CalWORKs
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Questions and Answers about CalWORKs education (STEP)
The California Department of Social Services has issued Questions and Answers about the CalWORKs Student Training and Education (STEP) Program. STEP provides advance standard payments for necessary books and supplies for postsecondary education. CalWORKs recipients in private not-for-profit…
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CalFresh and CalWORKs impacts because of federal government shutdown
The California Department of Social Services has issued guidance regarding impacts on the CalFresh and CalWORKs programs because of the federal government shutdown that started on October 1. Because of the federal government shutdown, CalFresh benefits for November,…
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Increase in CalWORKs resource limit
Effective January 1, 2026, the CalWORKs resource limit for applicants and recipients will increase to $12,552, and to $18,829 for an assistance unit with at least one member who is over 60 or disabled. This increase also applies…
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CalWORKs Income Reporting Threshold for Fiscal Year 2026
The California Department of Social Services has issued the new CalWORKs Income Reporting Threshold for Fiscal Year 2026. The new IRT amounts are effective October 1, 2025. They are in a chart attached to this ACL. Income over…
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Reasonable accommodations in CalWORKs program
County Welfare Directors (CWDs) must ensure meaningful access to CalWORKs and Welfare-to-Work (WTW) programs for individuals with any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities, regardless of whether a disability is formally diagnosed. Importantly, County…
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CalWORKs MBSAC increase
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has informed counties that the CalWORKs Minimum Basic Standard of Care (MBSAC) will increase by 3.42% effective July 1, 2025. This is an annual cost of living increase. This will increase…
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Increase in CalWORKs vehicle value limit
The California Department of Social Services has informed counties that the vehicle value for the CalWORKs program increases to $33, 499 effective July 1, 2025. This increase also applies to Refugee Cash Assistance, Entrant Cash Assistance, and Trafficking…
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Civil rights obligations to people who are deaf or hard of hearing
County Welfare Directors (CWD) are legally required to ensure that communication with Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) individuals is just as effective as communication with individuals without disabilities. DHH obligations include applicants for services and their companions,…
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Child Care for CalWORKs Family Reunification cases
CalWORKs Family Reunification benefits are available when: 1) all CalWORKs eligible children are removed from the home and placed in out-of-home care by the Child Welfare Services agency, 2) the family (including at least one adult) was receiving…
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Implementation of CalWORKs Homeless Assistance changes
Two changes in the CalWORKs Homeless Assistance program that were delayed pending automation are now implemented. Effective March 5, 2025, CalWORKs Homeless Assistance eligibility is expanded to include families who receive any eviction notice. Previously, CalWORKs Homeless Assistance…