Use CalWORKs
CalWORKs provides temporary financial assistance, employment and educational services, and a variety of other services to eligible families with (or expecting) children.
CalWORKs benefits
- Financial support for up to 60 months: Use the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to get cash at ATMs. Some ATMs do not charge a fee for EBT use (see ATM list).
- One-time cash and non-cash assistance: Choose to get a one-time, lump-sum payment instead of on-going CalWORKs payments. You will still have access to other non-cash assistance, such as childcare. Note for immigrants: This aid option does not trigger public charge or affect your sponsor.
- Families Rising (FaR) CalWORKs Home Visiting Program: Focuses on parent education in early childhood development, and provides connections to resources to support overall family well-being. Learn more.
- Child care: Free or subsidized child care services.
- Free diapers: For children under age two. Learn more
- Teen parenting program: Cal-Learn program supports positive parenting and school attendance for parenting or pregnant teens.
In most cases, all family members on CalWORKs who are 18 or older participate in the Welfare-to-Work employment services program. We will help you create an individualized plan that includes the training, education, or employment activities you choose. Even after you have found a job, you may still be able to receive supportive services, such as child care and transportation, to help you keep your job and advance in your career.
- Employment services: Job placement, training, career counseling services, and more through the JobsNOW! program.
- Education: Support for ESL, GED, and a high school diploma. For postsecondary education, visit the CalWORKs office at City College.
- Supportive services: Money for uniforms, work tools, books and supplies, transportation, and other work and school supports.
- Eviction prevention
- Emergency shelter assistance
- Assistance for move-in costs to a new residence for families experiencing homelessness
For housing questions, contact your CalWORKs case manager or call (855) 557-5100.
🚨 New warning for EBT cardholders
A third-party app called “Ebt edge – food stamps” is showing up in the Apple App Store. It charges users $4.99/week or $60 for lifetime access — but this is not the official app. The state of California will never charge EBT cardholders to use the official EBT app.
Only use the official app: FIS ebtEDGE — it’s free and supported by the state of California.
To stay safe:
- Delete any unofficial EBT apps.
- Download the official app: FIS ebtEDGE
- Never pay to access your EBT benefits.
Your benefits and personal info are too important to risk. Please share this with others who use EBT.
Announcements
How to protect your EBT card
Use ebtEDGE, a new online tool and other ways to keep your EBT card safe from theft or fraud.