Adults under the CalWORKs program are limited to receiving cash benefits for a lifetime cumulative period of 48 months.

The amount of cash assistance a family receives varies by the number of family members and income.

  • Recipients must inform their worker about specific changes that might affect their benefits within 10 days. The worker will explain the Rights and Responsibilities on what must be reported. Correct and timely reporting is important because the recipient must pay back benefits if too much is issued.
  •  Recipients must submit a Semi-Annual/Eligibility Status Report (SAR 7) once per year (due in the sixth month of the first semi-annual period) followed by the re-evaluation of eligibility in the sixth month of the second semi-annual period.
  • The Welfare-To-Work program can help recipients get the skills needed to get a job. Recipients will be asked to attend an Orientation that will give information regarding the responsibilities in finding a job.
  • EBT is a benefit issuance system, using a debit-type card.
  • "Golden State Advantage Card” is the name of the EBT card that the client will use. Each client will have their own card and will use it via their own Personal Identification Number (PIN).
  • The EBT card can be used just like a debit card at ATMs and Point-of-Sale (POS) devices.
  • The client has separate accounts for CalFresh and for cash and they are both on the same card.
  •  If a client does not use all of their benefits in a given month, the balances will "roll over" to the next month. The EBT card can be used outside of San Joaquin County.

The California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program is the State implementation of the Federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. It provides time-limited cash assistance to families with children. CalWORKs recipients are automatically eligible for Medi-Cal, and may qualify for CalFresh benefits. Adults in the program are required to participate in a work activity unless determined exempt.

Assistance

Helpful Numbers

Child Abuse Hotline

(209) 468-1333

Elder Abuse

(209) 468-3780 or
(888) 800-4800

Fraud Hotline

(209) 953-7733