medi-Cal benefits and usually eligible to CalFresh benefits. Unless they meet an exemption, an adult receiving cash aid through the CalWORKs program is required to participate in the Welfare-to-Work Program. Welfare-to-Work provides supportive services, while the adult participates in employment, training or other approved activities, which may include, but are not limited to, counseling, job preparedness, job development, training, childcare, transportation, work clothes and tools.  Services are family focused and specific to the needs of each family.

What is the process?

Apply for CalWORKs

Applications for CalWORKs can be done at any Social Service office or online at www.mybenefitscalwin.org. Applicants will be asked to provide proof of all income and property as well as proof of citizenship and social security number.

Interview for CalWORKs

All applicants are required to have a face-to-face interview prior to approval of their CalWORKs application.  At this appointment, all applicant adults will be fingerprinted. At this interview, an applicant’s case manager will assess what exact verifications they will need to approve the case and will inform the applicant of these necessary verifications in written documentation with a due date.

Notification of CalWORKs

If an applicant provides all needed verifications and meets the eligibility qualifications, they will be approved for a monthly cash aid amount.  If the applicant does not submit required verifications or meet the eligibility qualifications, their case will be denied.  Applicants who have been denied can re-apply at any time.

Who can use this service?

To be eligible to CalWORKs, families must be under the state's income and property guidelines and include a child who has a parent that is either deceased, absent from the home, disabled or unemployed. 
 

Is there a charge for this service?

This service is provided free of charge.

When and where is this service offered?

CalWORKs can be applied for on-line at mybenefitscalwin.org anytime or in person at the Social Services offices near you.  Offices are open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed on county-observed holidays).

Location, directions and hours of operation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Social Services

Child Hotline Information:

  • If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
  • To report suspected child abuse or neglect call the 24 hour Child Abuse Hotline at (805) 781-KIDS (5437) or toll free 1-800-834-KIDS (5437)

Adult Hotline Information:

  • If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
  • To report suspected elder abuse or neglect call the Adult Services Hotline at (805) 781-1790 during regular business hours, or after business hours call (844) 729-8011
  • Mandated Reporter