CalWORKs is a public assistance program that provides cash aid and services to eligible families that have a child(ren) in the home. The program serves all 58 counties in the state and is operated locally by county welfare departments. If a family has little or no cash and needs housing, food, utilities, clothing or medical care, they may be eligible to receive immediate short-term help. Families that apply and qualify for ongoing assistance receive money each month to help pay for housing, food and other necessary expenses.
You may apply for CalWORKs online via C4Yourself®, in person at your local office, or by mail.
The easiest and quickest way to apply for CalWORKs, CalFresh and/or Medi-Cal is online at www.C4Yourself.com.
See CalWORKs brochures for more information on eligibility criteria and requirements.
Adults under the CalWORKs program are limited to receiving cash benefits for a lifetime cumulative period of 48 months.
The amount of cash assistance a family receives varies by the number of family members and income.
On the day you apply for CalWORKs assistance, you will be asked to complete some forms and to listen to an explanation of your rights and responsibilities. You will be given an appointment to return within one working day to see an Eligibility Worker and complete the application process. To expedite the process, you are advised to bring the following items with you if applicable:
Cash benefits for the care of needy children may be available when:
Submit an application for CalWORKs, CalFresh, or Medi-Cal via C4Yourself® by clicking Start an Application. Fill out the application as completely as possible to avoid delay in processing your application.
First time users accessing C4Yourself® need to register a new account in order to submit an application. If you have an existing account login, to C4Yourself® to continue or complete a new application.
Staff verifies the application submitted is complete and schedules the customer for an interview to obtain appropriate non-financial/financial information and verifications to determine program eligibility.