CalWORKS

CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) is a program that provides temporary cash assistance to families with children who need financial help. The program supports families in meeting basic needs such as housing, food, utilities, clothing, and medical care.

In addition to financial assistance, CalWORKs helps parents and caregivers prepare for and find work so they can become self-sufficient.

Families who qualify receive monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used like a debit card to make purchases.

CalWORKs is for families with children who have limited income and resources.

To qualify, families must meet basic requirements:

• Children in the home:
  Children must be under age 18, or under 19 if attending high school or a vocational program full-time and expected to graduate before age 19.
• Lack of parental support:
  A child may qualify if one or both parents are deceased, disabled, unemployed (or working less than 100 hours per month), or not living in the home.
• Property limits:
  Families must assets under the following limits:
  • Up to $12,552 (no household member age 60 or older)
  • Up to $18,829 (if a household member is age 60 or older)
    • Note: The home you live in, one vehicle, and basic household items are not counted.
• Residence:
  Families must live in California and plan to remain in the state. Eligible members must be legal U.S. residents.

• Income Eligibility

  CalWORKs has income limits that vary based on the size of your household. This means the amount of income you can have and still qualify depends on how many people are in your family.

  If your family needs financial assistance and you meet the basic eligibility requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply. An eligibility worker will review your application and contact you to complete a required interview. During this process, they will let you know if any additional information is needed and determine if you qualify for benefits.

What You Receive

• Monthly cash assistance through an EBT card
• Help paying for basic needs like housing, food, and utilities

Support Services May Include

• Job search and job readiness assistance
• Job training
• Childcare
• Transportation assistance
• Temporary homeless assistance

Time Limits

• Adults can receive benefits for up to 60 months (5 years) over their lifetime
• Most adults must participate in work or training activities

Diversion Assistance (Optional)

• A one-time payment for families who need short-term help
• Offered instead of ongoing aid if the family can remain financially stable with immediate support
• Diversion Assistance must be requested by the applicant during the CalWORKs application process.

School and Immunization Requirements

• Children must attend school regularly
• Youth ages 16–18 who are frequently absent without a valid reason may be removed from the grant
• Children from birth to age 6 must have required immunizations
• Parents must provide proof or may face a reduction in benefits

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

The Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program provides short-term help to eligible individuals who cannot receive CalWORKs or SSI/SSP.

RCA may include:

• Cash assistance
• Medical coverage (Medi-Cal)
• Food assistance (CalFresh)

RCA is available to refugees and certain other eligible individuals for a limited time based on their immigration status and eligibility date. People who are already receiving CalWORKs or SSI/SSP are not eligible for RCA.

Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP)

The TCVAP program provides help to non-citizen victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes.

TCVAP may include:

• Cash assistance
• Employment services
• Support services
• Health care services

These benefits are similar to those provided under the RCA program.

TCVAP is available to:

• Individuals with a T-Visa (human trafficking victims)
• Individuals with a U-Visa (victims of certain crimes)

How to Apply for RCA and TCVAP

The application process is the same as CalWORKs.

• Single adults, married couples without children, and families with children may apply
• Individuals who do not qualify for CalWORKs may still qualify for RCA or TCVAP

An eligibility worker will review your application, contact you for a required interview, and let you know if more information is needed.

Office Locations and Hours

You can visit an office to:

• Apply for benefits
• Ask questions
• Get a new EBT card
• Renew your benefits

120 N. Redwood Dr., San Rafael, CA 94903

• Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

3240 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901

• Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

1 6th St., Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

• Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

All offices are closed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Mail and Fax

You can send applications or documents by:

• Mail: P.O. Box 4160, San Rafael, CA 94913.
• Fax: 415-473-3554.
• English application form: SAWS2_PLUS (English).
• Spanish application form: SAWS2_PLUS (Español).

Call center and hours

Call 877-410-8817 to:

• Apply
• Ask questions
• Get help

Call Center Hours:

• Monday–Wednesday & Friday: 7:30 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.
• Closed Thursday

Online BenefitsCal

You can:

• Apply for benefits
• Check your benefits
• Renew benefits
• Upload documents
• Report changes
• Message your worker
• Manage your benefits

What You May Need to Provide to Apply

The county may ask for:

• Photo ID
• Proof of income
• Proof you live in California
• Bank statements or other proof of money/assets

If more information is needed, the county will contact you. Check your mail and messages.

After You Apply

• The county may ask for more information
• You will get a notice telling you if you qualify
• If approved, you will get an EBT card to

Lost or Replacement cards

You can request a new EBT card by:

• Visiting an office
• Using BenefitsCal.com
• Using the EBT Edge app
• Calling 877-410-8817.

Protect Your benefits

• Do not share your EBT card number or PIN.
• The county will never ask for this information.
• Report fraud by calling 877-410-8817, visiting an office, or going online to BenefitsCal.com.
   

Non-Discrimination Policy

• You can ask for additional help if you have a disability or health condition
• This help is called a “reasonable accommodation”
• Call 877-410-8817 for help
• The law protects people with disabilities and serious health conditions. You can learn more about your rights under California law by clicking the PUB 13 link in English or PUB 13 link in Spanish

Interpreter Services Available

Interpreter help is available. Call us at 877-410-8817 for details.