What is Welfare to Work (WTW)?

• You must receive CalWORKs cash aid to participant in the WTW program.
• Participation in WTW is required for all adult CalWORKs recipients to receive cash aid, unless you are exempt.
• CalWORKs recipients that are exempt may volunteer to take part in the WTW program. Volunteers must meet the rules of the WTW program.

• If you are a recipient of CalWORKs cash aid and required to participate, you will be automatically enrolled in the Welfare to Work program by your cash aid Eligibility Worker (EW).
• If you are exempt and would like to participate, contact your cash aid EW for a referral to the WTW program.
• Once you are enrolled, you will be assigned an Employment Services Case Manager.

• Adults can only receive CalWORKs cash aid in California for a total lifetime limit of 48 months.
• Effective January 1, 2013, WTW participants have a WTW 24-month time clock that applies to all adult CalWORKs recipients who are required to participate in the WTW program. During this WTW 24-month time clock period, WTW participants are able to participate in the full range of WTW activities. After exhausting the WTW 24-month time clock, participants must meet the Hours Required After WTW 24-Month Time Clock is Exhausted requirements listed in the Participation Requirements chart to continue receiving cash aid.

There are many paths open to WTW participants. Your path may not include every activity in the WTW program because a lot depends on your education and job history. Below are some of the activities you may participate in:

• Assessment
• Unsubsidized Employment or Self-Employment
• Subsidized Employment
• Work Study
• Work Experience
• Community Service
• Training or Education Programs
• Job Readiness/Job Search Program (Employment Works Program)
• Behavioral Health Programs such as Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Domestic Abuse Services

WTW can help with important supportive services when you are working or participating in approved WTW activities. Supportive Services include the following:

• Transportation expenses
• Child Care Costs
• Interview Clothes
• Work or training needs (ancillary services) such as books, tools, uniforms or other special clothing

A Welfare to Work Plan is important because it tells us how we will work with you so that you can compete and find a job. After reviewing your work experience, education and goals with your WTW Case Manager, the two of you will develop a Plan to help you reach your goal of full time employment.

If for any reason, you do not do what Welfare to Work requires, the following steps will be taken:

• You have the chance to explain why you did not meet WTW requirements. The county will decide if you had a good reason.
• You will be sanctioned and your family’s cash aid will be lowered if:
  • You fail or refuse to meet WTW requirements without a good reason, and
  • You do not resolve the problem by signing and completing a plan to do what you are required.
• If you are sanctioned, your family’s cash aid will be lowered until you do what WTW requires.
• If you are sanctioned, you may cure your sanction at any time, regardless of the number of times you have been sanctioned by contacting your cash aid EW or the WTW office.

Welfare-To-Work online orientation