What is CalWORKs?

CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids) gives cash aid and services to families with eligible, needy children who are deprived because of the absence, disability, or death of a parent or unemployment of the principal earner when both parents are in the home. Needy caretaker relatives of a child receiving either Foster Care or Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment Program benefits may also be eligible for cash aid.

Who is eligible?

CalWORKs has income limits and property limits in addition to non-financial requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for cash aid.

Applicants must give the county proof of certain items such as Social Security Numbers and income. Applicant input is computer matched with facts from tax, welfare, employment, the Social Security Administration, and other agency records. Differences in facts may be checked out with employers, banks, and others.

What is Diversion?

The Diversion Program was designed to help families avoid aid and long-term dependency. If the family is found to be eligible for cash assistance, they may choose Diversion instead of CalWORKs. There must be a sound plan for immediate self-support to receive Diversion.

How long can I receive CalWORKs?

CalWORKs has a cumulative 60-month time limit on receipt of cash aid and requires adults to meet work participation requirements. After five years on aid, a safety net will provide aid to the children only until they are 18 years of age.

Do my children have to attend school to be eligible?

CalWORKs regulations require that all school-age children attend school regularly. It is the responsibility of the parent. If a child under age 16 does not attend school, the parent may be sanctioned and removed from the cash grant. If a child 16-18 does not attend school, then that child is removed from the cash grant.

What about immunizations for my children?

Families receiving CalWORKs cash aid are required to obtain immunizations for all pre-school children (birth through 6 years of age). Parents must provide written proof of their child's immunization records. A parent who does not give the county this proof may be sanctioned, and his/her needs may be removed from the cash grant.

Where can I apply?

There are four CalWORKs offices located throughout Contra Costa County. For information on your eligibility to CalWORKs, contact the office nearest you and set up an appointment.

Office hours in each location are Mon-Fri, 8:00 am to 12:00 Noon and 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

For more general information about CalWORKs in Contra Costa County please contact:

Rachelle Goldenberg
Program Analyst
(925) 313-1714
rgoldenberg@ehsd.cccounty.us