California uses the Golden State Advantage EBT card to distribute cash benefits.
The California Department of Social Services welfare programs provide a safety net to help California residents who lack resources for food and shelter. The CDSS is responsible for administering and maintaining these programs in the most efficient manner. The CDSS works with the social services offices of the state's 58 counties to assist families with children. For the aged, blind and disabled, it coordinates its efforts with the U.S. Social Security Administration.
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWorks) is a temporary assistance program for families with children. The program provides cash and service benefits to families who lack sufficient resources to meet their basic welfare needs. Depending on the need of the recipient, a county-level social services office will issue cash benefits on an emergency short-term basis or on an extended monthly basis.
Eligible for CalWorks Coverage
One-parent households are eligible to apply for CalWorks when the sole parent lacks an income that is sufficient to pay for such basic needs as food and shelter. CalWorks also provides a safety net for eligible two-parent households that have been devastated by unemployment. For the caregiver who takes in a displaced child who is a relative, CalWorks can help if she lacks the income to provide shelter and food for both of them.
Applying for CalWorks Benefits
California residents who are in need of CalWorks assistance must complete an application at a county social services office in the county where they live. If the need is urgent, the family may request emergency benefits. If the applicant is in need of extended monthly assistance, a county worker will arrange to meet for an interview. The purpose of the interview is to obtain additional information as needed. The worker will use this information to establish eligibility. The request will include, social security number, income, assets, proof of citizenship and age. Applicants should be prepared to provide information of this nature for each family member.
CalWorks Welfare-to-Work
The application process includes an evaluation for the Welfare-to-Work program. The Welfare-to-Work program seeks to improve the quality of life for CalWorks recipients by transitioning them for employment. CalWorks Welfare-to-Work requires recipients to begin working within 24 months. A one-parent household recipient who has not found a job within 24 months is required to engage in Welfare-to-Work activities for a minimum of 32 hours per week to continue to receive aid. This includes attending training, community service events and job placement sessions.
California State Supplementary Payment Program
U.S. citizens who have little to no income and are aged, blind or disabled are able to turn to the Social Security Administration for assistance. The SSA provides them with Supplemental Security Income payments to meet their basic welfare needs. California provides additional income to SSI recipients through its State Supplementary Payment program. The Social Security Administration uses the SSI guidelines to determine California SSP eligibility and it issues a single payment for both SSI and SSP.
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants
In 1996, the U.S. Congress enacted the Welfare Reform Act of 1996, which eliminated SSI eligibility for immigrants. California countered this action by enacting the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants. A non-citizen immigrant who resides in California is eligible to receive CAPI benefits, if he does not have enough income or assets to meet his basic welfare needs. The applicant has to provide documented proof of his ineligibility for SSI/SSP. The California county social services offices are responsible for administering CAPI benefits.
CDSS Contact Information
If your family is in need of CalWorks program benefits, your local county social services office will provide you with a county-generated CalWorks application form and meet with you to determine eligibility. If you have additional questions or concerns, you may contact the CDSS Public Inquiry and Response Bureau by email at piar@dss.ca.gov.
Tags: social services, basic welfare, basic welfare needs, county social, county social services, Security Administration, services office