CalWORKs stands for the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids program.  This is the California version of the Federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program.  

CalWORKs provides time-limited cash payments to families with children under 19 when one or both parents is absent, disabled, deceased or unemployed.  If eligible for CalWORKs you automatically qualify for Medi-Cal and may also qualify for Food Stamps.

The purpose of the CalWORKs program is to provide financial aid for children, who lack financial support and care, and to promote and encourage work to enable families to become self-sufficient.  Click here to find out how you can apply.

CalWORKs benefits to families include:

• Cash Aid with the option of a debit card or direct deposit
• Welfare-to-Work services including:
  • Child care
  • Substance abuse and mental health services
  • Transportation reimbursement
  • Job training
  • Educational assistance
• Medi-Cal
• Food Stamps debit card