CalWORKs provides cash assistance and various services based on their eligibility. The amount of a family's monthly cash assistance payment depends on a number of factors, including the family's income, the number of eligible people, and the special needs of those family members.
Welfare-to-Work: In most cases, all family members on CalWORKs who are 18 or older must work or participate in the CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work employment program. We'll will work with you to follow an individualized employment plan. Even after you have found a job, you may be able to receive other services, such as child care, that will help you stay employed and move to a better-paying job.
Benefits
Cash assistance
- Financial support: For up to 48 months, accessible using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at various surcharge free ATMs throughout San Francisco. See a list of surcharge free banks in California
- Diversion: A one-time cash or non-cash assistance to secure or retain employment and to avoid the need for ongoing public assistance
- Immigrant support: Refugee cash assistance and assistance to noncitizen victims of trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes
Child care and parenting
- Families Rising (Far) Home Visiting Program: Promotes parent-child interactions, child development, and overall family well-being. Learn more.
- Child care: Free or subsidized child care services.
- Free diapers: For children under age three. Learn more
- Parenting program: Promotes positive parenting, healthy lifestyles, and school attendance for parenting or pregnant teens
Employment and education
- Employment services: Job placement, training, employment counseling, and access to our JobsNOW! program
- Job assistance: Money for uniforms, books, or other employment support
- Education: Support for GED, ESL, and High School Diploma
Food and health
- Food assistance: Through CalFresh
- Health insurance: Through Medi-Cal
- Counseling: For mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence issues
Housing assistance
- Housing: Assistance with move-in costs to a new residence for families experiencing homeless or unstable housing.
- Housing assistance: Call (415) 557-5100 or visit 170 Otis Street Service Center if you do not have a phone.
- Eviction prevention: Money to help prevent eviction
Transportation allowance
Free or steeply discounted services: Includes museum admissions, utilities, transportation, recreation activities, groceries, meals, and legal services.