CalWORKs & C4Yourself: How to Apply

CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids) is a cash assistance program that provides financial aid and employment services to eligible low-income families with children. With C4Yourself (now BenefitsCal), applying for CalWORKs has become easier, allowing families to submit applications, track progress, and manage benefits online.

This guide will take you through the CalWORKs eligibility requirements, the step-by-step application process, required documents, and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth experience.

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What is CalWORKs?

CalWORKs is California’s version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. It provides cash aid, job training, child care assistance, and support services to help families achieve self-sufficiency.

CalWORKs benefits are distributed through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used for essential living expenses such as food, rent, clothing, and utilities.

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Who is Eligible for CalWORKs?

To qualify for CalWORKs, applicants must meet the following requirements:

General Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a California resident.
• Must have at least one child under 18 years old (or be pregnant).
• Must meet income and resource limits.
• Must actively participate in work-related activities (unless exempt due to disability or other circumstances).

Income Limits (2025)

Household Size	Maximum Monthly Income
1	$1,340
2	$1,800
3	$2,270
4	$2,740
5	$3,210

Note: Some exceptions apply, and eligibility may vary by county. Check BenefitsCal for updated limits.

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Benefits of CalWORKs

Applying for CalWORKs through C4Yourself (BenefitsCal) provides multiple advantages:

✔ Monthly cash aid to cover living expenses.
✔ Job training & employment assistance to help find work.
✔ Child care and transportation support for working parents.
✔ Access to health care through Medi-Cal.
✔ Homeless assistance programs for families at risk of losing housing.

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How to Apply for CalWORKs on C4Yourself

Follow these easy steps to apply for CalWORKs online:

Step 1: Visit BenefitsCal

1. Go to BenefitsCal.com.
2. Click “Sign In” or “Create an Account” if you don’t have one.

Step 2: Start a New Application

1. Click on “Apply for Benefits”.
2. Select CalWORKs (Cash Assistance) from the list.

Step 3: Provide Personal & Household Information

• Enter name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN).
• List all household members.
• Provide address and contact details.

Step 4: Enter Income & Employment Details

• Report monthly income from all sources.
• List employment status and work hours.
• Provide expenses like rent, child care, and medical costs.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

• Attach proof of identity, income, and residency.
• Upload supporting documents for expenses and employment status.

Step 6: Review & Submit

• Check for any missing information.
• Click “Submit” to send your application.

Step 7: Complete an Interview (If Required)

• A county caseworker may schedule a phone or in-person interview.
• Answer any additional questions and submit extra documents if needed.

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Required Documents for CalWORKs Application

Prepare the following documents before applying:

✔ Proof of Identity – Driver’s License, State ID, Passport.
✔ Proof of Residency – Lease agreement, utility bill.
✔ Proof of Income – Pay stubs, Social Security benefits, tax returns.
✔ Proof of Expenses – Rent, child care, transportation costs.
✔ Work Participation Documents – Employment verification letter, job search logs.
✔ Pregnancy Verification (If Applying as Pregnant Individual) – Doctor’s note or medical records.

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How to Check Your Application Status

To track your CalWORKs application status:

1. Log in to BenefitsCal.com.
2. Click “Manage My Benefits”.
3. Select CalWORKs to view the current status.
4. Look for alerts or caseworker messages.

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Common Issues & Troubleshooting

🔴 Problem: Application Stuck in Processing

Solution:

• Wait for 10-15 business days (processing times vary).
• Check for missing documents or pending interviews.
• Contact your county caseworker for updates.

🔴 Problem: Denied Application

Solution:

• Review the denial reason and file an appeal if necessary.
• Submit any missing documents to fix errors.

🔴 Problem: Can’t Log in to BenefitsCal

Solution:

• Reset your password or username.
• Clear browser cache and try again.
• Contact BenefitsCal support.

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How to Contact C4Yourself Support

For further assistance, contact CalWORKs Support via BenefitsCal:

📞 Phone Support: Call 1-877-328-9677.
📧 Email Support: Submit a request on the BenefitsCal website.
🏢 Local Office: Visit a county welfare office for in-person help.

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FAQs

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Conclusion

Applying for CalWORKs through C4Yourself (BenefitsCal) is simple and efficient. By following this guide, you can check your eligibility, gather required documents, and submit your application online hassle-free.

✅ Need financial assistance? Apply for CalWORKs today at BenefitsCal.com and secure support for your family! 🚀