What benefits and services can I get through CalWORKs Welfare-To-Work?

You can get help with childcare, transportation, and work- or training-related expenses. Even when you’re no longer eligible for CalWORKs cash aid, you may continue to receive help with child care expenses.[1638] All WTW participants will:

    Attend a group orientation that explains the cash benefit and WTW rules.[1639]
    Meet with a county welfare worker who will look at your work history and skills, and connect you to other services you may need in order to work.[1640]
    Participate in a 4-week job search program. If you haven’t found a job after the 4 weeks, you will meet with an employment counselor who will help you plan steps toward employment.[1641] You may be assigned to an unpaid work experience/preparation; vocational training placements; or an adult education or community college programs.[1642]

Helpful HintExemptions from CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work Requirement

All adults who apply get CalWORKs must participate in the Welfare-to-Work (WTW) program, unless they have an exemption from the WTW requirement. Adults are exempt from WTW if you are:

    Age 60 or older;Disabled; Caring for an ill or incapacitated member of your household; The parent of a child age 0-23 months;Having a pregnancy that impairs your ability to be regularly employed;A fulltime member in VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America); ORA past or present victim of domestic abuse (or have a family member who is) and the county determines that your condition or situation prevents or impairs your ability to be employed.

If you believe that any of these exemptions apply to you, contact your county CalWORKs office. You may request an exemption verbally or in writing using the “CalWORKs Exemption Request Form” (Form CW 2186 A). To view a copy of the form, visit: http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/CW2186A.pdf.

  1. 1638

    Welfare-To-Work, Cal. Dep’t of Soc. Servs. http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/PG141.htm

  2. 1639

    Welfare-To-Work, Cal. Dep’t of Soc. Servs., http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/PG141.htm

  3. 1640

    CalWORKs: The Details, Disability Benefits 101, http://ca.db101.org/ca/programs/income_support/calworks/program2c.htm

  4. 1641

    CalWORKs: The Details, Disability Benefits 101, http://ca.db101.org/ca/programs/income_support/calworks/program2c.htm

  5. 1642

    Welfare-To-Work, Cal. Dep’t of Soc. Servs., http://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/PG141.htm