Applications for CalWORKs can be done at any social service office or online at BenefitsCal.  Applicants will be asked to provide proof of all income and property as well as proof of citizenship and social security number.

All applicants are required to have a face-to-face interview prior to approval of their CalWORKs or CalWORKs Diversion application.  At this appointment, all applicant adults will be fingerprinted. At this interview, an applicant’s case manager will assess what exact verifications they will need to approve the case and will inform the applicant of these necessary verifications in written documentation with a due date.

If an applicant provides all needed verifications and meets the eligibility qualifications, they may opt to receive a one-time Diversion payment or referral for childcare assistance instead of an ongoing cash aid monthly payment.  If the applicant does not submit required verifications or meet the eligibility qualifications, their case will be denied.  Applicants who have been denied can re-apply at any time.