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CalWORKs Supportive Services

CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) is California's welfare-to-work program providing cash assistance and supportive services to low-income families with children. For family caregivers, CalWORKs is relevant in two ways: (1) Caregivers who are primary breadwinners may access supportive services like childcare, transportation, and job training; (2) Caregivers may qualify for a Temporary Exemption from welfare-to-work participation requirements if they are providing care to an ill or incapacitated household member, preserving eligibility while caregiving. The program is administered by county welfare departments under the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

CalWORKs provides: (1) Cash assistance (grant amounts vary by household size and county; average ~$800/month for family of 3); (2) Childcare subsidies for children of working or participating parents; (3) Transportation assistance for job search and training; (4) Job training and employment services; (5) Caregiver Exemption: families where the caregiver must stay home to care for an ill or incapacitated household member may receive a Temporary Exemption (TE) from work participation requirements for up to 6 months (renewable), maintaining cash aid while caregiving. The exemption requires medical certification. Income limits for a family of 3 are approximately $3,025/month gross in 2026.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Eligibility

  • Household income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • U.S. citizenship or qualified immigrant status required
  • Must be a resident of CA

Services

CalWORKs provides: (1) Cash assistance (grant amounts vary by household size and county; average ~$800/month for family of 3); (2) Childcare subsidies for children of working or participating parents; (3) Transportation assistance for job search and training; (4) Job training and employment services; (5) Caregiver Exemption: families where the caregiver must stay home to care for an ill or incapacitated household member may receive a Temporary Exemption (TE) from work participation requirements for up to 6 months (renewable), maintaining cash aid while caregiving. The exemption requires medical certification. Income limits for a family of 3 are approximately $3,025/month gross in 2026.

How to apply

Apply online or find more information at the official program page.

  • snap (companion): SNAP and CalWORKs are often co-enrolled; many CalWORKs recipients also receive SNAP food assistance
  • medicaid (companion): CalWORKs recipients are typically auto-enrolled in Medi-Cal for healthcare coverage