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Is CalWORKs right for my family?

CalWORKs helps with cash to pay for rent, housing, food, clothing, medical payments, and utilities for families with at least one child in the home.

There are other cash aid programs that you may qualify for, like:

  • General Assistance/General Relief (GA/GR) for single adults
  • Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP)
  • Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

When you apply for cash aid on BenefitsCal, you may be screened for these other programs based on your situation.

Who is eligible for CalWORKs?

Families that have little cash on hand may qualify. It depends on citizenship, age, and income. We also consider your resources, assets, and other factors.

What documents will I need?

These documents may be helpful when you apply:

Birth/Citizenship

  • Birth certificate
  • U.S. Passport
  • Baptismal certificate (with date and place of birth)
  • Statement of witness to birth
  • Original birth certificates for Medi-Cal

Identity of Applicant

  • Driver’s license or identification card
  • Photo ID (from DMV, school, etc.)
  • U.S. Passport
  • USCIS documents

Immigration Status (non-citizens)

  • Immigration papers/forms/cards (copy of both sides)
  • Certificate of naturalization
  • A confirmation receipt or letter from USCIS verifying you filed a T or U visa application. It can also be a copy of the T or U Visa application.
  • A statement that you intend to file or taking steps to become federally eligible. This document could include statements from people who are helping you like law officers or victim advocates.
  • Letter of Continued Presence
  • Other proof from immigration (USCIS), such as: work authorization, letter of decision or court order on your case, fee receipt, Notice of Action (form I-797) approving a U Visa or request for U Visa Interim Relief, etc.
  • Note: All documents and forms will be verified through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE)

Crime Survivor Status

  • Certification or Eligibility letter from the Office of Trafficking in Persons
  • A sworn statement from you or someone who knows you’re a victim of human trafficking. It could be from a professional you get help from, like social services, a support group, or your legal or medical aid.
  • Evidence of the crime such as police, government agency, court records or files, physical evidence or news article

Proof you live in California

  • Rental agreement
  • Bill or other documents with name and address
  • Driver’s license or identification card
  • Utility bill
  • Eviction notice/notice to pay rent or leave

Money You Earn

  • Most recent paycheck stubs
  • Letter from employer
  • Copy of child support check or payment stub
  • Letter of award of benefits (Social Security / Veterans / Unemployment / Disability, etc.)
  • Tax forms for self-employment (IRS Schedule C, etc.)
  • Receipts for self-employment income for work expenses
  • Statements for school grants, loans, and financial aid statements
  • Sponsor statement form

Relationships

  • Court papers (divorce, guardianship, etc.)
  • Marriage certificate
  • Domestic partner certificate
  • Birth certificate

Housing and Utility Costs

  • Rental agreement or rent receipts
  • Mortgage bill
  • Utility bill
  • Property tax statement
  • Home or renter’s insurance bills
  • Hotel/motel receipt
  • Cancelled checks or copies
  • Statement explaining housing arrangement

Resources

  • Vehicle registration
  • Bank statements showing savings and checking accounts
  • Most recent mortgage bills
  • Most recent bank statements
  • Settlements such as lawsuits and insurance claims
  • Sponsor statement form
  • Most recent retirement account statements
  • Life insurance policy, stocks, bonds, IRAs
  • Property deed
  • Statement of joint ownership
  • Burial plots/crypts

Other Expenses

  • Child/dependent care receipts
  • Statement from child/dependent care provider
  • Receipts for school expenses
  • Cancelled check/receipt of child/spousal support payments

Medi-Cal Expenses

  • Medi-Cal bills or receipts
  • Medi-Cal transportation bills or receipts
  • Health or dental insurance policies or premiums
  • Medicare card (for Medi-Cal only)

Medi-Cal Verification

  • Proof of pregnancy from doctor or clinic, with expected due date
  • Statement by your doctor or disability funding by an agency (SSA/SDI/VA, etc.)
  • Pharmacy bill

Immunization Records (Record of shots for kids under 6)

  • Statement that shots are against your beliefs
  • Statement from parent or caretaker relative explaining why you can’t get shots
  • Statement from doctor that shots are not available
  • Stamped shot record

You can Apply Here