Use CalWORKs
CalWORKs provides temporary financial assistance, employment and educational services, and a variety of other supports to eligible families with (or expecting) children.
- Financial support for up to 60 months: Use the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to get cash at ATMs. Some ATMs do not charge a fee for EBT use (see ATM list).
- One-time cash and non-cash assistance: Choose to get a one-time, lump-sum payment instead of on-going CalWORKs payments. You will still have access to other non-cash assistance, such as childcare. Note for immigrants: This aid option does not trigger public charge or affect your sponsor.
- Families Rising (FaR) CalWORKs Home Visiting Program: Focuses on parent education in early childhood development, and provides connections to resources to support overall family well-being. Learn more.
- Child care: Free or subsidized child care services.
- Free diapers: For children under age three. Learn more
- Teen parenting program: Cal-Learn program supports positive parenting and school attendance for parenting or pregnant teens.
In most cases, all family members on CalWORKs who are 18 or older participate in the Welfare-to-Work employment services program. We will help you create an individualized plan that includes the training, education, or employment activities you choose. Even after you have found a job, you may still be able to receive supportive services, such as child care and transportation, to help you keep your job and advance in your career.
- Employment services: Job placement, training, career counseling services, and more through the JobsNOW! program.
- Education: Support for ESL, GED, and a high school diploma. For postsecondary education, visit the CalWORKs office at City College.
- Supportive services: Money for uniforms, work tools, books and supplies, transportation, and other work and school supports.
- Eviction prevention
- Emergency shelter assistance
- Assistance for move-in costs to a new residence for families experiencing homelessness
For housing questions, call (833) 879-1365, or visit the 170 Otis Street Service Center. If get GalWORKs, contact your CalWORKs Case Manager.
Announcements
BenefitsCal temporarily disables case linking
Case linking will be disabled for some BenefitsCal users until late April while the system is made more secure. More about BenefitsCal security measures.
Replace stolen EBT benefits
Were your EBT benefits electronically stolen between October 1, 2022, and November 30, 2023? Call (877) 328-9677 to report the crime and submit claim Form 2259 by February 29, 2024. See flyer.
New ways to protect your EBT card
Use ebtEDGE, a new online tool and other ways to keep your EBT card safe from theft or fraud.