CALWORKS

The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program is the state implementation of the Federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program (TANF). It provides time-limited cash assistance to families with children. CalWORKs recipients may be eligible for Medi-Cal and may qualify for Food Stamp benefits. Cash benefits are based upon the number of individuals in the family, with any other sources of income taken into consideration.

The CalWORKs programs 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.

The amount of a family's monthly assistance payment depends on a number of factors, including the number of people who are eligible and the special needs of any of those family members. The income of the family is considered in calculating the amount of cash aid the family receives.

Adults in the program are required to participate in a work activity unless determined exempt. Employment services are available to work activity participants including counseling, job preparedness, job development, training, and supportive services such as childcare, transportation, work clothing and tools. Services are also available to address barriers to employment including substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health and legal issues.

CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work

The Welfare-to-Work program is a comprehensive Employment and Training Program designed to promote self-sufficiency. CalWORKs recipients are provided job search and employment-related services. Additional services are provided based on an assessment of the individual’s education, work history, and family need.

Who is Eligible for Welfare-to-Work Services?

The CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work Program is open to anyone receiving CalWORKs cash aid. Anyone receiving CalWORKs Cash Aid must participate in the Welfare-to-Work program unless that person is exempt. Individuals are exempt when they have a verified reason for not participating, such as being ill or incapacitated or are caring for an incapacitated person.

Who Can Apply for assistance?

Any person has the right to apply for assistance. An applicant who appears ineligible must still be allowed to exercise his/her right to make an application.

How Do I Apply for CalWORKs?

Applications can be requested by Phone, In-Person, or via US Mail, or On-Line.
Apply On-Line

Placerville Office
3057 Briw Road
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 642-7300

South Lake Tahoe Office
3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite 100
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 573-3200

Completed Applications can be directed to your nearest Human Services Office.

For more information, please call (530) 642-7300 in Placerville or (530) 573-3200 in South Lake Tahoe.

For a complete listing of all Social Services available in the community, please download the following Social Services Division Brochure.