What is CalWORKs?

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids, or CalWORKs, is a welfare program for families who need help with housing and utilities, food, clothing or medical care. Eligible recipients may qualify for immediate help for a special circumstance or ongoing help on a monthly basis.

Families with children where there is an absent parent or where a principal earner is not working are typically the recipients of services. To apply for assistance from CalWORKS, families visit their county welfare office and fill out an application prior to meeting with a welfare representative. Factors for eligibility include citizenship, income and assets, among other factors.