The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) is the state’s version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, established in 1997 following the federal program’s creation in 1996. CalWORKs is a monthly cash grant program designed to support children and families with low incomes. CalWORKs aims to address poverty for California families by aiding families financially and assisting parents in overcoming employment barriers.
Who is eligible for CalWORKs?
Eligible Californians must have at least one child in the home and meet income thresholds that vary depending on household size. For example, a family with two parents and two children in a high-cost county is eligible if they make less than $2,170 per month. Benefits include monthly cash grants, employment assistance, and critical supportive services. CalWORKs helps over 650,000 children and their families, predominantly single-parent households headed by women of color.
The program is administered by the California Department of Social Services and funded through state and federal dollars.
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