California CalWORKs (TANF)

CalWORKs is a California’s welfare program that provides temporary cash assistance to eligible needy families with children.

CalWORKS is shorthand for “California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids” — a California’s state version of the TANF program.

CalWORKs also provides education, employment, and training programs to help the family move from welfare toward self-sufficiency.

Unless otherwise exempt, work-eligible CalWORKs participants are required to participate in Welfare to Work (WTW) activities as a condition of receiving aid.

If you are a single parent, you must work, or do “job search,” or be enrolled in training for at least 20 hours a week.

FAQ #

How much money do you get on CalWORKS? #

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If you have no income, and you are a family of three, you will receive a cash assistance of $925 per month. That's how much CalWORKs pays for a family of three in California but may vary depending on where you live in California.

How long can you get CalWORKs in California? #

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Receipt of CalWORKs is limited to no more than 48 countable months. There is, however, no time limit on aid for children up to age 18.

What is the income limit for CalWORKs? #

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To be eligible for CalWORKs, your family must not have more than $2,250 in resources or $3,250 for a family with a member 60 years old or older.

Can I apply for CalWORKs online? #

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Yes. You may apply for CalWORKs online at benefitsCAL. Often, the CalWORKs application is automatically used to assess the CalFresh eligibility.

There are welfare offices located in each of the 58 California counties. You may also apply for CalWORKs in person at any office located in the county where you live.

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For more information on how to apply for CalWORKs, please call
1-866-262-9881