JIt California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids, popularly known as CalWORKhelps families with children whose incomes and assets are below the UNITED STATESmaximum thresholds for the size of their family, with short-term financial aid and employment-oriented programmes.
CalWORKs, which is run locally by County Social Organizations, provides services to all 58 counties in the state.
If a family needs food, utilities, clothing, shelter or medical care but has little or no cash, they may be eligible for immediate short-term assistance.
Families who apply for ongoing assistance and are accepted will receive funds each month to help pay for rent, food and other essentials.
How long does it take to get the benefits of CalWORKs?
CalWORKs applications must be approved or declined within 45 days of submissionand the county must schedule an admissions appointment within seven days of receiving your application.
However, depending on the county you reside in and your family’s financial situation, many applications are accepted faster.
You may be wondering what to do if you need financial help right away. Well, there are exceptions and you may be eligible to receive immediate financial assistance under special circumstances.
The county is required to award you up to $200 (usually within one to three business days) and process your CalWORKs application within 15 days if you have less than $100 and are not in able to cover basic expenses (including rent, food, utilities, clothing and medical care).
If you are applying for CalWORKs but have not yet received approval and need money for a specific situation, CalWORKs may be able to provide you with a one-time diversion payment of up to 2 000 dollars so that you are excused from enrolling in the program (your CalWORKs application will be withdrawn or rejected if you accept the diversionary payment).
Diversion payments can be used for emergency housing, car repairs, moving expenses for a new job, tools or uniforms needed for a job, childcare or other necessities.
Is CalFresh part of CalWORKs?
If your gross monthly family income is less than $150 and you have less than $100 in resources, or if your combined income and cash flow are less than your monthly rent and utilities, you may be eligible for CalFresh (formerly food stamps) in three days.